In the News: plastic bag ban proposed, Sen Ross perfect record, Community Relations meeting scheduled

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

"A group of Franklin High School seniors asked the Town Council to support a ban on plastic shopping bags in town. 

The seniors gave a presentation at Wednesday's council meeting detailing issues with the bags and answering common questions about such a bylaw. 

Student Alycia Felli said the group started working on the matter last May, and put up a change.org petition that had thus far garnered 727 supporters.
"We believe we can have a much greener Franklin - not only looking at today, but tomorrow as well," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160921/franklin-council-discusses-plastic-bag-ban

many of the FHS students presenting to the Town Council to propose a ban on the use of plastic bag for retail establishments

"State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, was recently recognized by Beacon Hill Roll Call for his 100 percent voting attendance record in the Massachusetts Senate in 2016. This marks the fifth year in a row Ross has received a perfect attendance record. 

In 2016, the Senate held 469 roll call votes, more than double those held in 2015. The near 500 votes pertained to legislation including topics such as the fiscal year 2017 budget, pay equity, economic development, energy diversity and MBTA fare increases. Throughout the remainder of the year, the Senate is continuing to hold informal sessions and will return to formal sessions in January 2016."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160921/state-sen-richard-ross-recognized-for-voting-record

"The Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee will host another series of coffee hours throughout the school year, starting at 9 a.m. Sept. 24 at Franklin Cable Access Studio, 23 Hutchinson St. 

The role of the school committee is to hire the superintendent of schools, develop the budget, create school policy and make sure that community members are encouraged to and given the opportunity to provide feedback on all of the above. 

Concerns brought forward from previous coffee events are currently being discussed with principals at all levels in a series of meetings arranged by Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160921/community-relations-subcommittee-to-hold-coffee-hours

Hold the date -- Parent Forum on Ballot Question 2

Hi, Steve!

The Franklin Education Association is having a parent forum at the Alumni Restaurant on October 17th, from 7-9. The forum is to discuss/disseminate information on Ballot Question 2 - lifting the cap on Charter Schools.

We'd love it if you could share this information!

Donna Grady, President
Franklin Education Association

The MA voter information booklet should be arriving in your mailbox this week.

Save the Date: The Great Thanksgiving Listen 2016

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Watch Listen Read

Last year, we made history with The Great Thanksgiving Listen. More than 100,000 Americans took part in our drive to preserve the stories and voices of an entire generation over the Thanksgiving weekend. Working with teachers and students, we preserved tens of thousands of intergenerational stories in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress using the free StoryCorps app. Hear from StoryCorps Founder and President Dave Isay in this 2016 TED Talk about #TheGreatListen pilot year and some of the incredible stories it generated.  This November, download the app, invite a family member or elder to sit with, and join us in preserving more precious wisdom than ever before.

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Live reporting: Closing

Future agenda items

Bissanti - would like to explore why we can't get industrial land to come under grandfather?

Vallee - who is going to draft the bylaw for the plastic bags?
Nutting - it is already drafted and ready for review

Councilor Comments

Pellegri
Huang - There were 7 girls locally and 6 at the State level

Pellegri - If there is anything I can help with?

Padula - I thank you for voicing your opinion, I respect your opinion

Mercer - chaired MA program for many years, Mobile, AL in June is not a good place due to the weather.
Status of the fields at the new high school have raised concerns
we are in a really nasty drought, difficult growing times during the summer
been out there once, if not twice a week since the meetings in the spring
the landscape architect, site contractors, etc all feel comfortable that it will be playable next year
identified leaks and broken heads in the sprinkler system
replacing some of the sod that didn't take
discussing plans to remove the weeds from the boxes, etc.
you are not looking at the green grass, they do the infields at the end, that is the easiest to do
requesting a provisional acceptance, short of the punch list which will need to be completed before the spring, possible to take final ownership in the spring

2 guys 2.5 days just to mow the field, it is massive

spring sports are at the mercy of the weather

Jones - FEF basketball game in Nov as a fund raiser

Dellorco - there was a rec meeting and the fields were a lot of discussion

Mercer - girls softball field dip will be fixed in next couple of weeks

Pfeffer - affordable Housing Trust made donation, work on the Central Park Terrace, work to replace windows, gutters, etc

Concrete walls complete, steel scheduled to arrive next week
looking for most comfortable chairs, three samples in the library

motion to adjourn
seconded, passed 9-0
.

Live reporting: Legislation

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-54: Appropriation: FY 17 School Budget (Majority Vote)
state budget eliminated this item, adjust from Chap 70 to use for K grant

should have a little more info for the Councilors to know what they are voting for
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


2. Resolution 16-55: Acceptance of Deed of Land and Grant of Access Easements off Lincoln Street (Majority Vote)
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Bissanti - why is this land so great? I see nothing but rivers and streams all over
Nutting - this would be open space, to prevent houses being built. Anything that would be done would come under the Conservation Commission

issue with waivers from the Planning Board

quote from the memorandum is 'scary' per Pfeffer

Mercer - I endorse this, when we have an opportunity to get land near the school

Nutting - the land is in back of Keller/Sullivan, it also abuts the Metacomet land

Kelly - he got two extra lots as part of the deal (the developer)

motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-1 (Bissanti no)


3. Resolution 16-56: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Developer of Rolling Brook Estates off Lincoln Street (Majority Vote)
corrected date from July 16 to July 11

Fire Chief now has access to the land and has had issues with access to this before

this was one of the grandfathered subdivisions to get water and sewer

motion to approve, seconded, 8-1 (Bissanti no)


4. Resolution 16-57: Grant of Utility Easement Town-Owned Land at 118 Main Street (Franklin Public Library)( 2/3 vote)

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

The gas company does not require an easement but the electric does

Live reporting: Plastic Bag Presentation

About a dozen FHS students participated in making the presentation

Plastic Bag Presentation

The presentation document can be found here
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1TvMM2CLtm0PkZU3FZYXYtb1m6LtD2kPkgFc5EZ9phcs/edit?usp=sharing

(presentation view to be added)

if there were to be a bylaw, it would be part of the public hearing process (2 public hearings) for local and larger businesses to come and present their issues (if any)

What kind of data has been gathered from the towns that have passed this?
Will the corporations deal with this? They have been able to adjust. We have talked with a number of small businesses in Franklin. The transition period has been crucial for the success

Live reporting: Helen Huang - Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS 
- Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts

• News announced from earlier this year

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/helen-huang-of-franklin-was-named.html


Proclamation from Town Council, Chair Matt Kelley
Proclamation from House of Representatives from Rep Roy
Proclamation from the State Senate via Rep Roy on behalf of Senator Spilka and Senator Ross

(photo to be added)

Live reporting: Town Council - Sep 21, 2016

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: none


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– September 7, 2016
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0


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
- Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts

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
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 
- TM1 Solutions d/b/a 7-Eleven Store Number 37380A – Transfer of License, Change of Manager, Alteration of Description of Premises
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

(3 minute recess)

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.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/oct16connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

Disney Silhouette Artist - Oct 10 - by appointment

We have a special Disney Silhouette Artist, Keith Donaldson, from Walt Disney World coming to the Franklin Art Center, October 10 11-6 pm.

Appointments can be made prior to the date $10 per registration.

Children only need to sit for 3-4 minutes for Keith to cut out their silhouette.

$40 per child includes 2 matted silhouettes 
Oval frames will be available $15. 

These make great Christmas and Hanukkah gifts.

http://www.silhouettesinasnap.com/

You can call the Franklin Art Center for an appointment -->> Telephone:1-508-887-2797

FHS cross country and golf teams post wins, girls soccer ties, boys lose

From Hockomock Sports we share the results from the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday 

*** Boys soccer = Oliver Ames, 1 @ Franklin, 0 – Final
– Click here for a full recap.


*** Girls soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 1 – Final
– Miranda Smith scored the opener for the Panthers and Lauren Wright tied it off a cross from Julia Roy for OA in the second half.


*** Golf = Sharon, 176 @ Franklin, 156 – Final
– Bryan Woelfel led the way for the Panthers, earning match medalist honors with a round of 38. Tyler Langevin and Matt Dao each finished with a round of 39. Corey Carter led Sharon with a round of 42.

*** Boys cross country = Franklin, 21 @ Taunton, 39 – Final

*** Girls cross country = Franklin, 20 @ Taunton, 39 – Final
– Franklin placed a trio of juniors in the top four places, including the top two finishers, to beat Taunton. Nicole Clermont placed first in a time of 21:05 while Kate Hartnett was second in 21:13. Ella Gutkowski finished in fourth overall, clocking in at 22:08.

FHS Panthers

For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-092016/

Kids' Corner: Art, Science, Yoga & Cooking Fun

Franklin Public Schools                Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning Art, Science, Yoga and Cooking Fun All At Kids' Corner   Kids' Corner Franklin…..     Where fun and learning meet Kids' Corner Franklin, a program of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning, is a unique collection of after school activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children's creativity……a place where fun and learning meet. Click on the yellow button below and explore the opportunities we have created just for kids. Check Out The Classes Here....and Register Today  www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com (click on Adult Education) adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us  508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: cultural district application being prepared, St Mary's presents "A journey in Faith"

"Efforts to name the downtown area a "cultural district" are moving forward, with those involved hoping to complete an application to do so in the coming months. 

The designation - is given by the Massachusetts Cultural Council - would recognize the area as a place in which cultural opportunities and resources are concentrated, and make it eligible for state support and incentives. 

Alan Mercer - a member of the effort and official with the Franklin School for the Performing Arts - said the state has noticed that such areas encourage economic development. 

"A cultural district is a walkable area that contains things like performance venues, farmers markets, restaurants - cultural assets which, by their nature, bring tourists in," he said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160920/franklin-seeking-cultural-district-designation

as part of the application for 'cultural district', the annual cultural festivals have been organized

"St. Mary Catholic Church will present A Journey In Faith from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday evenings at the church’s conference room, 1 Church Square, Franklin, starting Oct. 17. 

The events are for anyone interested in learning more about or joining the Catholic faith. 

The sessions are based on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The RCIA’s main purpose is to assist prospective Catholics in their journey to become active members of the church community and for Catholics who have not received First Communion or Confirmation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160920/st-mary-catholic-church-to-present-journey-in-faith

#shopFranklin speaks with Devin Gray of Optimize Fitness and Performance (video)

#shopFranklin speaks with Devin Gray of Optimize Fitness and Performance. Optimize Fitness & Performance is a strength and conditioning facility in Franklin, MA that specializes in 100% personalized fitness programs.

For more about Devin Grey, visit his webpage http://www.optimizefp.com/

http://www.optimizefp.com/

For more about #shopFranklin, follow them on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/ 

Coffee with School Committee - Sep 24, 2017

The Community Relations sub-committee, of the Franklin School Committee is starting back up with our monthly coffee sessions. 

First one is next Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 9 AM. 

With a new superintendent search upon is, now is a great time to share feedback about the Franklin Public Schools. We will be launching a quarterly newsletter soon, too. 

Would love feedback on what you'd like to see from the committee. Thanks!

When: 9 AM - 10 AM at Franklin TV on 20 23 Hutchinson St

Franklin TV studio on Hutchinson St

FHS volleyball tops OA

From Hockomock Sports we share the result from the Volleyball match held on Monday. Due to the inclement weather, the field hockey game was rescheduled for Oct 13.

FHS Panthers

*** Volleyball = Oliver Ames, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Franklin earned the sweep over Oliver Ames with a 25-17, 25-15, 25-20. Erin Skidmore had five kills, five digs and four aces, Maggie Doyle had four kills, three aces and a block and Lizzie Boynton added six assists and four aces for the Panthers.

For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-091916/

Franklin Art Association Meeting - October 5, 2016

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 from 6:30 to 9:00PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. 

Franklin Art Association

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 followed by a short business meeting and Art Swap. Artist members bring art materials and related items such as frames to share. Time permitting there will be art videos to view.

Meetings are free and open to the public. 

For more information log on to www.franklinart.org

Did you register for the Ladybug 5K - Saturday, Oct 15?

This year's Ladybug 5K will be on Saturday, October 15th, starting from Kennedy School at 551 Pond St. In addition to the 5K, there will be kids races, games, face painting, and raffles. Fun, family friendly event.

• Race registration and number pick up start at 8:30 AM
• Kids race at 9:30
• 5K at 10 AM
• Cash prize for top male and top female overall in the 5K

Registration is available for the 5K, kids race and family pricing of $50 per family.

Participants can preregister at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=6650

For more details see our website at www.ladybug5k.com

The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015

"The only way we're doing this is if residents will see savings"

"Town officials are hoping for state approval of a municipal aggregation plan in the next few weeks, a move that could end up saving residents money on their utility bills. 

The town presented its aggregation plan - in which it would go out to bid for its energy supply, using the number of energy customers in town as leverage - to the state Department of Public Utilities in August. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said that process had gone well, and the town has been in contact with the firm it hired, Colonial Power Group, to guide it through the approval process. 

"There were a lot of municipalities ahead of us - seven of them at the DPU hearings," he said. "Four of those seven have received orders to move forward."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160919/franklin-awaiting-aggregation-approval

• The Municipal Aggregation Plan

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

• From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

School Committee - recap Sep 13

The meeting summary for School Committee meeting Tuesday, Sep 13 is as follows:

The superintendent search proposal from MASC was heard. This was the final of the three search firms scheduled. The explanation for missing the original meeting in August was that the appointment was entered in the calendar on his mobile device for 2017.

MASC Superintendent Search - Jim Hardy 

After listening to the presentation and getting clarifications on multiple points, the meeting moved to the school improvement plans for the middle schools and the high school. (It was during this time that I stopped reporting as I had a work phone conference to participate in.)

L to R: Chairman O'Malley, Denise Schultz, John Jewell

I came back from my meeting to catch the end of the high school discussion and get into the superintendent search decision. The HYA or ECRA group was chosen by a 6-1 vote. There was some discussion to make it unanimous but the decision was to leave it as is.

The Franklin TV video of the meeting can be viewed on demand 
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=392


The detailed notes reported during the meeting can be found here:

• Real time reporting: to closing
• Real time reporting: action items
• Real time reporting: superintendent search decisio...
• Real time reporting: Superintendent Search - MASC
• Real time Reporting: School Committee - Sep 13

"We'll likely never get to a point where the project is 'done.'"

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

"The town hopes to launch a new version of its website later this fall, with a focus on mobile accessibility and a smoother flow of information. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the change, set for late October or early November, represents a reorganization and rebranding of the site. 

"We're looking to make it mobile-friendly," he said. "When you look at the site on a smart phone, we want town forms and applications to be available." 

Hellen said the new site will feature a lot of interactive mapping and land-use data, allowing easier access to town information.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160918/franklin-town-website-relaunch-coming

The look and feel of the Town of Franklin webpage will change in Oct or November

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Networking Lunch - Tuesday, Sep 20

Join Franklin Downtown Partnership members, meet new contacts and strengthen connections, all for $6.55! 

Franklin Downtown Partnership - Networking Lunch - Tuesday, Sep 20

Networking Luncheon

Tuesday, September 20

1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Dean College Dining Center 

RSVP:  mlechter@dean.edu

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/09/networking-luncheon-tuesday-september-20.html