Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Backyard Astronomy Scanning with Training from the Library - Weds - 7:00 PM

Please attend this family friendly PowerPoint presentation to learn how to use the new Library Telescope to observe objects from your own backyard using a technique called starhopping and see how easy it is to use!

This telescope was provided with funding from MathWorks of Natick, MA, and will be maintained by the Aldrich Astronomical Society, Inc. as part of their Adopt a Library Program.

Spacey door prizes will be offered for children, along with outside viewing for all, weather permitting.

After the program, the telescope will be available for patrons to check out and bring home for one week!

backyard astrology scanning with training from the Library
backyard astronomy scanning with training from the Library

This was shared from the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/06/v-behaviorurldefaultvmlo.html

"I think we got to a really good outcome"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The School Committee announced a three-year contract with the district's teachers union at a Tuesday night meeting. 
Members of the Franklin Education Association were on hand to sign the pact, which runs from September 2016 through the end of the 2018-2019 school year. 
The contract calls for cost-of-living salary increases of 2 percent, 2.5 percent and 3 percent for the 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years, respectively. 
Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley noted the many meetings and hours spent to reach the agreement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160628/franklin-district-teachers-sign-contract



Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Reporting by walking around - Sunday, June 26

Sunday morning was a glorious day for a walk around Franklin

The neighborhood has formalized their efforts to object to the proposed Madalene Village. The Village is proposed to be built along the edge of Fletcher Field between Peck and Cottage and encroaching upon the small but important Spruce Pond Brook.

The next Zoning Board of Appeals hearing is scheduled for July 14th
https://www.facebook.com/groups/savesprucepondbrook/

signs appearing prompting discussion on the Madalene Village proposal
signs appearing prompting discussion on the Madalene Village proposal

we stopped by Elizabeth's Bagels for coffee and breakfast and had a picnic at the Sculpture Park
we stopped by Elizabeth's Bagels for coffee and breakfast and had a picnic at the Sculpture Park
the forest spirits are alive and well among the flowers in bloom
the forest spirits are alive and well among the flowers in bloom
The building downtown at the corner of Emmons St and West Central continues to make progress. Did anyone else notice that the depiction of the building is not exactly what is being built? Count the number of doors. If I count properly, there is one missing compared to the design shown.

the image on the bottom shows more doors than are actually being built
the image on the bottom shows more doors than are actually being built

count the doorways, there are six, yet the design shows seven
count the doorways, there are six, yet the design shows seven

'front' of building facing parking lot
'front' of building facing parking lot

'back' of building facing the street and the future Horace Mann statue and greenspace
'back' of building facing the street and the future Horace Mann statue and greenspace

Emmons St side view
Emmons St side view
The new polymer crosswalks do like like real brick.

polymer crosswalk
polymer crosswalk

Tom Angelo: new Athletic Director for Franklin High School


"Franklin High School has hired Tom Angelo as its new Athletic Director, new FHS Principal Paul Peri confirmed to HockomockSports.com. Angelo replaces Brad Sidwell, who stepped down following the conclusion of the school year after 15 years in the role. 
Angelo has coached a variety of sports at various levels, including baseball, soccer, football, softball, basketball and tennis. He has two years of experience as an AD, with previous stops at Somerset-Berkley and Plymouth North. Angelo served as Athletic Director at SB during the 2014-2015 school year and spent this past school year as AD at Plymouth North."

Continue reading the article online
http://hockomocksports.com/franklin-hires-tom-angelo-new-athletic-director/

Franklin High School on a rainy day
Franklin High School on a rainy day

Mr Vinny's Shadow Puppet puppet Show - Tuesday, 10:30 AM


Mr Vinny will bring his shadow puppets to the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, June 28th at 10:30 AM for a puppet show.

The puppet show is best for kids from 3 - 9 years old.


Note: the Library is operating from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while construction and renovation work is done on the main building downtown.


This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/06/mr-vinnys-shadow-puppet-puppet-show.html

REMINDER -- Charles River Meadowlands Meeting TUESDAY evening

REMINDER

The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands group will be on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 6:30 -8 at the first floor Arcand meeting room at 10 Mechanic street (Bellingham Town Planner Jim Kupfer has offered to host us!).

Please try to attend and consider ways you might be able to help. A major focus of the meeting will be organizing an information session and workshop for early September to get the political leadership of all three towns and other important players in one room and to define ways to move ahead.

Marjorie Turner Hollman has volunteered to help with communications (and Susan Speers has been doing much of this on her own).

Additional roles could include:

  • Establishing fundraising mechanisms
  • Maintaining liaison with towns and key community groups
  • Helping to line up experts for the September event
  • Helping to research more about the Charles River Meadowlands and similar "model" projects in other areas
  • Considering uses for seed money (assuming $25k comes through the legislature and the governor)


Please RSVP if you can...

See you there!

Alan Earls
alan.r.earls@gmail.com

image from the Charles River Meadowlands webpage
image from the Charles River Meadowlands webpage
Visit the website for Charles River Meadowlands

"We'll get a report of the results"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Officials still don't know the exact cause of a blast that killed two Tuscany Drive residents eight months ago. 
Nancy and Richard Brown, both 66, perished when their condominium unit at The Villages at Oak Hill exploded in October 2015. 
Jennifer Mieth, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Fire Marshal's office, said that, while some basic facts are known, there is still much to be determined. 
"We know there was a propane explosion, and we know it was accidental," she said."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160627/franklin-investigation-into-blast-continues

Monday, June 27, 2016

Pleshaw, Igoe, and Sweeney recognized in Globe All Scholastics

The Boston Globe All Scholastics were published on Sunday. MacKenzie Pleshaw and Coach Kristin Igoe were recognized for lacrosse and Hannah Sweeney was recognized for girls tennis to represent Franklin HIgh School.


MacKenzie Pleshaw, Franklin, senior
MacKenzie Pleshaw, Franklin, senior
"Pleshaw had 61 goals and three assists as Franklin reached the state semifinals, earning Hockomock MVP and All-Star honors. She had 130 career goals. She will continue her lacrosse career at Stonehill."


FHS girls Lacrosse coach - Kristin Igoe
"A former All-Scholastic at Framingham and a former All-American at Boston College, Igoe has led Franklin to four undefeated seasons in the Hockomock League. Franklin (19-5 overall) won the East Division 1 title."


  • The complete listing for Girls Lacrosse can be found online

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2016/06/25/boston-globe-girls-lacrosse-all-scholastics/cBcoHOSeGEBEMIqimlWhiI/story.html


Hannah Sweeney, Franklin, junior
Hannah Sweeney, Franklin, junior
"The first singles player for the Panthers, Sweeney finished the regular season undefeated and reached the semifinals in the South individual tournament. Sweeney plays year-round in USTA tournaments."


  • The full listing for girls tennis can be found online

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2016/06/25/boston-globe-girls-tennis-all-scholastics/eSG78AbDHw9aTQWdlm6IjL/story.html


  • The Globe All Scholastics listing for spring sports can be found online

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2016/06/24/moments-remember-from-high-school-sports-this-spring/qCJARPBHkBCuLbSKOs3p8I/story.html

Children's Parade - Saturday, July 2nd

The Franklin Lion's Club, in partnership with the 4th of July Coalition, will be sponsoring the Children's Parade held at the Franklin Town Common on Saturday July 2nd at 12:00. 

Registration will take place at The Men of Franklin Monument on High Street at 11:00 (look for Lions Balloons).

The top 3 winners for the most Patriotic Display can choose a prize valued at $25 to Kidz Plaster Zone, Flip Side Gymnastics and Spruce Pond Creamery, who donated the prizes.

Let's see those red, white and blue, bicycles, tricycles , carriages, scooters and costumes!!!


Civil War Monument - 'single soldier' The Men of Franklin
Civil War Monument - 'single soldier' The Men of Franklin


Read with Wally at the Library - Monday, 10:30 AM


Wally the Green Monster will be at the Franklin Public Library (25 Kenwood Circle) on Monday, June 27th at 10:30 Am to lead a reading session.

Wally will bring one of his favorite books and act out the story. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite storybook character.


This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/06/read-with-wally-green-monster-monday.html

In the News: 4th of July preparations, teens and screens a concern

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The annual Franklin 4th of July Celebration is gearing up to offer five days of fun on the town common. 
"Plans have been finalized for this year's 4th of July Celebration," says Warren Revell of the Franklin 4th of July Coalition, which has been hard at work for months planning the festival. 
The celebration begins on Thursday and continues through Monday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160626/franklin-gearing-up-for-annual-july-4-celebration

For additional information and to donate to the 4th of July effort (not funded by the Town of Franklin)  http://july4thfranklinma.com/


"This summer, many parents may recall their childhoods running around outside as they watch their own kids spend beautiful days inside with Playstations and Xboxes. While some children might think parents just don't understand, educators and doctors say the concern that kids and teens are too wired-in is very real. 
Last month, Hopkinton Middle School showed the documentary "Screenagers" to teachers, parents and the student body. The film, directed by primary care physician Delaney Ruston, explores the ways cell phones, computers and electronic media are consuming and shaping the lives of today's teens in unprecedented ways. The screening was followed by a Q&A discussion where students could raise their own concerns about their relationships with technology."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160626/schools-push-for-more-awareness-about-teens-and-their-screens

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 28, 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."
The key to learning
The key to learning


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 14, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Signing of FEA Contract
b. Introduction of New Administrators

  1. William Klements, Deputy Principal FHS 
  2. Dr. Pamela Myette, Asst. Princ. Student Services. 
  3. Tanya Lamoureux, Asst. Princ. Oak St. 
  4. Amy Souls, Asst. Princ. Keller 
  5. Colin Boisvert, Food Service Director
c. Presentation to Assistant Superintendent

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – Second Reading
o IL – Evaluation of Instructional Programs

4. Executive Session 
– Motion to enter into Executive Session and return to open session (requires roll call vote)
o Matters pertaining to contractual bargaining negotiations

5. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed
b. I recommend adoption of Policy IL – Evaluation of Instructional Programs as discussed
c. I recommend adoption of the MOU between the School Committee and the Van Drivers Union
d. I recommend adoption of the MOU between the School Committee and the Cafeteria Workers Union
e. I recommend adoption of the MOU between the School Committee and the Secretaries Union
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $296.58 from Ahold USA for in-house enrichment at FHS
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $238.70 from O’Connor Studios for Supplemental Supplies for Keller
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Vanguard for the Andrew Coppola Scholarship fund at FHS
i. I recommend acceptance of the following 2 checks totaling $4,171.20 for FHS in-house enrichment:
1. Music Theatre International: $271.202. Franklin Music Boosters: $3,900.00

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

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

8. Adjourn


Celebrate the Cultural Arts in Franklin - July 27 to 30


Join us to Celebrate the Cultural Arts

July 27, 28, 29, 30, 2016


Wednesday, July 27, Beginning at 5:00 PM


  • Art Activities – Sidewalk Chalk, Face Painting, Plein air Painting, and Rich Guardabascio’s Block Painting at the Town Common


  • Music Performances – Electric Youth at the Town Common and One-Acts at THE BLACK BOX



Thursday, July 28, Beginning at 5:00 PM


  • Music Performances – The Fiddling Thomsons at the Historical Museum
  • Laughter Yoga and Shakespeare on the Common at the Town Common


Friday, July 29, Varied times


  • Music Performances – Student Music Concert at Franklin high school at 11 AM; Kevin Wolfe, Classical Soft Rock in the Sculpture Park, beginning at 6:30 PM
  • Shakespeare on the Common at the Town Common, beginning at 8 PM



Saturday, July 30, afternoon and evening

THE BLACK BOX, Inside and outside, under the festival tent

  • Music Performances – Featuring: Emma Newton, Voice and Harp; Brent Selby, Cello
  • LiveARTS - Don Krishnaswami, viola and Ann Sears, piano; Heath Nisbett, Flamenco guitar
  • Kaye Kelly, Guitar; One Acts; Stefilia's Stone; Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli; Jamie Barrett
  • Jim Henry with Stephanie Marshall and Susan Cattaneo of The Boxcar Lilies; and Victims of Gravity
  • Culinary Arts – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Taste of Franklin … enjoy the food!
  • Visual Arts – Afternoon and evening – featuring Franklin Art Association and Robot Designs
Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27-30, 2016
Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27-30, 2016


For additional information, visit the Cultural Festival webpage

In the News: locals talk with "Survivor", splash park opens at YMCA

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"It was a hot and sunny day in Franklin, but not nearly as sweltering as the Cambodian heat Jeremy Collins had to endure during his time competing on the TV reality show, "Survivor." 
About 100 families gathered at the Franklin YMCA Saturday to meet the "Survivor" champion and put themselves to physical challenges of their own.
Michelle Branche, senior member experience director at the Franklin YMCA, said that each year the YMCA holds an annual fundraiser for its organization “Reach Out for Youth and Families.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160625/locals-chat-with-survivor-winner


"The Hockomock Area YMCA hosted a dedication and celebration of the Rockland Trust Family Splash Park at the Bernon Family Branch YMCA on June 16. On a sun-soaked afternoon, representatives from Rockland Trust joined Hockomock Area YMCA leadership volunteers, staff and kids christening the park highlighted by a tumultuous wave of water dropped from a huge bucket suspended 15 feet from the ground drenching kids and adults alike. 
“This is a very exciting day,” said Brian Earley, chairman of the board of directors at the Hockomock Area YMCA. “We are so grateful for the partnership and friendship of Rockland Trust. This Splash Park will be a great addition to our YMCA, and another exciting touchpoint for the community, providing families with a place to spend quality time together.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160625/hockomock-area-ymca-celebrates-rockland-trust-family-splash-park

In the News: FEF awards grants, lack of rain forces water bans/restrictions

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Franklin Education Foundation awarded eight grants totaling about $18,970 for the 2016-17 school year to teachers in the Franklin Public School system. A committee composed of FEF representatives and FPS staff read all proposals through a blind review process and selected the recipients. 
“Consideration was given to need, innovation, impact and integration with other school programs when selecting applications for funding. These eight grants will provide needed funding for innovative programs at the elementary and middle school level," said Kit Brady, FEF president and chair of the Grant Review Committee."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160625/franklin-education-foundation-awards-grants



"Lack of rain in the state has area towns taking different approaches to deal with the shortage, ranging from bans to restrictions. 
Milford’s water ban has limited outside watering to hand-held hoses between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m for no more than one hour. Since June 1, the town's water conservation level has been at Stage 3, which forbids irrigating, car washing and pool filling. 
Last year, according to the National Weather Service, Worcester received 6.35 inches of precipitation during June. This year, the area has only received 1.38 inches in June so far."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160625/water-bans-deal-with-rain-shortage

the water restriction sign normally positioned at the triangle downtown
the water restriction sign normally positioned at the triangle downtown