Friday, August 26, 2016

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/26/16 - THU 9/1/16

FRIDAY 8/26/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Christmas in August End of Summer Reading Party @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   Balloons by Ciel @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   FREE Family Movie Event (Finding Nemo) @ Beaver Pond

SATURDAY 8/27/16
2pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY  8/28/16
3:00 - 6:30pm Franklin Historical Museum Event At Almont Gallery In Medway

TUESDAY 8/30/16
Franklin Public Schools - First Day of School

WEDNESDAY 8/31/16
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park in Medway

THURSDAY 9/1/16
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Ballot sample for the Sep 8 Primary

The September 8 primary is for the MA state level offices. The sample ballot for each party is shown below. Scroll within the document to see the additional party ballots available.

If you haven't already registered to vote in the Primary, it is too late now. You can register now for the November election on the 2nd Tuesday, Nov 8.




Or view/download the samples from the official Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A7D06-000F8513

election booths at Franklin High School where all precincts in Franklin cast their ballots
election booths at Franklin High School where all precincts in Franklin cast their ballots


Lottery added for BFCCPS Grade Seven and Eight classes

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin, MA would like to announce that a lottery will be held for enrollment in Grades Seven and Eight for the 2016-2017 school year; spaces in our Grade K-6 program are not currently available. 

Applications for this additional lottery are due no later than September 23rd, 2016 by 4pm. The public lottery will be held in the school's library located at 201 Main Street in Franklin on Monday, September 26th.

Applications are available on the school website, in the school's front office, and at the local public libraries in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Milville, Norfolk, Plainville, Upton, Walpole, and Wrentham. If you prefer, the application can be completed entirely online here http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/enrollment-application/

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the school's Marketing Coordinator, Mrs. Joanne Basile at 508-541-3434 x140 or at jbasile@bfccps.org

You can also find answers to some of our most frequently asked enrollment questions at http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/enrollmentfaq/

http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/enrollmentfaq/
http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/enrollmentfaq/

In the News: lemonade stand successful, drought conditions worsen

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

"When 9-year-old Suhas Wijegoonasekara decided he'd use his first ever lemonade stand to raise some money for the Franklin Food Pantry, he had no idea the show of goodwill he was in for. 
On Aug. 21, the Franklin youth opened his stand next to the Franklin Town Common, and the donations began pouring in from people who had read about him in the newspaper and on Facebook, and heard about his effort through word of mouth. 
His goal was to collect at least $100 for the pantry, with hopes of an extra $20 to put into his savings pile for a Legos set he's been eyeing. 
The soon-to-be Kennedy School fourth grader bested his goal in spades, and on Thursday he made a $548 donation to the food pantry, presenting a box of cash to pantry Executive Director Erin Lynch."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160825/lemonade-stand-reaps-sweet-reward-for-franklin-pantry


"The heavy showers and storms that passed through the region early Monday morning did little to ease drought conditions. In fact, the drought in Massachusetts is slightly worse, according to the weekly report from the U.S. Drought Monitor released this morning. 
A large section of central and eastern Massachusetts is considered to be in extreme drought - the second highest level of drought on the monitor. That includes much of Middlesex, Essex and Norfolk counties as well as all of Suffolk County. In total, the area of the state in extreme drought is 16.86 percent. The area of the state in severe drought, which includes nearly all of Worcester County, is now 72.2 percent, up from last week's figure of 64 percent. 
For the first time, the weekly monitor now indicates that 100 percent of the state is experiencing some level of drought or abnormally dry conditions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160825/drought-continues-to-get-worse
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MA


Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass
Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass


Chess Group meets at the Library, Saturday Aug 27 at 2 PM

The Chess Group meets at the Franklin Public Library, Saturday Aug 27 at 2 PM

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/chess-group-saturday-august-27-2-4-pm.html
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/chess-group-saturday-august-27-2-4-pm.html

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Reporting by Walking Around -Saturday, Aug 20 (Photo essay)

My walk Saturday found lots of good things to share. Some of these photos were shared on Facebook already but most were not and readers of the website and newsletter will get these first.

Summer St between King and RT 140 is getting re-done. The base paving was done just before the 4th of July and work on the sidewalks continues
Summer St between King and RT 140 is getting re-done. The base paving was done just before the 4th of July and work on the sidewalks continues

Looks like the sidewalk is going to go around the interesting pole arrangement
Looks like the sidewalk is going to go around the interesting pole arrangement

initially a photo to capture the blinking light sequence. Wasn't until well after that I realized something special had been returned to the triangle! More on that later...
initially a photo to capture the blinking light sequence. Wasn't until well after that I realized something special had been returned to the triangle! More on that later...

work on the Horace Mann greenspace and location of the new statue makes progress
work on the Horace Mann greenspace and location of the new statue makes progress

yes, there really is work going on at the Library. It is tucked away in the back corner of the property so it is not visible to the passerby on Main St
yes, there really is work going on at the Library. It is tucked away in the back corner of the property so it is not visible to the passerby on Main St

another view of the construction at the Library
another view of the construction at the Library

sidewalks on Pleasant St are being worked on, some concrete sidewalks closer to the Town Common are done, past Dean Ave, there is blacktop sidewalks and additional construction underway
sidewalks on Pleasant St are being worked on, some concrete sidewalks closer to the Town Common are done, past Dean Ave, there is blacktop sidewalks and additional construction underway

nice work expanding the sidewalk to provide room around the utility pole
nice work expanding the sidewalk to provide room around the utility pole

curbs in place and base smoothed for the sidewalk
curbs in place and base smoothed for the sidewalk

more curbing along Pleasant St
more curbing along Pleasant St

a view of the large pond at DelCarte
a view of the large pond at DelCarte

the drought has lowered the water level significantly
the drought has lowered the water level significantly

good thing the approval has been made for the invasive species reduction, otherwise as shown here, the open water will continue to decrease
good thing the approval has been made for the invasive species reduction, otherwise as shown here, the open water will continue to decrease

bee busy about his pollination rounds
bee busy about his pollination rounds

no water spilling over the spillway
no water spilling over the spillway

a view of the train station from the railroad bridge through the nice flowers out there by the Franklin Downtown Partnership
a view of the train station from the railroad bridge through the nice flowers out there by the Franklin Downtown Partnership

the water trough is back!
the water trough is back!

nice and freshly painted it has been located back on the triangle of Main and East/West Centra
nice and freshly painted it has been located back on the triangle of Main and East/West Central

close up view of the fish ornaments
close up view of the fish ornaments

You can also find these photos on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157671773779570

Despite drought, Tri-County's garden tops 300 pounds donated


Dry conditions presented new challenges to the teacher and student volunteers responsible for maintaining the garden at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School this summer. Despite the drought, the garden yielded 300 pounds of fresh produce by Tuesday, August 23. The garden yielded 325 pounds by the same time last year.

All of the produce harvested from the garden is donated to local food pantries.
Walking through the garden Tuesday, Culinary Arts Instructor and Garden Coordinator Nancy Haney pointed out that although the plants were wilting at a faster rate than in the past, the garden was still enveloped in vibrant red tomatoes and hulking yellow sunflowers. This year’s newest additions to the garden, cabbage, kale, and corn, were also alive and well.

Culinary Arts Instructor and Garden Coordinator Nancy Haney
Culinary Arts Instructor and Garden Coordinator Nancy Haney

Tri-County sunflower
Tri-County sunflower

Tri-County tomatoes
Tri-County tomatoes

The school has donated nearly 3,000 pounds of produce to food pantries in Franklin and Medway since the garden was established four years ago. The initiative educates students about proper gardening techniques and helps to bolster philanthropy.

For more about Tri-County, visit them on the internet  http://www.tri-county.us/

In the News: Franklin schools prepared, Tri-County forensics class added

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"School officials provides updates this week on their preparations for the new year, set to begin on Tuesday, Aug. 30. 
Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski reported on enrollment shifts, faculty and administration workshops, and bus routes. 
Sabolinski said at Tuesday night's School Committee meeting that although the district's enrollment changes daily, there are certain evident trends. 
"Overall, we're down 139 elementary students, which we anticipated," she said. "Right now, middle school (students are) down eight, while the high school is plus 46."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160824/franklin-schools-prep-for-new-school-year


"A new forensic science class appears to have caught the interest of Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School students. 
The elective, school officials said, was originally slated to have one section, but will now have three sections of students studying such topics as blood spatter and fingerprinting. 
Class instructor Doreen Erwin said she began lobbying for the course when she started working at the school three years ago. When the opportunity (and budget) presented itself in the middle of last year, she compiled a course description and consulted Franklin High School's forensic program for ideas. 
"It's a personal interest," she said. "Before I started (at Tri-County), I was working in the field of environmental toxicology, which is along a similar line."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160824/tri-county-starting-forensics-class

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

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Sep 14

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club kicks off their 2016/2017 season on Wednesday, September 14th. We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin

Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run September through May but hold many other casual events to stay connected throughout the year. 

The club is an opportunity for residents of all ages and situations - not just those new to town - to socialize and learn about our community. Our September meeting is a social gathering so it's a great opportunity to come and make new friends or catch up with old ones. 

For more information visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.


The Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club is a non-profit social and charitable organization for residents of Franklin, Massachusetts. We like to have fun, learn new things, spend time together, and give back to the community through volunteer activities and fundraisers.
The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a non-profit social and
charitable organization for residents of Franklin

Christmas in August - End of Summer Party at the Franklin LIbrary

Come to the Franklin Public Library for the "Christmas in August - End of Summer Party" on Friday, Aug 26 from 1 to 4:00 PM

Christmas in August - End of Summer Party at the Franklin LIbrary
Christmas in August - End of Summer Party at the Franklin LIbrary


This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/christmas-in-august-end-of-summer-party.html

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

@shopFranklin Movie Night at Beaver Pond - Aug 26

#shopFranklin Small Businesses in partnership with the Franklin Rec Department and FranklinTV are excited to announce the #shopFranklin Family Movie Night on Beaver Pond featuring the Pixar/Disney film FINDING NEMO.
FINDING NEMO
FINDING NEMO

Join some of our favorite local independently owned businesses for an evening of community and entertainment. 

The evening will begin at 7pm where you can browse participating business tables to buy merchandise, learn about services and enter raffles. 

Our featured film, FINDING NEMO, will begin promptly at dusk (approximately 7:40PM) so make sure to have your FREE popcorn in hand

Make sure to stop by the #shopFranklin Welcome Table to pick up a free gift for the first 50 guests, buy raffle tickets (all proceeds going to charity)

@shopFranklin Movie Night at Beaver Pond - Aug 26
@shopFranklin Movie Night at Beaver Pond - Aug 26

Note:  the weather forecast does call for rain on Friday. There is a rain date already set for Sunday, Aug 28 at 7:0 PM. The decision will be made on Friday morning.

New nature blog for Franklin's natural areas


Attention nature-lovers of Franklin, MA: As part of my internship with the Franklin Conservation Commission, I have created a public nature blog for the natural areas around town. The blog provides a great opportunity for citizens science, or gathering information/data from the general public, to keep an inventory on the flora and fauna of the sites.  
In addition, the blog will be used as an aid to track the impacts of climate change as the areas experience seasonal transitions.  
If you utilize the beautiful conservation areas in Franklin and would like to contribute to the blog by reporting a sighting, please go to https://franklinmanature.wordpress.com/ and follow the instructions.  
Thank you!
https://franklinmanature.wordpress.com/
https://franklinmanature.wordpress.com/

"Helen Huang, of Franklin, was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts"

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

"Helen Huang, of Franklin, was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts and awarded $2,300 in cash scholarships, and multiple full- and partial-tuition scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls held Aug. 13 at Holyoke Community College. 
Huang is the daughter of Howard Huang and Shuang Chen, and is a senior at Franklin High School. She was one of six high school senior girls from Massachusetts who earned the chance to participate at the state level after winning their local programs earlier this year. 
Participants spent one week staying with local families while participating in life skills workshops in interview, public speaking and college admissions; performing community service and working with young kids, attending receptions in their honor and rehearsing for the showcase at the end of the week."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160823/franklin-resident-named-mass-distinguished-young-woman

  Facebook photo from the Franklin Distinguished Young Woman page
Facebook photo from the Franklin Distinguished Young Woman page

In the News: 2 search firms present, Circle of Friends Coffeehouse schedule for 2016-2017

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

"The School Committee heard pitches from superintendent search firms Tuesday night as it looks to start seeking a new district head. 
The committee listened to presentations by the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) and the ECRA Group about the services each would provide in a search. 
Arthur Bettencourt, the executive director of NESDEC, led off with the first presentation. He touted his organization's ties to the area. 
"We're a New England-based firm, which means we see a lot of up-and-coming administrators," he said. "We have an idea of how to recruit them and where they are in their careers."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160823/franklin-school-committee-starts-superintendent-search


"The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, 262 Chestnut St., will begin its 27th season Sept. 10 with Canadian singer Garnet Rogers. 
The schedule below is full of well-known artists such as Tom Rush, Ellis Paul and Livingston Taylor, but also includes up-and-coming talents. 
The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Franklin’s First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment at the Society’s handicapped-accessible meetinghouse. Shows begin at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m. 
Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. For tickets or more information: 508-528-2541; circlefolk.org."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160823/circle-of-friends-coffeehouse-announces-schedule-
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

In the News: downtown work continues, open meeting law training set

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

"The streetscape project that has transformed the look of downtown is likely to come to an end early this fall, according to town officials. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the project - currently in the final year of its two-year schedule - is set to come to a close in the middle or end of September. 
"We're continuing on a lot of punch-list items," he said, noting such things as the return of a water trough to a traffic island. "This is all cleanup."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160823/final-touches-being-put-on-downtown-franklin-project

  while the article says the water trough remains to be returned, it was put in place last Friday
while the article says the water trough remains to be returned, it was put in place last Friday


"The Massachusetts Attorney General's office is hosting an open meeting law training session for public officials in Brockton on Thursday, Oct. 13, according to the Massachusetts Municipal Association. 
The two-hour training session will go over the provisions of the state's open meeting law and allow for questions and answers. 
"All members of public bodies, municipal employees and members of the general public are invited," the Massachusetts Municipal Association reported."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160823/attorney-general-to-host-open-meeting-law-training


Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Real time reporting: 2nd Search Firm - ECRA Group

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Superintendent’s Search Process – Presentations 

  1. NESDEC - Dr. Art Bettencourt (covered earlier in meeting)
  2. MASC- Jim Hardy (not yet present)
  3. ECRA Group – John Connolly
high emotional intelligence is a key to leadership
3 times I tried to make a left turn and all three times I was waived on
a quality of culture of the community

was superintendent in NY and TX
his joy and career has been matching good choices and good people
my track record is good, close to 60 searches
Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Lexington and others

my greatest skill is recruiting people
the difference between an applicant and the candidate
the applicant is one who applies, the candidate is one who wants the job

superintendent in Lexington
had a good candidate lined up, took five phone calls before she became one of the five final list and she was selected and still there today

document delivered with proposal to committee

the firm did over 1,000 searches nationally

anytime I do a search, a piece of me stays within the district
I work for you as the School COmmittee
I have equal obligation to the people I recruit

planning meeting, criteria development
focus groups, groups teachers, business people

  1. what is the strengths of the district
  2. what is the area of concern for the district
  3. what are the major characteristics of the new superintendent

I talked about emotional development, I did a search in Virginia Beach and the district has had me back for several summers to do seminars

courage, the ability to make tough decisions

there are two types of ego, one is the personal ego, the other is the one who basks in the success of the group

leadership profile report a critical component
from the report, what are the priorities, those are my marching orders

there are a hundred people in y group, we use our network
employ a national network, you need the opportunity to draw from outside

90% are still in their position after 5 years






Real time Reporting: School Committee - Aug 23, 2016

Present: Bilello, Scofield, Bergen, Douglas, O'Malley, Schultz, Jewel
Absent: none


1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments

  • none


Review of Agenda

Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 9, 2016 School Committee Meeting.

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:

  • None


2. Guests/Presentations
a. Superintendent’s Search Process – Presentations 

  1. NESDEC - Dr. Art Bettencourt, Executive Director
The New England School Development Council   http://www.nesdec.org/

based in New ENgland but capable of searching nationally
will search to fulfill the needs of the committee/community

will work to develop a 'leadership' profile of what the needs should be based upon the input from all the stakeholders

do not recirculate candidates from one search to another, all targeted marketing and searches

New England based firm with national recognition
school districts vary culturally

Dr Carolyn Burke, Dr Sally Diaz

understanding that there is a sharing between the municipal side and schools
have had stability in the leadership area

What do candidates want? There are three things in particular
  1. want a school committee that they can work with
  2. quality of life, schools and resources for family
  3. salary considerations

Q - how do you go about learning about us?
a great deal of talking with the teachers, staff and community via focus groups, surveys, etc.
what are the strengths, the weaknesses, what is the culture of the community


Q - how do you help us abide by the screening process rules?
we have had success working in all the communities
we have not had any issues, working with the open meeting law is part of our normal course of business

ask the constituent groups to nominate a representative of the group
it shows trust in their judgment, not always done that way

we will walk you through the entire process
we know the law, we have done the searches, we will work closely with you

6 focus groups usually fills the bill
we will also do individual stakeholders: town administrators, police chief, planners, etc. 

the timeline for the search takes about 120 days
electronic advertising, special bulletin placements also available
timing of the focus groups, mixed or single
how your going to put together the screening committee
the application process, and invitations for recommendations

how do you want to handle the candidates, individual visits, phone screens, a mix of them
this is your search, we will guide you
want to design the search that is based upon your standards

NESDEC uses their network, leveraging their individual connections, who would be a good fit for the opportunity, would also use LinkedIn, it is becoming more of a resource for educational searches

there is a warranty
1 - we are with you until a choice is made
2 - if your superintendent leaves for any other reason, we would come in to do it again for no consulting fee (just expenses)

Q - on the 'regional' candidates
some states have very different budgetary process, have had successful candidates from NY, NJ, Florida and Ohio. You need to look carefully at those candidates, it may not be the location but the operation may be alike. Folks from New England may be looking to return.

we are seeing principals moving to superintendents spots

this is the first of three presentations
there are two more coming before making a vote to choice one to go forward with


#shopFranklin - supporting small business: The Sugar Shoppe

#shopFranklin TV talks with Courtney and Corey Nappa of The Sugar Shoppe and Make Change for Change. The Sugar Shoppe makes charitable giving a sweet idea!






"The Sugar Shoppe is a non-profit founded on the premise of giving HOPE to those who may have none. Your purchases go towards building the fund for Make Change for Change, a non profit setup to provide moms and kids smile. Think of all the special occasions that come and go in a year, our mission is to provide gift baskets to those in need. 50% of the homeless population in Massachusetts are women and children. We strive to help make these individuals feel a sense of hope. Your small donation enables us to give a gift basket to someone in need, potentially at the right time in their life. ​​"


http://www.sugarshoppe.org/
http://www.sugarshoppe.org/

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Library Weds Aug 24, 10:30 AM

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday Aug 24, 10:30 AM. 

Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Library Weds Aug 24, 10:30 AM
Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang will entertain at the Library Weds Aug 24, 10:30 AM


"Bryson Lang is a Comedy-Manipulator. He takes both ordinary and out-of-the-ordinary objects and literally spins them into a visual tapestry in a distinctive and dynamic way. 
At Bryson’s show you’ll see: flying sombreros, sharp sickles, huge spinning rings, upside down bounce-juggling, giant beach balls, glo-in-the-dark objects, a tennis racquet and always a few surprises. The Press of Atlantic City said, “…quick-witted comedy with mind-blowing juggling skills, Bryson Lang's act is a sight to behold!"
Quote from the Bryson Lang webpage  http://brysonlang.com/

The notice was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/comedian-and-juggler-bryson-lang.html