In the News: Library topped off, opioid crisis starts with doctors

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

"Workers placed the final steel beam of the Franklin Public Library addition Tuesday morning, marking a milestone in the project. 

A small crowd gathered to watch as the beam - along with a traditional pine tree and American flag - were hoisted to the top of the structure in a "topping off" ceremony. 

Town Councilor Judith Pfeffer, chairwoman of the Library Building Committee, said she was pleased at the progress of the work. 

"I'm thrilled to death we've gotten this far," she said, likening the topping off celebration to those done at tall buildings in cities like Boston. "It's a sign things are moving forward."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161004/final-beam-placed-for-franklin-library-addition

the traditional tree and flag on the topping off beam

"Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel offered a sobering story at the first meeting of a special commission looking to reverse the state’s opioid crisis. 

Bharel, a doctor who studied drug-related deaths earlier in her career, told of a conversation she had with a mother whose teen child died from a prescription overdose. 

“I was really taken aback when she opened by saying ‘My son’s first drug dealer was his doctor,’” said Bharel. 

Bharel is a member of the 15-member Special Commission on Substance Misuse and Pain Treatment, which held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday to discuss safe and effective pain treatment methods for medical professionals who prescribe controlled substances such as opioids. The Legislature created the panel earlier this year.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161004/commission-stopping-opioid-abuse-begins-with-doctors

The box, tagged in Armenian; "these are the things I've made"

A recap of Robert Megerdichian's talk at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday, October 2, 2016. He told of his father's art work, handcrafted miniatures made from scrap metal.


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

on display at the Franklin Historical Museum

on display at the Franklin Historical Museum

The display will be shown during the open hours for all of October
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/reminder-miniature-metal-artwork.html


What are the open hours?

• Thursday, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday, 10:00 PM to 1:00 PM
• Sunday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Hayride, Food and Music Highlight Franklin’s Harvest Stroll - October 6

It has been many decades since a hay wagon was regularly spotted on Main Street in downtown Franklin, but you’ll see that and other sure signs of autumn on Thursday, October 6, at the Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Stroll.

The Partnership has added several new attractions to the annual fall event, including the hayride, two children’s activities areas, more entertainers and delicious food options. The Stroll runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. rain or shine.

The Harvest Stroll also gives the Franklin community a chance to celebrate the completion of the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement project. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for the Stroll, and the party will continue on West Central Street and part of East Central Street, too.

Downtown Franklin with Main St closed off for a Harvest Stroll

“With this street festival, we invite the community to celebrate the many positive advances in downtown Franklin. The Partnership is celebrating its 15-year anniversary, the downtown revitalization project is nearly complete, and Franklin is on the cusp of even more positive growth. It’s time for the community to experience the downtown’s growth first hand,” says Scott Martin, event co-chair.

The Stroll will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially mark the completion of the two-year construction project. Join town administrators, Franklin Downtown Partnership members and state officials at the top of Main Street to cheer the beginning of the next phase of revitalization.

From there, visitors can sample fall-themed foods, watch talented local entertainers, dance to tunes courtesy of Music Odyssey Productions, discover shopping specials and learn about helpful community resources at more than 50 vendor booths and store locations.

The hayride, sponsored by Hillside Nurseries, will operate near the Post Office on Main Street. The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin will operate two children’s areas; one in the Century 21 parking lot on Main Street and the other in THE BLACK BOX parking lot on West Central Street. New activities that will get the kids moving include a bouncy house and an inflatable obstacle course.

At THE BLACK BOX, watch FPAC members perform selected numbers from their upcoming production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Performances will be inside the theater at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Additionally, visitors can enter to win two free tickets to a “Fiddler” performance of their choice.

Farther up West Central Street, the Fire Station will hold its popular “Touch-A-Truck” event. The Franklin Historical Museum will feature entertainment and a miniature metals exhibit.

Along with performances at THE BLACK BOX and the Museum, entertainers will also perform at Dean Bank and Rockland Trust. Jamie Barrett will sing and strum his guitar for the crowds at Jane’s Frames, and Stroll-favorite DJ Domenic Cotoia will entertain crowds in the Century 21 parking lot.

“This is the type of downtown block party we’ve been anticipating ever since the road construction project started. We’d like everyone to come see the improvements, enjoy the new amenities, and get to know new businesses,” says Lisa Piana, FDP Executive Director. “For 15 years FDP members have worked hard to bring more economic viability to downtown Franklin and we look forward to showing off the progress that’s been made so far.”

The 14th annual fall event is made possible by sponsorship of several local businesses.

Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust are Gold Sponsors.

Dean Bank, Franklin Ford and Keefe Insurance are Silver Sponsors.

Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Chestnut Dental, Digital Federal Credit Union, Michael Dunsky, Branch Manager Guaranteed Rate, Inc., and Hillside Nurseries are Bronze Sponsors.

D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center, Maven Hair Company, Rescom Exteriors, Simon’s Furniture, The Franklin Historical Museum and Tom Fricker Heating & A/C, Inc. are Friends Sponsors.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as 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 Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

• This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/09/harvest-stroll-press-release-late.html

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

No school Monday, and then again next Monday (Oct 10) and Wednesday (Oct 12). The October calendar is a challenge with the religious holidays and Columbus Day combined.

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

Parmenter School has picture day scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 5

Senator Ross: September 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, September 2016 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, I have made it a priority to meet and listen to residents of every town in our district. Hearing your comments and concerns is an important part of representing my constituents in Boston. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for updates on what is happening in the district as well as important resources for both citizens and local farmers. I am honored to serve you and look forward to the new legislative term. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Dear Constituent: It has been a great honor to serve you in the Massachusetts State Senate for the past six years. I work hard each and every day to make sure you have the most effective representation possible and that your voice is heard in all state matters. We have addressed many challenges in our State, but we have so much more to do to ensure that we can reach our full potential and greatly improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents. This is why I am asking for your help in identifying the issues most important to you, and where you want me to focus my efforts in the new session. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. To do so, click the "Give Feedback" button below. Thank you. Give Feedback PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM MOSQUITOES As the fall season approaches, it is important to remember that mosquitoes are still present. With recent cases of West Nile Virus found in Massachusetts, I urge my constituents to take precaution and be preventative against mosquito bites. Prevent mosquitoes and mosquito bites by: Applying insect repellent when outdoors: Be sure to use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient. Be aware of peak mosquito hours: Dusk to dawn is the peak hours for mosquitoes, so try to avoid outdoor activities during this time. Wear long-sleeves and other protective clothing to keep mosquitoes away from the skin Drain standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in bodies of standing water. Be sure to drain rain gutters and change water in birdbaths often. ********************** The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full text, follow this link in your browser

FHS cross country results from Kelley Invitational

Congrats to everyone on a great meet at the Kelley Invite! We finished 4th place overall 🎉😊 pic.twitter.com/BkjxDjOi6p

— Franklin Girls XC (@FHS_girlsXC) October 2, 2016

FHS cross country team on the bus

FHS girls varsity cross country results from Kelley Invitational

The full set of results for the Kelley Invitational
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results#.V_G3Q_ArLIU

The girls junior varsity results
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results/475592/formatted#.V_G4MfArLIU

The girls freshman results
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results/475597/formatted#.V_G4e_ArLIU


The boys varsity did not appear to run,
The freshman boys did post results
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results/475595/formatted#.V_G3ifArLIU

The boys junior varsity have results (preliminary - corrected ones expected)
http://ma.milesplit.com/meets/248717/results/475513/raw#.V_G32_ArLIU

• For the Hockomock results for this meet

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-results-from-frank-kelley-invitational-2016/

"It’s time for vocational schools to get some respect"

Vocational education is in the news with two articles coming across the radar on Sunday. First from the Magazine section of the Boston Sunday Globe. The second from the Milford Daily News (MDN).

The Globe article touts vocational education as something to be considered. The MDN article effectively provides a good example of why.

The links to both articles are shown below:

"On a Monday morning in late spring, city buses arrive like clockwork on Malcolm X Boulevard, disgorging students hunched over cellphones, earbud wires trailing down the fronts of hoodies. They file toward Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, where executive director Kevin McCaskill, in a suit and pin-striped shirt with matching pocket square, and two other administrators greet them as if part of a receiving line. “Good morning! Good morning! Good morning!” McCaskill booms at bleary-eyed kids moving as if they are battling a stiff wind. 

Among those passing through the metal doors is Reno Guerrero, who emigrated several years ago with his mother, older sister, and younger brother from the Dominican Republic to Dorchester. Guerrero, 19, wears a white T-shirt, jeans, and white socks with soccer sandals. His hair is close-cropped, and a shadow of a beard is shaved to precision points at his temples. Clear stone studs sparkle in each earlobe. He is feeling nervous about his senior presentation on engine repair, the culmination of three years of course work plus intensive training in automotive technology. But the nerves are tempered by excitement. He’s learned he’s been accepted to MassBay Community College, and he already has a job lined up for after graduation at a garage that services Boston’s city-owned vehicles. “Cars, for me, is everything right now,” he says. “It’s what I know how to do, and I’m going to do it for life.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/09/28/workschool/BapGlJ8WGrI5cdQuDmcmNI/story.html

"Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School senior George Wood received the opportunity to tour Europe over the summer, thanks to his cooperative education employer. 

Wood, a computer information systems student from Medway, was hired by Hamilton Storage Technologies Inc. as part of the school’s Cooperative Education Program. Students who qualify for the program receive paid, full-time employment in their respective fields in place of the time they would spend in their career programs. 

After hiring Wood in the summer for the fall semester, Matthew Hamilton, president of the Franklin-based company, chose to send him to Switzerland to receive training from the information technology department."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161002/tri-county-student-receives-it-training-in-europe

http://www.tri-county.us/

Ballot Question 2: Teachers on opposite sides

In the Magazine section of the Boston Sunday Globe, Oct 2, there was an article with a question and answer for two teachers on opposite sides of the charter school ballot question.

"Question 2, the referendum on November’s Massachusetts state ballot proposing to let up to 12 more charter schools open or expand each year than current limits, is expected to draw a record-setting $30 million in TV advertising spending by backers and opponents by the time polls open. The dollars might seem out of whack, given that if Question 2 passes it would be more than a decade before even 10 percent of the state’s public schools were charters (today just 78 of our 1,854 K-12 public schools are). 

The proposal looks incremental, but, nationally, this ballot question is seen as a shootout at the OK Corral for charter schools, says Paul Reville, who was then governor Deval Patrick’s secretary of education and is now a professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. He says Question 2 could eventually see hundreds of millions of dollars in state aid follow students to charter schools, threatening the status quo."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/09/28/charterschools/VYVtAZREZrZNR5pdupjw7L/story.html

Voter Information mailer for Nov 8, 2016

The MA.Gov summary of Question 2 can be found here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_2.htm

Franklin Recreation Basketball - signup by Oct 7

K-2 basketball will start December 3, 3rd-8th grade basketball will start November 12. 

Sign up before October 7

https://www.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t1.wcs?clientid=FRANKLIN&siteid=1

Shared from the Facebook posting
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment/posts/1618716868429032



Register here:
https://www.activityreg.com/ClientPage_t1.wcs?clientid=FRANKLIN&siteid=1

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 5, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
– September 21, 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 
- Election workers

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -
 Historical Commission

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-58:Request for Legislation, Exempting all Positions in the Fire Dept from
Civil Service Law
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-768: Districts Enumerated. Creation of Rural Business
Zoning District – Referral to Planning Board
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-769: Definitions. Country Store – Referral to Planning
Board
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-770: Rural Business Zone Use Regulations – Referral to
Planning Board
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-771: Rural Business Zone Dimensional Regulations –
Referral to Planning Board
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-772: Rural Business Zone Sign Regulations – Referral to
Planning Board
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-773: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential 1 to
Rural Business an Area on Washington Street – Referral to Planning Board

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

O. ADJOURN


You can find the full agenda and supporting documents as released on the Town webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F0E17-000F8513

Or a copy of the agenda can also be viewed/downloaded here

The new wing being added to the Franklin Library is rising into shape

Library topping off recognized on Tuesday, Oct 4 - 11:00 AM

As has been reported previously, the Franklin Public Library expansion and renovation is underway. The concrete foundation for the new wing has been poured and this week the steel girders started rising. The traditional topping off ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday morning, Oct 4 at 11:00 AM.

Recent walks captured these photos of the construction progress.

Saturday from School St

Friday from Dean College

Thanks to Library Building Committee Chairperson Judith Pfeffer for sharing the information

Keep your passwords secure (video)

The breach at Yahoo released millions of email addresses and passwords. 

Did you change your Yahoo password recently?

Do you change your passwords frequently?

In most corporate environments changing passwords every 60 or 90 days is required. It may be a pain but it can be a good security mechanism.





For more about staying safe online and how to manage your passwords, check out http://staysafeonline.org/

http://staysafeonline.org/  #lockdownURLogin

The Secret Life of a Massachusetts Teen - Oct 17

Learn What Your Teens Are Really Thinking — And How You Can Support Them

Do you wonder...

• What teens are really thinking?
• Why they don’t share their fears?
• How we can better support teens?
• How we can become better parents?

Parents will leave the workshop with...

• Strategies they can implement immediately
• New ways of understanding teens
• Innovative techniques for engaging teens
• Confidence, courage, and new language

Monday, October 17th @ 7PM = Franklin High School Auditorium

Sponsored by: Franklin Public Schools and PCC
Admission is free; Adults only please.

The Secret Life of a Massachusetts Teen - Oct 17

About Jon Mattleman 

Mattleman is a mental health counselor and trainer with 30 years of experience working with youth, parents and families. In 1993 he established Youth/Family Resources, a consulting firm focused on overcoming personal barriers and building healthy relationships. His dynamic presentations and workshops give participants tools they can implement immediately, strategies that work with children and youth, and constructive approaches to communication and collaborative problem solving.

For more about Jon
http://www.jonmattleman.com/the-secret-lives-of-teens

The event flyer can be viewed/downloaded here:

Ribbon Cutting on Main at Harvest Stroll - 4:00 PM - Oct 6

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109    Ribbon Cutting Ceremony To Mark End of Roadwork! Join fellow FDP members, town administrators and elected officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. at the Harvest Stroll.  The ceremony will officially mark the end of the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project construction and the beginning of the next phase of downtown revitalization. Be part of a photo op to mark this important piece of Franklin History!

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: early voting begins Oct 24, STEM classes get questions rolling

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

"All registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day for the first time ever in Massachusetts. 

Early voting will begin on Oct. 24 and continue through Nov. 4. Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or have a disability or religious belief preventing them from going to the polls, will be legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot. 

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is permitted for every registered voter."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161001/early-voting-to-begin-oct-24

"Questions filled Jim Schliefke’s seventh grade science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classroom at Horace Mann Middle School in Franklin Wednesday afternoon. 

Students asked Schliefke about a team activity to design a remote-controlled cargo carrier that could carry balls and plastic cubes around the room. 

“Some of them are realizing right now that they can’t do what they thought,” Schliefke noted as he walked around. 

Although it’s not a new addition to Schliefke’s course this year, the project is a prime example of the trial-and-error teaching style more schools around MetroWest and the Milford region are trying to use."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161001/schools-teachers-see-growth-and-changes-in-stem-classes

Horace Mann Middle School shares the building with Oak St Elementary School