Monday, December 5, 2016

S.A.F.E. Coalition Members presents Certificate of Appreciation to Franklin Resident Sam Pfeiffer for his Fundraising Efforts

Sam Pfeiffer, an 8th grade student at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), raised $280 for the S.A.F.E. Coalition as part of his Capstone project. The project aimed to help educate middle school students at his school about the ongoing opioid crisis, and raise funds to support those affected by Substance Use Disorder in the greater Franklin area. 

Sam raised the money by organizing two separate events: a popsicle sale at BFCCPS in the spring and a lemonade stand sale at the school's annual back-to-school picnic, during which he handed out brochures and other supporting information provided by the S.A.F.E. Coalition to help increase awareness in the community.

The presentation was made November 22, 2016 during the S.A.F.E. Coalition Meeting at the Franklin Municipal Building. 

Shown in the picture are S.A.F.E. Board of Directors members Megan Lazarek (Member), Jennifer Knight (Vice President), Jim Derick (President), Sam Pfeiffer, Jordan Warnick (Secretary) and Steve Spiewakowski (Member)
Shown in the picture are S.A.F.E. Board of Directors members Megan Lazarek (Member), Jennifer Knight (Vice President), Jim Derick (President), Sam Pfeiffer, Jordan Warnick (Secretary) and Steve Spiewakowski (Member)

In acknowledging the enormous action on Sam's part Jim Derick (President) said: 
  • 'If there were more Sam's involved, we would be able to bring the crisis under control…’ and … 'it brings in a new generation into the fight [sic against Substance Use Disorder].'
  • 'It [sic, these funds alone] will support S.A.F.E. phone services for more than a year.’
Sam also received a letter of congratulations from Rep. Jeff Roy, who could not be present.

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.

For further information about the S.A.F.E. Coalition of MA please visit us on the Web (http://safecoalitionma.com) of on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/)

Did you hear about photos with Santa?

Did you hear about photos with Santa?
"Come and have your picture taken with Santa!
Santa Claus himself will be here at the Police Department from 9am-1pm. 
We will be collecting toys for our annual toy drive, so please bring in a new unwrapped gift. Thank you!"

You can follow the event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/858818804253532/


Franklin Police Dept event photo on Facebook
Franklin Police Dept event photo on Facebook
Franklin Police Station - post Halloween
Franklin Police Station - post Halloween

Boston school starting times

In the Saturday edition of the Boston Globe:
"Boston school officials have decided against changing the start times for elementary, middle, and K-8 schools for next fall, saying they need more time to conduct an analysis and consult with the community, officials announced Friday night. 
“There are no plans at this time to make changes to start and end times for the upcoming school year as it’s important that we take the time to work with the entire school community through this process,” the School Department said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/02/boston-puts-brakes-changing-school-start-times-least-for-now/DFxNyhH5zCj3n27a4Xv1ZO/story.html

This is a follow up to an earlier story
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/01/boston-considers-changing-school-start-times-save-busing-costs/hkB7hYljDz8eh561bGzuYO/story.html


Boston has three times for bus routes; 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30. They were looking to save money by switch some of the school star times so that more busses could run the three time slots. More planning and communication is needed before making any change.


Percent Franklin Voter Turnout 2003 - 2016 (updated with official results from Nov 8, 2016)

The "official" results from the November 8th were posted to the Town of Franklin webpage and as I updated my chart with the final numbers, I also realized that i had left out a key election in the last chart. I'll attribute that to a version control issue, I had updated an earlier version rather than the proper version. 

Here is the most recent chart with the percent Franklin voter turnout for elections from 2003 - 2016.

percent Franklin voter turnout for elections from 2003 - 2016
percent Franklin voter turnout for elections from 2003 - 2016 (color coded by election)

  • The official results from Nov 8 were posted to the Town of Franklin page here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/copy_of_official_results_state_election_nov_8_2016.pdf


  • The prior posting in November can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/franklin-voter-turnout-from-2003-2016.html



Registration is now open for the 2017 Winter Session

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Registration is now open for the 2017 winter session at The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning, 9 E. Central St., 218 Oak St, Franklin. 
This winter participants can exercise, dance and paint, or play sports — badminton, basketball and volleyball. They can also enjoy food and wine demonstrations and tastings and explore the Italian language. 
Classes in digital photography and financial planning will be offered. 
The Kids’ Corner program will also expand. This program is a unique collection of afterschool activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children’s creativity. Children can explore art, cooking, science and yoga."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161204/registration-open-for-adult-ed-classes


  • To view the catalog online 

http://cms5.revize.com/revize/franklinlifelong/Winter%20for%20print%20brochure%2011%2015%20final%20no%20links.pdf

Community Entrance at Franklin High School, also to the Lifelong Learning offices
Community Entrance at Franklin High School, also to the Lifelong Learning offices


Sunday, December 4, 2016

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 7, 2016

The agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 7, 2016. This was shared from the Town of Franklin website. The links in most cases go directly to the supporting documents. 

Agenda ItemSummary


A. Approval of MinutesA. November 16, 2016 Minutes
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Town Council Announcements
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Swearing in of Police Officers
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(No appointments listed)
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing - 7:10 pm
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Public Hearing - 7:10 pm
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Franklin Advisory Committee
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS(made during the meeting)
1. Resolution 16-58: Request for Legislation
Exempting all positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Law
2. Resolution 16-67: Classification Tax Allocation - Residential Factor
3. Resolution 16-68: Classification Tax Allocation - Open Space Exemption
4. Resolution 16-69: Classification Tax Allocation - Small Business Exemption
5. Resolution 16-70: Classification Tax Allocation - Residential Property Exemption
6. Resolution 16-71: 2017 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
7. Resolution 16-72: Legal Notices
8. Resolution 16-73: Acceptance of Grant of Utility (Drainage) Easement on Property at 9 Macintosh Street
9. Resolution 16-74: Declaration as surplus and available for Disposition (Ground Leasing) and Authorization Therefor of a Portion of Town-owned land off Forge Hill
10. Memo to Capital Budget Subcommittee
10.1 Resolution 16-76: Appropriation - Technology - Google Applications
11. Resolution 16-77: Appropriation - Turf Field Design and Development
12. Resolution 16-78: Appropriation - Technology - E Permitting
13. Resolution 16-79: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging
14. Bylaw Amendment 16-778: Chapter 160, Taxpayers, Delinquent - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 16-778 to a 2nd Reading (majority))
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT(made during the meeting)
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS(made during the meeting)
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS(made during the meeting)
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION(placeholder - may not be required)
O. Adjourn
meeting adjourns



Franklin's Town Common
Franklin's Town Common



Hand-grown/Hand-made Craft Fair - December 10

"There will be a hand-grown/hand-made craft fair with all local farmers and vendors from Franklin and a few surrounding towns. 

It will be held on the second story of An Unlikely Story Bookstore in Plainville next Saturday, December 10 from 10am to 3pm."


Hand-grown/Hand-made Craft Fair - December 10
Hand-grown/Hand-made Craft Fair - December 10

Note: organized by a Franklin couple who submitted this for posting