FHS field hockey playoff game scheduled for Friday, 11/4/16

The seeds for Hockomock teams in the MIAA field hockey playoffs have been annouced (by MIAA) and posted by Hockomock Sports.

D1 South

#10 Franklin (11-3-4) will travel to #7 Bridgewater-Raynham (13-3-2) on Friday, 11/4 at 2:30.


For all the Hockomock teams in the playoffs
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-field-hockey-playoff-seeds-matchups-2016/

FHS Panthers

Reminder: Boston Children's Hospital Bloodmobile Comes to Franklin - Nov 11

Friday, November 11th, marks Veteran's Day in the United States. What better way to honor the soldiers that fought and continue to fight for us to safeguard our Nation's freedoms than to give the gift of life through blood donation? Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School, are coordinating regular blood drives in the Franklin community through Boston Children's Hospital as part of their National Honor Society Service Project.

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School, are coordinating blood drives

When one of the twins underwent major surgery and needed blood at the age of 12, the significance of blood donation hit home. Giovanna and Olivia have been regular blood donors at Boston Children’s Hospital since they turned 16, the legal age to donate. They were among those recently recognized by Boston Children’s Hospital for each having donated over 1 gallon of blood since that time. Today, their goal is to encourage young people like themselves to become life-long donors. Donating costs nothing but a little time, yet gives the gift of hope and life!

The first blood drive is scheduled for Friday, November 11, 2016 (Veteran's Day) at the Benjamin Franklin Charter School parking lot in Franklin. Sign up on-line at halfpints.childrenshospital.org for an appointment time, or contact Giovanna and Olivia at (508) 541-1253, or giovannasylvia@hotmail.com, or oliviasabini@hotmail.com, for more information and to sign up.

Senator Ross: October 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, October 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, October was a busy time in the district, and I am grateful to have met with so many of my constituents to hear their concerns. As we transition into November, please be mindful of the importance of voting. Whether it be the local, state, or presidential election, do utilize your right to vote. Included in this newsletter is important information about early voting taking place in the district. As always, please let me know what your priorities are and what you would like me to focus on before the new legislative session begins in January. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Team G.R.E.E.N., a student-teacher volunteer organization of North Attleboro Middle School, invited me to a celebration of their 5th year anniversary. Students from Beijing, China on an exchange program with Wayland High School were welcomed to Beacon Hill as I gave them a State House tour. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ELECTRONIC TOLLING The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), has announced that as of October 28th, the new All Electronic Tolling (AET) system for the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) has gone live. The primary purpose of this new system is to increase safety, alleviate congestion, and reduce Greenhouse gases. The following FAQ's explain important information to know about the new AET system implemented in Massachusetts. How does AET work? AET gantries installed at 16 locations on I-90 contain sensors that will electronically register toll charges as vehicles pass under them. Drivers will no longer need to stop at toll plazas and will be able to maintain a safe highway speed. Vehicles that have E-ZPass transponders will be automatically charged to their E-ZPass account. Because drivers are not required to use transponders, vehicles without an E-ZPass transponder will be sent an invoice as the gantry will photograph the vehicle's license plate. How were gantry rates set? Gantry rates were developed by calculating the per mile cost on several sections of I-90. The set costs will be as close to the cost per mile that exists today. The total revenue generated on the Western Turnpike and Metropolitan Highway System will remain nearly the same to the total revenue generated by the previous toll system. Will people pay more if they don't have a Massachusetts E-ZPass transponder? Yes. MassDOT has three rates at each gantry: One rate is for users of E-ZPass transponders issued by the state of Massachusetts One rate is for users of compatible transponders issued by other states One rate is for vehicles without a transponder that will be billed using the "Pay-By-Plate" system. The billing will include the gantry charge and a processing fee. What kind of personal data will the gantries collect? Both law and policy requires MassDOT to ensure the privacy of all motorists. All data collected is done for billing purposes only and will remain secure and confidential. Any data collected is about the vehicle license plate, transponder, location, and time. Speed data is used to ensure an accurate image capture of vehicle license plates and cannot legally be used for any traffic law enforcement purposes. What will happen to the existing Toll Plazas? Drivers will gain the full benefits of the AET system once the toll booths have been removed to ensure they can use the highways at safe speeds. The process of demolishing current toll plazas will begin as soon as AET goes live. Work will begin to demolish the center lanes of the plazas and reconstruct portions of the roadway. This work will be completed in 30 days or less. Following this phase, drivers will be able to travel through the center lanes of the toll plazas as the rest of the removal process takes place. All work is to be completed by the end of 2017. Senator Ross Announces Office Hours in November Senator Ross and his staff will be holding office hours at locations throughout the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District to provide constituents with an opportunity to meet Senator Ross and discuss any matters of importance to them. Constituents may contact Senator Ross' office at (617) 722-1555 or by email at richard.ross@masenate.gov to register for a meeting in advance whether in the district or at the State House in Boston.          Wednesday, November 2nd Norfolk Town Hall, 1 Liberty Lane, Norfolk 10:00am-11:00am Tuesday, November 15th Attleboro Senior Center, 25 S Main Street, Attleboro 10:00am-11:00am Monday, November 21st (Staff) Wrentham Senior Center, 400 Taunton Street, Wrentham 10:00am-11:00am Copyright © 2016 State Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, All rights reserved. This newsletter is a service to the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District and for Informational Purposes only. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street, Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov

State Senator Richard J. Ross · State House · Room 520 · Boston, Ma 02212 · USA                                         The email newsletter was edited for publication here. To view the full original View this email in your browser

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Early voting ends Friday, Nov 4

Over Franklin 2700 voters cast their ballots last week, you can visit the Town Clerk's office to cast yours before Friday.

"There are a few days left for registered voters wishing to skip the Election Day trip to the polls to get early ballots cast. 

Early voting, which started for the first time in Massachusetts on Oct. 24, is ending on Nov. 4. Voters must have been registered by Oct. 19. 

Early voting can be done in person or by mail. Note that applications for early ballots must be submitted by noon on Nov. 4 and mailed ballots must be received back by the closing of the polls on Nov. 8. Voters may find the application on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161031/still-chance-to-cast-early-ballots-through-nov-4


New to Massachusetts - all registered voters may cast early ballots in biennial state elections beginning with the November 8, 2016 Presidential Election.

When? October 24th - Nov 4th

Where? Town Hall – Clerk’s Office

Early Voting Dates and Times:

• Monday Oct 24, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Tuesday Oct 25, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Wednesday Oct 26, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Thursday Oct 27, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Friday Oct 28, 8 AM – 1 PM
• Saturday Oct 29, 8 AM – 1 PM
• Monday Oct 31, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Tuesday Nov 1, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Wednesday Nov 2, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Thursday Nov 3, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Friday Nov 4, 8 AM – 1 PM

THE EXTENDED HOURS (BOLD) ARE FOR VOTING ONLY!
(During the normal office hours, all Town Clerk business can be conducted. During the extended hours, voting is the only service supported.

What is the difference between absentee voting and early voting?

• Absentee ballots are for those who will be out of town on the day of the election and can not make it to the polling place 
• Early voting is open to all registered voters but must be done at the early voting location (Town Clerk's office) 
• Absentee ballots can be applied for and sent in via mail. Early voting needs to be done in person
• Early voting ends on Nov 4th. Absentee ballots are accepted up until noon before the election  day

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/EarlyVotingWeb/EarlyVotingSearch.aspx

"the land could help expand the town's recreational offerings"

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

"Marilyn St. Fleur, a community involvement coordinator with the agency, said the session was part of an ongoing effort to learn more about Franklin. 

"We sent out a mailing with a factsheet about the property," she said. "We got a few people but we wanted more, so we thought an availability session would help." 

Officials noted that the state is now demolishing the building on the property, a process slated to end in December. That demolition, they said, will be complete before the federal agency undertakes cleanup work. After that, the agency will take samples from the property, develop a plan and seek public comment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161031/epa-visits-franklin-to-discuss-superfund-site

http://twitter.com/epanewengland

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

Player of the Week – Nicole Clermont, FHS Cross Country

For the 2nd week in a row, a Franklin High School athlete has been named the "Player of the Week" by HockomockSports.com. 

Last week sophomore Annie Walsh was named for field hockey and this week it is junior Nicole Clarmont for her win at the Hockomock Cross Country Championships.

"Franklin junior Nicole Clermont has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week for October 23rd through October 29th; the eighth player chosen for the 2016-2017 season. Clermont dominated the course at the Wrentham Development Center, winning the Hockomock League Championships for the second straight year. 

On Saturday morning, Clermont finished the 3.1-mile course in 19:06.49, besting her time from last year by over five seconds and crossing the finish line over 40 seconds before the next runner. During the dual meets, Clermont was undefeated (5-0) as Franklin clinched its second straight Kelley-Rex division title. Franklin placed fourth as a team at the league championship meet. 

“Nicole has really emerged as an elite distance runner in the state,” Franklin head coach Paul Trovato said. “This was her second straight Hockomock League Cross Country Championship and she has worked extremely hard to reach that level of success. Her work habits have become infectious as she brings out the best in her teammates and encourages them all the time.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/player-week-nicole-clermont-franklin-cross-country/

Player of the Week – Nicole Clermont, Franklin XC

“We don’t need to put each piece of produce in a separate plastic bag”

The Boston Globe MetroWest section of Sunday's paper recapped the community efforts to ban plastic bags.

"Industry lobbying may have helped block a state legislative effort to limit use of disposable shopping bags earlier this year, but local environmental advocates see victory in the growing numbers of cities and towns that banned the bag. 

At least 18 communities this year passed rules regulating or outright banning retailers from using disposable plastic bags at checkout, including Framingham, Watertown, Wellesley, Bridgewater, and Shrewsbury. 

“We’re basically living in this disposable society that was invented in the 1970s, and we have to change this,” said Ken Weiss, a Framingham man who successfully petitioned his town to adopt rules limiting plastic bags. 

Ban regulations are being considered in Boston, Springfield, Franklin, and Easthampton, while Brookline could tighten its existing bag rules, and officials are expected to enact their own in Natick."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2016/10/27/more-towns-are-tossing-out-plastic-shopping-bags/Yi7XgnNpXh1vUzK1IR4jZL/story.html?event=event25

The Franklin proposal has been assigned to the Economic Development Committee for review. The Committee does not yet have a meeting scheduled for the remainder of 2016. 

The Franklin November calendar
http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar/month/2016-11

image from the proposal presentation by the FHS students

The petition circulated in May 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/petition-to-franklin-town-council.html

The recap of the September 25, 2016 Town Council meeting where the presentation was made by the FHS students
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/town-council-recognizes-helen-huang-and.html

“In the last seven or eight years we were pretty to watch because we could move the ball"

HockomockSports Managing Editor Josh Perry provides the full write for the FHS girls soccer game on Saturday:

"Franklin faced perennial Div. 2 power Notre Dame Academy (Hingham) in the regular season finale on Saturday afternoon and it started well for the Panthers, who hit the bar and forced four saves from the NDA keeper in the opening 40 minutes, but the offense stalled after the break. 

In the second half, the Cougars had an opportunity to hand Franklin just its third loss of the season but standing in the way was Catherine Robbins. The junior keeper stopped a pair of breakaways 15 minutes into the second half that preserved another clean sheet and grabbed Franklin a point in a 0-0 draw at Pisini Field. 

“She’s been solid the whole year long,” said Franklin coach Tom Geysen of Robbins, who took over in net after the graduation of four-year starter Dani Lonati. “She’s done everything we’ve asked her to do. There isn’t anything more that she could have done than she’s already done.”

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-soccer-held-to-scoreless-draw-in-regular-season-finale/

Junior keeper Cat Robbins stopped a pair of breakaways in the second half to preserve a clean sheet and a point for Franklin against NDA. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Party with the Franklin Downtown Partnership - Nov 12

You can still buy tickets to Franklin Downtown Partnership 15-Year Anniversary Gala! Follow this link to buy tickets online (www.fdp15thanniversaryceleb.eventbrite.com) or stop into Jane's Frames or the FDP office to buy them in person. 

You can still buy tickets to the Downtown Partnership 15-Year Anniversary Gala

Tickets are available until Wednesday, November 2, at the end of the day.

Participate in a raffle of gift baskets and a silent auction of exceptional items donated by our wonderful local businesses. Dance to music by Ben Gardner's Boat, featuring Representative Jeff Roy. Fox 25 News Reporter Bob Ward will emcee the night. Enjoy heavy appetizers and pasta catered by 3 Restaurant. 

All of this happens in downtown Franklin at THE BLACK BOX!

Won't you join us? 


(Note this is being held Nov 12, 2016)
This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/10/party-with-partnership-you-can-still.html

Note: Franklin Matters is a proud member of the Partnership and will be participating in the Gala.

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