In the News: blood drive at Charter School; Leavel in one show at THE BLACK BOX

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

"When Giovanna Sabini-Leite was 11, she found herself in Boston Children's Hospital for major surgery on a spinal fusion resulting from scoliosis. 

"I lost more blood than the doctors thought would be possible, and I had to do a self-donation," said the now 17-year-old. 

At the time, the nurses told her she had O negative blood, a universal -- though rare -- blood type. It was during this experience Giovanna began to realize the life-saving impact blood donations have on those who need them. 

After that, she said, "it was always in the back of my mind."

...

"Those interested in donating can sign up online at halfpints.childrenshospital.org (code: BenFra) for an appointment time, or contact Giovanna and Olivia at 508-541-1253, or send email to giovannasylvia@hotmail.com or oliviasabini@hotmail.com for information.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161030/franklin-twins-plan-series-of-blood-drives

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School will conduct a blood drive at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School Nov 11

"Tony Award-winner Beth Leavel will perform a one-night-only show at 8 p.m. Nov. 19 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

This event will launch The Black Box Broadway Series, sponsored by Childs Engineering. Leavel recently finished an Atlanta run of the new Broadway-bound musical “The Prom.” In Franklin, she will be accompanied by acclaimed musical director Phil Reno, who is currently conducting “Something Rotten” on Broadway. 

Seating options for The Black Box Broadway Series feature general admission, preferred table seating and VIP tickets, which include an exclusive reception with the Broadway stars."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161030/beth-leavel-to-perform-at-black-box

This is your chance to provide input to the School Superintendent Search

What do Franklin parents think about the current school day and recess allocation? 

According to the Milford Daily News (MDN) article below, Hopkinton and Medway parents are attempting to get the time for recess increased. This is a complicated issue as it may involve lengthening the school day and changing current contractual arrangements not just with teachers but also bus schedules.

Three parents appeared to discuss the 'hot' dress code issue on Franklin on Saturday. Granted a number of other conversations were already conducted in a number of forums and meetings but three came to this one open forum.

• Have you provided input to the Franklin Superintendent search survey?

The survey starts out by seeking your input on several aspects of the Franklin School District. For each of these points you are asked to rate according to a five point scale with

1 = Strongly Disagree 

2 = Disagree 

3 = Neither Agree or Disagree 

4 = Agree 

5 = Strongly Agree

The superintendent search survey questions:

• The district provides a clear, compelling vision for the future.
• The district is heading in the right direction.
• The district has high standards for student performance.
• The district makes decisions based on information from data and research.
• The district is working to close the achievement gap.
• The district provides a well-rounded educational experience for all students.
• Teachers personalize instructional strategies to address individual learning needs, special education and gifted.
• District schools are safe.
• The social and emotional needs of students are being addressed.
• Students are on track to be college and career ready.
• Technology is integrated into the classroom.
• The district engages the community as a partner to improve the school system.
• There is transparent communication from the District.
• The district engages with diverse racial, cultural and socio-economic groups.
• Facilities are well maintained.
• The district is fiscally responsible.
• The district employs effective teachers, administrators and support staff in its schools.
• Employees are held accountable to high standards.
• District technology infrastructure is sufficient to support 21st century learning.

From your responses to these questions, the survey ask you yo prioritize your selection. The summary of these results along with all the other information gathered by the HYA search team in interviews, meetings and forums will be used to produce the "Leadership profile". The leadership profile will be reviewed with the School Committee later in November.

The leadership profile survey can be found here   http://ecrasurvey.com/franklin

help develop the leadership profile of the next Franklin (MA) Superintendent of Schools

Recess article from MDN

"After moving to Hopkinton a few years ago, Sonya Fairbanks Harris was a bit shocked. 

Upon enrolling her two sons in Hopkinton Public Schools, she learned that her children - accustomed to 45 minutes of play time each school day in their old school in California - were now receiving 15 minutes of recess. 

“At 4:00, I can’t rewind a child from multiple tantrums because they’ve been holding it together” all day, she said. 

Her concern for overburdening children with schoolwork was not alone though, as parents in MetroWest and the Milford area have joined together to demand longer recess periods for students."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161029/despite-complications-parents-push-for-more-recess-in-schools

Related posts:

Overall timeline for the superintendent search process
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/school-committee-workshop-sets.html

School Committee meeting summary with search firm decision
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/school-committee-recap-sep-13.html

Tri-County Urgent Care now open in Hopkinton, just off Route 495!

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 2, 2016

The agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Nov 2, 2016. This is a new format as produced by the new town website.

The left column (in red text) should all be links to the supporting documentation. Some are blank links. I have marked in BOLD those that contain the real documentation for the agenda.

You can obtain the PDF of this agenda on the town webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/agenda_complete_1.pdf

or in the Franklin Matters archives
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVTlVcHV2TmU5UWM/view?usp=sharing

Agenda Item	Summary
A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS	Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Clerk
B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
C. 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.
D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
E. 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.
F. APPOINTMENTS
G. HEARINGS
H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Senator Spilka, Senator Ross, Representative Roy
J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	01. Resolution 16-58: Request for Legislation Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Law - (Majority vote)
K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 16-61: Confirmatory Order of Taking – Unimproved Land Off Lincoln Street Located in Rolling Brook Estates Residential Subdivision – (2/3 Vote (6))
K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	03. Resolution 16-67: Rescind Borrowing Authority (Resolution 16-20 Appropriate and Authorize Borrowing of Funds to Pay Costs of the Construction of Sidewalks and Related Work) Fund Through Appropriation – (Majority Vote)
L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
M. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
P. ADJOURN

vote early this week

In the News: dress code discussed, early voting is busy

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

"Parents, school committee members and other school officials discussed the district’s proposed dress code policy at length Saturday morning in an attempt to find some even ground throughout the district. 

The draft code provides broad guidelines on what not to wear to school and lists four bullet points: anything that defames or demeans any individual or group; promotes the use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products; references sexually provocative or explicit content and causes disorder or disruption in the school. 

The code, once approved, will apply to the entire district. Each of the 11 schools, however, will be responsible for writing a dress code in the student handbook that nails down specifics. 

There will not, however, be any number lengths included, much to the pleasure of three mothers in attendance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161029/parents-committee-discuss-dress-code-for-franklin-students

draft copy of policy up for discussion Saturday

"The results may not be in for this election, but municipalities across MetroWest are already seeing a win for early voting in Massachusetts. 

This is the first year Massachusetts voters can go to the polls on a day more convenient than Election Day. Despite the extra work for clerks across the state, early voting will most likely cut down on the poll lines on Nov. 8. 

“It’s a little overwhelming, not just for this municipality but for all, because it is an unfunded mandate for this particular election,” said Marlborough City Clerk Lisa M. Thomas. “But we have had quite a few people come in, they love the convenience to cast their ballot as opposed to going to the polls. The ultimate goal is to have less people at the polls so there is more fluidity when folks go to the polls on Election Day.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161029/clerks-say-many-taking-advantage-of-early-voting

Per Franklin Town Clerk, Teresa Burr, there were 2767 votes in Franklin recorded in the first five days, Saturday morning was also busy but no totals are available at this time.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1787272168209468/

sign at the Franklin Municipal building on Saturday

FHS boys 2nd, girls 4th in Hock Cross Country Championships

The Hockomock League held its annual cross country championships on Saturday morning at the Wrentham Development Center. Franklin boys took 2nd place and the girls 4th place overall. 

Everett Henderson lead the boys with an 8th place finish while Nicole Clermont and Kate Hartnett lead the girls by finishing 1 and 2 respectively.


BOYS

Team Results
1. Mansfield – 55
2. Franklin – 104
3. Oliver Ames – 106
4. Attleboro – 109
5. North Attleboro – 136
6. Sharon – 155
7. Taunton – 166
8. King Philip – 174
9. Milford – 227
10. Stoughton – 236
11. Canton – 291
12. Foxboro – 331

Individual Results
1. David Seybert, Attleboro – 16:23.23

8. Everett Henderson, Franklin – 16:57.81
15. Tyler Marchioni, Franklin – 17:17.27
22. Michael Hagen, Franklin – 17:33.94
23. Mitchell Regan, Franklin – 17:36.98
36. Nicholas Gnaman, Franklin – 18:01.71
38. Dylan Kehoe, Franklin – 18:02.72
39. Hayden Goldsmith, Franklin – 18:02.92
42. Matthew Shumway, Franklin – 18:04.37
43. Daniel Barrow, Franklin – 18:04.73
48. Kyle Stevens, Franklin – 18:13.34

Nicole Clermont approaching the finish of the girls cross country race

GIRLS

Team Results
1. Oliver Ames – 61
2. North Attleboro – 69
3. Sharon – 77
4. Franklin – 81
5. Taunton – 131
6. King Philip – 174
7. Foxboro – 180
8. Mansfield – 181
9. Attleboro – 262
10. Milford – 272
11. Canton – 308
12. Stoughton – 388

Individual Results
1. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 19:06.49
2. Kate Hartnett, Franklin – 19:50.70
20. Ella Gutkowski, Franklin – 21:00.50
25. Katrina Walbert, Franklin – 21:15.48
33. Brianna Cummings, Franklin – 21:35.19
36. Alana Portesi, Franklin – 21:52.55
40. Kimiya Kim, Franklin – 21:56.52
56. Molly Houlihan, Franklin – 22:37.38
57. Mary Viera, Franklin – 22:38.39
59. Hanna Cunniff, Franklin – 22:41.38


This was shared from the Hockomock Sports page here
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-cross-country-championship-results-2016/

Click here for a photo gallery from the boys race.

Click here for a photo gallery from the girls race.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Three Rising Stars - Nov 5

View this email in your browser Three Rising Stars Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, and Kirsten Maxwell Nov 5th 8PM $20 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse show on Saturday, November 5th, at 8PM features three young rising stars, Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, and Kirsten Maxwell.  You may not have heard their names yet,  but  each is an excellent award-winning performer.  Here is a video of them performing "Time After Time" together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_-ufEMWRgY&index=4&list=PLYu4o_RjkzkyBpbOu-XLkp8vDCcoDsPQZ MATT NAKOA is an internationally touring singer/songwriter recently appearing at The White House, throughout India, and regularly with folk icon Tom Rush. He has won awards at many prestigious music festivals.  Last May he opened our Susan Werner concert and received a standing ovation. http://www.mattnakoa.com/ "Between his piano chops, charismatic stage presence, and heartfelt originals on guitar, [Matt Nakoa] drops jaws." - The Boston Globe Duluth, MN, singer-songwriter RACHAEL KILGOUR has built a devoted following over the last ten years, captivating audiences with a balance of provocative, topical lyrics, passionate musical delivery, and a charmingly witty stage presence. She was chosen as the Grand Prize Winner of the 2015 NewSong Music Contest, a win that earned her a performance Lincoln Center in NYC.  http://www.rachaelkilgour.com/ KIRSTEN MAXWELL is a versatile 23 year-old vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who has quickly become a recognized fixture on the Long Island singer-songwriter scene. She was the winner of the 2016 South Florida Folk Festival Singer-Songwriter Competition and performed at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival this summer. http://www.kirstenmaxwell.com/ "... Kirsten Maxwell's clear soprano rings out in a way that would make Judy Collins and Joan Baez approve. She backs that up with skillful guitar playing and a growing collection of well-crafted songs. It's exciting to imagine what the future holds for her." — John Platt, "Sunday Supper" WFUV-NYC The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit 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, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.  Upcoming Shows Nov 19      The Kennedys Dec 3         Ellis Paul Dec 10       A Celtic Christmas with Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy Jan 7         Christine Lavin and Don White Jan 28       Peter Mulvey

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

FHS girls soccer ties Notre Dame, 0-0

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS girls soccer team tied with Notre Dame 0-0 on Saturday.

*** Girls Soccer = Franklin, 0 vs. Notre Dame, 0 – Final

Miranda Smith (15) and Megan Doherty (11) in action against NDA

Photo gallery provided by Hockomock Sports:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Fall-2016/Franklin-Notre-Dame-Girls/i-7N58H9H


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-102916/

All electronic tolling is here and the tool booth demolitions begins (video)

MassDOT has prepared a slick video (embedded below) showing the steps in removing the toll booths now that all electronic tolling is in place as of Oct 28, 10:00 PM.

• Do you have your transponder yet?

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TrafficTravelResources/EZPassMAProgram.aspx





Additional info 

• on the demolition project

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/TollPlazaDemolitionProject.aspx

• on all electronic tolling (AET)

https://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/TollInformation/AllElectronicTolling

• The information alert on the MA.gov site

http://www.mass.gov/alert/alertlanding.html#2232432

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalkfest challenge a success

Wrentham Factory Outlet customers were treated to a display of talented chalk artists as they shopped last Saturday. 

The show was sponsored by the Franklin Rotary Club and Simon Properties, owners of the Wrentham Outlet, with cash and trophies awarded to the winners in the adult and children's categories. 

Overall winner was Kerry St.Pierre who won both the judges' award and the people's award divisions. Other adult cash prizes went to Lee Ball (2nd) and Sarah Anzalone (3rd). 

This was the first time this was done at the Wrentham Outlets and should become even more impressive next year--Cambridge and Providence Rotary Clubs have excellent shows at their local Simon Properties

Event photos submitted by the Rotary Club:

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalk challenge a success

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalk challenge a success 1

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalk challenge a success 2

Franklin Rotary sidewalk chalk challenge a success 3

In the News: Police hosting Halloween party, EPA visits DPW in outreach on superfund site

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

"After being gone for several years, the Franklin Police Department's Halloween party will be rising from the grave this weekend. 

The free event - intended to provide thrills and entertainment for preschoolers through fifth-graders - will run on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the station on Panther Way. 

Detective Eric Copeland, one of the officers organizing the party, said the event itself will feature officers dressed up as superheroes, a bounce house, face painting and pumpkin painting. A "spooky trail" will run along the walking path next to the station. 

There will also, Copeland said, be a variety of food, including popcorn, cotton candy and hot dogs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161028/franklin-police-hosting-halloween-haunting

Franklin Police Station, 911 Panther Way

"The federal Environmental Protection Agency will be returning to town to continue its outreach efforts on a local Superfund site. 

Representatives from the agency will be at the Fisher Street Department of Public Works building on Monday, to get public comment on the BJAT, LLC property, which is also on Fisher Street. 

"We will be there all day," said Marilyn St. Fleur, a community involvement coordinator for the EPA. "We'll have an availability session for individuals who are interested in the site as well." 

Agency representatives came to Franklin earlier this month and held a series of appointments to determine the best way to inform the public of developments. St. Fleur said Monday's visit would feature scheduled meetings as well, but that there would be an open session (from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.) for those who simply wish to know more."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161028/epa-continuing-outreach-on-franklin-superfund-site

FHS football and soccer results from Friday

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Friday, Oct 28

*** Football = Playoffs = Division 1 South

#8 Franklin, 0 @ #1 Xaverian, 42 – Final

FHS Panthers

*** Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ King Philip, 2 – Final

– King Philip scored a pair of second half goals to finish the regular season with a win. Mike Rowe scored the game-winner, pouncing on a loose ball inside the area. Tyler Mann doubled the lead, taking a pass from Jason Florio and finishing alone against the keeper.


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-102816/

EPA Staff Will be in Franklin Monday, Oct. 31 to Discuss BJAT Site with Community Members

EPA will host an availability session for Franklin residents interested to discuss the BJAT Superfund Site. The session will be held on Monday, October 31, 2016 from 2:30 – 4:00 PM at the Franklin Department of Public Works located at 257 Fisher Street, Franklin, Mass.

On Sept. 30, 2015, EPA add the BJAT site, located at 300 Fisher Street in Franklin, to the "National Priorities List" of Superfund sites. The Superfund program, a federal program established by Congress in 1980, investigates and cleans up the most complex, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the country and converts them into productive local resources by eliminating or reducing health risks and environmental contamination associated with hazardous waste sites.

Beginning in the late 1800s, the BJAT LLC site, was used for industrial operations including the manufacturing of rubber and plastic products. The property, inactive since 1985, contains areas of process waste and debris. Further, soil, sediment and ground water are contaminated with lead, mercury and zinc as well as semi-volatile organic compounds.

More information on the BJAT Superfund Site: www.epa.gov/superfund/bjat

http://twitter.com/epanewengland

Learn More about the Latest EPA News & Events in New England (https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-1-new-england)

Follow EPA New England on Twitter (http://twitter.com/epanewengland)

Connect with EPA New England on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EPARegion1)

Related links from the Franklin Matters archives

• Live reporting from the Town Council meeting July 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html

• DEP and EPA presentation to Town Council, July 2014

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html

• Map showing property location within Franklin

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-map.html

Franklin Art Association: Meeting and demonstration - Nov 2

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 6:30 to 9:00PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. 

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 followed by a short business meeting and a demonstration by internationally acclaimed pastel painter Michelle Poirier-Mozzone of Rehoboth.

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information log on to www.franklinart.org.

"Insight", a pastel painting by November demonstrator Michelle Poirier-Mozzone of Rehoboth