Thursday, January 26, 2017

Franklin Library: Patron Appreciation Day

Patron Appreciation Day at the Franklin Library on Friday, January 27. 

Music by Jamie Barrett at 3:30 PM.






http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/patron-appreciation-day

https://twitter.com/JamieBarrettGTR/status/824010493975285760

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/01/patron-appreciation-day-friday-january.html


License your Dog today. New easy online registration!

ViewPoint Cloud is the vendor whose software is being used by the Town of Franklin for their online dog licenses and future expansion to include other online transactions. ViewPoint published this article on their company blog about the work they are doing with Franklin.

"Franklin’s vision for customer-service means rising to meet the expectations of residents in a digital age. While staff at the counters are friendly and knowledgeable, Town Hall is only open from 8am-4pm. To Hellen, providing better government services looks a lot more like what you’d expect from Google or Amazon. 
“The world’s operating in a global, 24/7 environment, and people are conducting business at all hours of the day. My hope is in the very short-term we can transition our little place in the world, Franklin, MA, into a 24/7 storefront. We want people to expect that out of government, and we want to deliver on it. When someone says, ‘oh shoot I need to license my dog and today’s the deadline,’ we want that service to be a Google search away. We want to be a one stop shop for people’s questions and services,” explains Hellen. 
With this idea in mind, Hellen and other department heads agreed that updating their permitting system was an important step in providing citizens with greater access to government services.

Continue reading the article online
http://viewpointcloud.com/blog/case-studies/franklin-ma-changes-paradigm-government-service-epermitting/


License your Dog today. New easy online registration!
https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

License your Dog today. New easy online registration!
License your Dog today. New easy online registration!

FHS wrestling dominates Mansfield, boys hockey tops Foxboro



"On Wednesday, the Panthers were recognized for their impressive season, which includes only one dual meet defeat to Marshwood (Maine) in a tournament in Merrimack, N.H. over the weekend.
 
Mass Wrestling named Franklin the top team in the state, across all divisions, and the Panthers went out on Wednesday night against Mansfield in the James Albertini Gym and showed why they are so highly regarded. 
Franklin won the opening eight weight classes of the dual meet, four of them by pin and another by tech, and lost only two of the 14 matches on its way to a comprehensive 59-8 team victory. With King Philip losing to Oliver Ames in another of Wednesday’s dual meets, the Panthers also clinched at least a share of the league title with one dual meet remaining. 
“I told the kids that we have a target on our backs,” said Franklin coach Carmine Collace about the message before the meet against the Hornets. “Teams are going to come out and wrestle us hard and they’ve got to step up. If they want to remain the No. 1 team in the state, then you’ve got to wrestle tough and they did.”

Continue reading the wrestling recap by Josh Perry online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-wrestling-dominates-at-mansfield-clinches-share-of-title/

Additional photos from the wrestling match can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Winter-201617/Mansfield-Franklin-Wrestling-1/

Ian Bakalars won his match at 113 pounds by pin, as Franklin rolled to a big win over Mansfield and clinched a share of the Kelley-Rex dual meet title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Ian Bakalars won his match at 113 pounds by pin, as Franklin rolled to a big win over Mansfield and clinched a share of the Kelley-Rex dual meet title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 6 @ Foxboro, 0 – Final

Girls Hockey = King Philip, 5 @ Franklin, 0 – Final

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-012517/


Via the Twitterverse


















MassBudget: Tools to understand the MA state budget proposals



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.


Tools for Understanding State Budget Proposals 

Tomorrow the Governor will kick off state budget season by releasing a detailed Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget proposal. The Governor's proposal begins an important process of determining what we as a Commonwealth hope to do together through our government, and detailing how we will pay for those things. Key subsequent steps in the process:
  • In April, the House will debate and approve its FY 2018 budget proposal.
  • In May, the Senate does the same.
  • In June, a joint House/Senate conference committee reconciles differences between these two budgets.
  • The final budget plan, which requires the Governor's signature, will ideally be completed by July 1st, the beginning of FY 2018.
Since the state budget is often the most important policy document of the year, our team at MassBudget works hard to produce the following resources to helping you stay informed and engaged in the public debate. We hope you find them useful!

Budget Monitors
Shortly after each major budget release, we produce a written Budget Monitor that analyzes major proposals across a range of key areas (e.g. education, transportation, health care, revenue). As soon as they're written, we send Monitors out to our email list and post them on our website. Here is our 
FY 2018 Budget Preview, which lays out major fiscal challenges entering the upcoming fiscal year. And here is a link to our Budget Resources page which includes our Monitors from previous fiscal years.

 
Budget Browser 
Our Budget Browser, which we will update shortly after release of the Governor's FY 2018 spending proposals, is a user-friendly online tool where you can track all state spending back to FY 2001. You can drill down to individual programs (called line items) or look at clusters of programs that support similar activities (e.g. Child Welfare). You can adjust for inflation so that comparisons over time make sense, and you can generate your own tables and graphs.

Each line item of the Browser has a "Proposals" tab, where you can compare each of the FY 2018 proposals as they are released.
Please go here to learn more about the Budget Browser.

 
Children's Budget and Jobs and Workforce Budget
These two web tools are similar to the Budget Browser in that they track state funding for programs in these areas--state programs related to children and state programs that support jobs and workforce training. But they go an important step further by also including written program descriptions and links to other useful resources for more detail. These tools are also updated during the budget season.

                 
   
We also have resources on our website that look specifically at Massachusetts taxes. Among these resources, we recently published a paper that looks at special interest tax breaks which cost the state $1 billion in 2017, and another that looks at the economic effects of tax reforms that would generate revenue to invest in education and transportation.     
                                             
Finally, do not hesitate to reach out directly to any of our analysts, who are the true experts behind each of these great resources. You'll find contact information and their respective research areas on our website's staff page.

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
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Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Reminder: Franklin Art Association - Meeting - Feb 1

Adam O’Day
Adam O’Day
The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 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 Adam O’Day, a contemporary multimedia artist working from studios in Abington and Medford.

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

Multimedia Painting, Hadley Street by Adam O'Day
Multimedia Painting, Hadley Street by Adam O'Day


"some in the Legislature want to see the law curtailed"

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

"Voters on Election Day chose to legalize recreational marijuana by a seven-point majority. But now the ultimate fate of the vote is in the Legislature's hands. 
Given some of the bills filed by the deadline last Friday, it could change dramatically. 
Over the next two years, legislators will have the option of signing into law more than 30 bills related to legal pot. The proposals range wildly, from repealing the law entirely to expunging every offense related to the drug. 
Fifteen bills filed by state Sen. Jason Lewis dominated the news cycle on the Friday filing deadline. But the breadth of proposals introduced for this next legislative session suggest that the law voters ratified and the one we end up following could be very different."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170125/medical-marijuana-changes-could-be-coming

Sunrise Montessori School: Preschool & Kindergarten Open House

Preschool & Kindergarten Open House
Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 11am to 1pm
Sunrise Montessori School
31 Hayward St.
Franklin

Free event. The public is welcome to learn about our Montessori preschool and kindergarten programs.

Website: www.MySunriseMontessori.com

Contact: Karen Roeber, Director at 508-541-8010 or Director@MySunriseMontessori.com

Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 11am to 1pm
Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 11am to 1pm

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Entertainment choices for Franklin this weekend - Jan 28-29, 2017

There are several entertainment choices for Franklin this weekend:


Franklin cultural arts choices for the weekend of Jan 28-29, 2017
Franklin cultural arts choices for the weekend of Jan 28-29, 2017


Related posts on the individual performances can be found here


  • Electric Youth
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/electric-youth-2017-debuts-two-shows-at.html


  • Peter Mulvey/Pamela Means
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/circle-of-friends-peter-mulvey-january.html


  • Sara Guber/Cameron Stowe
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/livearts-concert-update-gruber-and.html


  • Irina Fainkichen/ Irina Kotlyar
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/captivating-artists-performing-romantic.html


FHS Girls basketball wins



Boys Basketball = Franklin, 42 @ Canton, 46 – Final
– Canton held Franklin to its lowest scoring output of the season, limiting the Panthers to 30 points to three quarters. The Bulldogs trailed 30-26 heading into the final frame before winning the fourth 20-12. It marks Canton’s first win over Franklin in over a decade. “Beating a team like Franklin is a tall order,” Canton head coach Ryan Gordy said. “We needed to execute and play with mental toughness every possession. We grew up as a team tonight.” Canton junior Tony Harris scored a game-high 15 points and hauled in six rebounds while sophomore Devin Foster had 12 points and four rebounds.


Girls Basketball = Canton, 30 @ Franklin, 54 – Final
– Franklin had three players reach double figures in a double-digit win over visiting Canton. Carli Koffinke led all scorers with a game-high 16 points while Ali Brigham and Bea Bondhus each chipped in with 10 points in the win. Canton sophomore Julia Hamilton scored a team-high 11 points for the Bulldogs.


Gymnastics = Franklin, 121.6 @ Oliver Ames, 136.15 – Final


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-012417/


via the Twitterverse

via @CoachMacCreery  https://twitter.com/CoachMacCreery/status/824052361169670144
via @CoachMacCreery  https://twitter.com/CoachMacCreery/status/824052361169670144




















10 Brick Wall Tips for Genealogists

Everyone needs a little help and encouragement to jump-start the research, especially on hard-to-solve cases. Marian will present 10 brick wall tips that will help every genealogist look at their research challenges in a fresh way. 
This presentation, by Marian Pierre-Louis of Fieldstone Historic Research, will bring you the momentum you need to get your family history research back on track.

During the library building project, the Franklin Public Library Genealogy Club will meet at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.

When: Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 6:30 PM

Franklin Historical Museum on a sunny day
Franklin Historical Museum on a sunny day

For additional info about the Historical Museum

For additional info about the Franklin Library

For additional info about the Genealogy Club

"We just want people to know that everything's open for business"


"Though the busy season at the Franklin State Forest has passed, state officials are reminding area residents that the property remains open during the winter. 
The state Department of Conservation and Recreation put out a notice this month to promote the winter recreational use of the 843-acre forest. Park Supervisor William "Tom" Ashton said that there are many ways that locals make use of the land, even after snow has fallen. 
"During the wintertime, there are activities like snowshoeing and hiking," he said, adding that cross-country skiing and fat tire snow biking are other options. "We want to let people know that, 'Hey, we're still here - we have a beautiful park with a lot of wonderful scenery.'" 
The notice highlights the forest's pine trees as being especially scenic when they are blanketed in new snow."

Continue reading the article online
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170116/franklin-state-forest-remains-open

  • The park hiking map

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/parks/trails/franklin.pdf

My wife and I took a walk on a recent Sunday. We started from the SNETT and then took a side trail into the State Forest to pick up the old logging trail in the forest that ended up at the water tower. It was a good walk.


winter forest land
winter forest land

look up once in a while, quite a view
look up once in a while, quite a view

old logging road
old logging road

remnants of trees come in odd shapes
remnants of trees come in odd shapes

and yes, in New England forests you will find stone walls
and yes, in New England forests you will find stone walls



In the News: superintendent search forum; heroin arrests made

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The school district has scheduled a public forum with its superintendent candidates as it continues its search for a new leader. 
The event - scheduled to take place at the Franklin Municipal Building on Monday, Jan. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - will give participants a chance to meet the finalists: Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch and Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka. 
Each of the candidates, according to the district, will be available for 30 minutes to answer questions and listen to comments from the public. 
"Hopefully, we'll get productive feedback from that event," said School Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170124/franklin-public-to-meet-schools-chief-hopefuls

Vice Chair Anne Bergen, Chair Kevin O'Malley and Denise Schultz at the School Committee meeting Tuesday
Vice Chair Anne Bergen, Chair Kevin O'Malley and Denise Schultz at the School Committee meeting Tuesday


"Three men were arraigned in Wrentham District Court Tuesday on heroin distribution charges stemming from a Monday night arrest in Franklin. 
Johan Olea, 27, of 128 Empire St., Lynn, pleaded not guilty to charges of distributing a class A drug, conspiracy to violate drug law, driving with a suspended license and being present where heroin is kept. He had a $250 cash bail imposed on him by Judge Emogene Johnson Smith. 
Jugeily Luciano-Mateo, 30, of 285 Rathbun St., Woonsocket, Rhode Island, pleaded not guilty to distributing a class A drug and conspiracy to violate drug law. He was held without bail on a separate charge of being a fugitive from justice on a court warrant. 
Sterlin Almanzar, 26, of Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded not guilty to charges of distributing a class A drug, conspiracy to violate drug law and being present where heroin is kept. He was released on personal recognizance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170124/franklin-three-charged-with-heroin-distribution

Reminder - What not to flush!

Franklin DPW posted this reminder to Facebook!





swiffers that have clogged up sewer pumping stations
swiffers that have clogged up sewer pumping stations

For additional info on what not to flush!
http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/help-us-keep-our-sewer-system-running-smoothly-learn-what-not-flush

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Real Time Reporting: Action items through Closing


3. Discussion Only Items
none

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

b. I recommend approval of the FHS Program of Study as presented.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1.060.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,991.58 from O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. for supplemental supplies at Keller Elementary School.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

e. I recommend approval of the request for Parmenter & JFK Chorus students to travel to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI for a concert.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

f. I recommend approval of the request for FHS Music students to travel to Washington, D.C. for a music festival on April 19 through April 22, 2018 as detailed.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0



5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
family science night March 16, student run evening of STEM, etc. open to families of K-8 students (6:00 -8:00 PM at FHS)

piloting a peer coaching program, team of teachers did a walk through of elementary schools, and saw the value of seeing peer to peer evaluation around instruction

how do you take proficient teachers and move them to exemplary? have provided coaches for struggling teachers before, this extends that effort

educator round table with teachers from around the district
a lack of resources doesn't stop the innovation within the district that doesn't cost anything


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

  • a. Superintendent Search
    • reminder, Jan 30th Superintendent forum, 3 candidates
    • looking for community input
  • b. Community Engagement
    • another edition of newsletter coming
    • coffee scheduled for Feb 1 at Franklin TV at 7:00 PM
    • looking to get the School Committee website to be easier to use, will bring update ideas to the budget sub-committee for discussion
  • budget sub-committee
    • reports from the rest of the committee, what are the goals for the next budget; due for the next School Committee workshop meeting 1/31/17 (3rd floor training room); create priority blueprint for school district implementation
    • meeting with the Town budget subcommittee on Feb 1, 5:30 PM (RM 205) discussion on the capital recommendations, Feb 14 to go before FinCom, and then before the Town Council  (TBD)

motion to adjourn

Real Time Reporting: FHS Athletics update

Tuned into the School Committee late. Time enough to catch the update on FHS athletics by new athletic Director Tom Angelo.

2. Guests/Presentations
b. FHS Athletics Update – Tom Angelo




6 basketball teams: varsity, junior varsity and freshman each for boys and girls.


moving many items to online, including online ticket sales

big Twitter user (as you have seen as I have shared)

"Franklin is lucky to have 3 turf fields"

gym floor being re-done during the summer, there were issues with the original install this is being done by the builder at no cost to Franklin

Turf Fields being replaced as part of the Town facilities planning, they have been putting funds aside for several years in anticipation of the replacements.






will have need for additional coaches to help manage the proper numbers (athletes to coach ratio)

there are non-cut sports during most seasons



https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/824045257390260227
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/824045257390260227


http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_23.html


Real TIme Reporting: FHS Update; Program of Studies

(sharing the doc that I would have shared earlier had I not been late)

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Update / Program of Study / Alumni Survey – Paul Peri and Bill Klement


https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/824051052345487361
https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/824051052345487361








Full agenda for the School Committee meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_23.html