MBTA Commuter Rail: Cold Weather Preparations

With bitter cold temperatures expected throughout the region, Keolis Commuter Services is making preparations now to ensure normal operations for the MBTA Commuter Rail system over the next few days.

“Our number one goal is to operate every MBTA commuter rail train on time, every day, for the more than 127,000 passengers who rely on a well-functioning, safe and reliable system,” said Ernest C. Piper, Chief Mechanical Officer for Keolis. “Our riders deserve nothing less – even in the face of extreme cold and other winter weather – and that is what we are relentlessly focused on.”

Specific steps being taken to prepare for extreme cold include the following:

• Patrolling all lines and inspecting the rails for signs of weakness, which can occur during times of extreme temperature fluctuations 
• Pre-treating platforms, walkways and stairs at stations and facilities with salt and sand to prevent icy conditions from developing in case of precipitation. 
• Activating heaters on switches to ensure they are fully operational 
• Making de-icers and bagged sand available in control cars and at select stations to use as needed 
• Checking equipment and parts, such as air hoses and air reservoirs, to safeguard against moisture infiltrating the locomotive air systems 
• Ensuring continuous fueling and re-fueling of locomotives 
• Conducting ongoing safety audits at all facilities to catch any potential impacts on mechanical service, and to ensure that all train doors remain closed.

To reduce the risk of impact to the locomotive fleet, and the ability to operate the commuter rail in extreme cold weather, Keolis will also keep all trains in idling mode overnight from just before midnight on Thursday until regular service begins on Friday morning, and again from Friday night to Saturday morning. The extreme cold temperatures, coupled with high winds, can put certain systems within the locomotive, such as radiators and toilet lines, at risk for freezing, and can cause damage to piping, hoses, and the locomotive engine itself.

Residents living in close proximity to commuter rail layover locations may experience some extra noise on Thursday and Friday night. Local officials have been notified of these plans.

“While we recognize that this represents a temporary inconvenience for local residents, it is absolutely necessary to support continuous operation of the commuter rail system in the face of extreme weather,” said Piper.

Passengers will be alerted about the forecasted cold temperatures, with suggestions that they dress warmly, use caution on platforms and when boarding trains, and if there are any delays expected as a result of cold-related speed restrictions. Passengers and local residents are encouraged urged to contact Keolis Customer Service with any questions or concerns:

Email: customerservice@keoliscs.com 
Phone: Keolis Commuter Services customer service call center operates from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., weekdays and 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM weekends and holiday. 
Contact us at (617) 222-3200 (Deaf or Hard of hearing TTY 617-222-5146) 
Twitter: @MBTA_CR

Franklin Dean Station in light snow

Franklin Public Schools: yes, school on Friday, Dec 16

To Parent/Guardians/Faculty and Staff:

We have had a few inquiries about the status of school on Friday, December 16, 2016 due to excessively cold temperatures. We anticipate school being open at the regular time. We have consulted with facilities personnel and our transportation provider and we do not anticipate any concerns with the heat in schools or our busses. However, if we experience an HVAC/power problem or our busses are running late it may necessitate a status change at a specific school.

In the interest of safety, we have directed principals to open school doors early. We do not want students waiting outside of any school in these frigid temperatures. Additionally, our bus drivers have been directed to pick up any students who are normally walkers. If the parent of a walker cannot drive a child to school please feel free to use the bus that runs near your home. Bus stops can be found on district web site (Click on Departments-/Scroll down to Transportation -Click on 2016-2017 Bus Routes). This accommodation is only in effect on Friday 12/16.

If the impact of weather changes, we will communicate and respond as quickly as possible. 

For Your Information:

• Plan to start cars early to warm up
• Make sure students are wearing coats, hats and gloves/mittens while standing at bus stop
• Wear layers of clothing
• Note that Crossing Guards will be on duty. However, they will be permitted to park cars near crosswalks so they can stay warm and be safe - they will watch for students and cross them safely.

Thank you and stay warm. 

Respectfully,
Maureen Sabolinski

cold morning on the triangle downtown Franklin

The full memo can also be found here:

S.A.F.E. presents Resource Manual to First Providers

Representatives of S.A.F.E. Coalition’s Board of Directors and Advisory Council met with area police and fire department personnel on December 2 at the Wrentham Public Safety Facility to distribute the First Edition of the Resource Booklet “WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts.” 

“WHAT DO WE DO NOW?: Navigating
The Substance Abuse System in Massachusetts.”

Police from Franklin, Medway, Walpole, Plainville, Wrentham, Foxboro, Millis Police Departments and Massachusetts State Police as well as Franklin and Wrentham Fire Departments were present. 

Guests and members of the S.A.F.E. Coalition were introduced by Michelle Kelley (Clerk-Magistrate of the Wrentham Court and Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council) and including Steve Spiewakowski (S.A.F.E. Board member; Wrentham Court Probation Officer), Leslie Hazeldine (Assistant Clerk-Magistrate and Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council), Rep. Shawn Dooley (Member, S.A.F.E. Advisory Council) and Jordan Warnick (Secretary, S.A.F.E. Board of Directors).

Both Michelle Kelley and Steve Spiewakowski explained that the manual was developed by S.A.F.E. volunteers in consultation with area first responders and with the express intent of having them distributed by first responders to loved ones when they are called to the scene of a non-fatal opioid overdose. 

These easy to understand manuals contain a wealth of information on the many complicated and often confusing aspects of the Substance Abuse treatment system in Massachusetts, as well as resources for families and individuals affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The goal is to assist loved ones in more easily navigating and understanding the signs of abuse and the steps taken in treatment, as well as ongoing support for all. It is expected that Resource Manual would be updated based on feedback from first responders.

“The need for these resource booklets is immense as the addiction crises continues unabated. These booklets will serve as an invaluable resource for those personally battling the disease of addiction and their loved ones as they navigate the sometimes-complex system of treatment services that are available in our area and throughout the Commonwealth. 

It answers many of the common questions people ask regarding addiction, but more importantly it provides treatment options, resources and contacts to obtain additional information and assistance. The SAFE Coalition has provided a much needed and tremendous resource to the communities it serves."

Chief T.J. Lynch, Franklin

L to R: Dr. Jordan Warnick, Walpole Chief of Police John Carmichael, Trooper Kevin Collins, State Representative Shawn Dooley,  Walpole Officer Billy Madden, Stephen Spiewakowski, Franklin Officer John Maloney

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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.

Additional info can be found at http://safecoalitionma.com/

Victories all around for the FHS hockey teams, swim teams and wrestling

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 2 – Final

– Juniors Luke Downie and Brendan O’Rielly each scored a pair of goals while classmate Jeremy Miller scored once. O’Reilly and senior James Kilroe each recorded two assists as the Panthers opened the season with a win.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 6 vs. Leominster/St. Bernards, 3 – Final

– Sophomore Reagan Paterson netted a hat trick to pace the Panthers in their first game of the season. Junior Jackie Connelly added two goals and an assist while Maddie Hinkley scored once.

Wrestling = Sharon, 15 @ Franklin, 52 – Final

– Franklin’s Jordan Carlucci, Brian Farrell, Ian Bakalars, Dylan Maclean, Ed Cropper, Seamus Cogavin, Myles Polito, Kyler Colella, Jack Coughlin, and Brian Perry all won for the Panthers.

Swimming - Boys = North Attleboro, 70 @ Franklin, 86 – Final

Swimming - Girls = North Attleboro, 80 @ Franklin, 85 – Final

– Junior Ashley Loomis was a double event winner, taking first in both the 200 and 500 freestyle. Franklin swept the 100 freestyle with senior Helen Huang taking first, senior Leah Benoit coming in second and junior Audrey Finn finishing third.

FHS Panthers

From HockomockSports, all the results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-121416/

FHS Hockey preview; Jeremy Miller one of the "Players to Watch"

Hockomock Sports has published the preview for the Kelly-Rex Division for hockey The Franklin preview has been shared here. Follow the link at the bottom of the summary to find out about the other teams in each of the Hockomock League divisions.

Franklin High School made it all the way to #1 last season. Where will they end up this season?

2015-16 Record: 18-4-5 (8-0-2)
2015-16 Finish: Won the Div. 1 State Championship
Head Coach: Chris Spillane

"After being the first Hockomock League team selected for the prestigious Super 8 tournament in 2014-15 and then graduating 21 players, Franklin was supposed to need a year to rebuild, but the Panthers showed just how strong their program is by bringing home the Div. 1 state championship in a dramatic double overtime thriller against St. Mary’s at the TD Garden. It was the program’s first state title at any level since 1983. 

The Panthers graduated another large class of 13 seniors from last year’s champions and lost promising freshman defenseman Kevin Mackay who transferred to Dexter. Still, expectations remain as high as ever for the Panthers, who have won four straight league titles. Much of that excitement comes from the potential in the offensive zone with Franklin returning last year’s title game hero Luke Downie, leading goal scorer Jeremy Miller, and Brendan O’Reilly and the top line of seniors Joey Blasie, Adam Assad, and James Kilroe. Sophomores Matt Holmes and Zach Falvey will add depth to the offense. 

Defense is where the Panthers will have some new faces, although seniors Tom Sicchio and Stan Carter will add some experience to the back line. Juniors Jack McGrath and Connor Norton will make the jump up from the JV team to add to the defensive lines and freshman Collin Opet will also see playing time on the defense as well. For the third season in a row, Franklin will have a new No. 1 goalie with senior Cam Benham and junior Owen Ginley will battle it out for the starting spot. 

“For the Panthers to be successful this year it will be a result of a team defense concept,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane. “The offense will take care of itself, we will be focusing on strong play in our zone.”

For the preview on other Kelly-Rex Division teams
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-2017-kelley-rex-hockey-preview/

For the preview on the Davenport Division
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-2017-davenport-hockey-preview/

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JEREMY MILLER, FRANKLIN

The junior forward is coming off a season in which he led the Panthers in scoring as a sophomore, helping Franklin complete an unbeaten league campaign, clinching another Kelley-Rex division title, and also making history as part of the Div. 1 state championship team. 

He had a team-high 15 goals and 20 points last season. This winter, Miller comes in with even more expectations, as Franklin continues to make itself a program to watch statewide and building its resume with tough non-league games, such as a rematch of the state title game against St. Mary’s. 

Miller will have a lot of help up front as the Panthers return a core of forwards, including Adam Assad and state title game hero Luke Downie, but Miller remains the lynchpin with his combination of speed and strength. He has no problem battling for a puck against the boards and can break free with his skating ability in open ice.

For other "Players to Watch" around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-hockey-players-to-watch-2016-2017/

MassBudget: In 16 Charts: Higher Education Funding in Massachusetts

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. In 16 Charts: Higher Education Funding in Massachusetts  Our Commonwealth's public colleges and universities are increasingly important for Massachusetts' economy and its residents. The majority of our state's public high school students who go on to college attend a public college or university in Massachusetts. And students attending public campuses are significantly more likely than those attending private ones to live and work in Massachusetts after graduation, contributing to our communities and our economy over the long-term. At a time when expanding access to higher education is more important than ever for our economy - and for our people - the costs of attending public college have been rising substantially. More students in Massachusetts are taking out loans to pay for public college and university in the state, and they are going deeper into debt to do so: inflation-adjusted debt for students taking out loans in Massachusetts has gone up from an average of $19,000 in 2001 to $29,000 in 2014 -- an increase of 55 percent. Why this sharp increase in student debt? In 16 Charts: Higher Education Funding in Massachusetts points to reduced state funding for our community colleges, state universities and UMass campuses as a primary cause. As state support has decreased, campuses have turned to tuition and fee increases to make up much of the difference, shifting the cost onto students and their families.   Other key findings from the paper: Massachusetts cut support for public higher education by 14 percent since FY 2001, after adjusting for inflation. As state funding declined, enrollment increased, meaning that per student funding decreased by even more: a 31 percent cut since FY 2001. Massachusetts ranks 30th nationwide in capital spending per student between FY 2001 and FY 2015. See all 16 charts and read the full paper. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today Massachusetts cut state scholarship funding by 31 percent

Hockomock League basketball players to watch

Hockomock Sports has published the "Players to Watch" for the Hockomock League boys and girls basketball teams. The Franklin representatives are shared here. Follow the link at the bottom of each summary to find out about the other players to watch around the Hockomock League. 

CONNOR PETERSON, JUNIOR – FRANKLIN

Like we said earlier, there aren’t a ton of true “big men” in the league or region, but Franklin junior Connor Peterson is definitely one of them. Standing at 6’5, Peterson is a matchup nightmare for almost every team that the Panthers play. Whether it be on offense, defense or just simply rebounding, Peterson is tough prevent from succeeding in the post. When Peterson gets going, he’s very tough to stop and he has the ability to change the momentum in a game with a dunk. He attracts a lot of attention on the inside, which can open things up for a lot for his teammates. The Panthers have had a lot of success moving the ball around and finding an open man and the attention Peterson draws is a big reason for that.

for other boys basketball players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-basketball-players-to-watch-2016-2017/

CARLI KOFFINKE, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

FHS Panthers

The senior shooting guard, who is in her third season on the varsity team, will be asked to take on more responsibility for the Panthers this season with the graduation of leading scorers Lauren Rudolph and Aubrie Kutil. Koffinke has shown the ability to be a dangerous threat for Franklin from beyond the arc but she can also take the ball off the dribble to make things happen going to the basket. As she develops on the defensive end, Koffinke can guard several positions and is a solid rebounder, particularly on the offensive end of the floor, and she will be another ball-handler to help new point guard Margaux Welsh against opponents that like to press high up the court. As one of five seniors on the Franklin roster, Koffinke will have to provide leadership on both ends of the floor but has the potential for a breakout season and could help the Panthers make another trip to the tournament.

for other girls basketball players to watch
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-girls-basketball-players-to-watch-2016-2017/