Monday, February 27, 2017

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Feb 28, 2017

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which
may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed
and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent
permitted by law."

the key to learning
the key to learning

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 7, and February 14, 2017 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll (2/14 & 2/28/17) Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Social Emotional Learning Presentation – Peter Light & Debbie Dixson

3. Discussion Only Items
NEASC Site Visit – March 12 – 15, 2017

4. Action Items:
a. I recommend budget transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $900.00 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of the donations totaling $1,462.00 for the Kitanosono Scholarship.
d. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $2,023.25 from the Oak Street PCC for inhouse enrichment and field trips.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley

This was shared from the Franklin School Committee webpage
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/t20162017/SCAgenda%202-28-17.pdf

“The Adolescent Brain and the Physiology of Addiction” - Mar 16, 7:00 PM


The SAFE Coalition Community Conversation series continues on Thursday March 16th at 7:00 PM, when nationally recognized addiction expert Dr. Ruth Potee will speak on “The Adolescent Brain and the Physiology of Addiction”. The program will take place in the Franklin High School Auditorium. You can view the Milford Daily News report on the event here.

The event is being co-sponsored by the Public Schools of Franklin and Medway, Mike Morrissey and the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, the Offices of Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (10th Norfolk District) and Shawn Dooley (9th Norfolk District).

Board certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Potee is a physician with Valley Medical Group in Greenfield, providing a full scope of family medicine with special interests in women’s health, pediatrics, addiction treatment, psychiatric illness, and pain management.

Since 2013, she has co-chaired the Healthcare Solutions of the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and North Quabbin. As a school physician, she has provided training and curriculum for school nurses throughout western and central Massachusetts on adolescent substance abuse and addiction. Additionally, she is the medical director for the Franklin County House of Corrections, a position she assumed in 2014 that oversees care for 300 inmates in the county.

Dr. Potee's talk will focus on the impact of substance use on the adolescent brain and strategies parents may employ to assist their children in making healthy decisions.

Thursday, March 16th 2017

Thursday, March 16th 2017


Thursday, March 16th 2017
Franklin High School
7:00pm
Open to the public

Objectives:
  • Describe the pathways on the brain related to addiction
  • Understand the current opioid crisis and community impact
  • Understand the relationship of adverse childhood events and health outcomes such as addiction and chronic pain

Franklin Library: Gardening With Native Plants: why it matters

Gardening With Native Plants: why it matters
Event Date: Tuesday, February 28, 2017 
6:30pm to 8:00pm

Led by Claudia Thompson of Grow Native Massachusetts

Learn about the importance of native plants to local ecosystems. The talk starts with the concept of co-evolution between plants and animals, then explains how to create a healthy habitat in our own gardens and managed landscapes. In between, we discuss the differences among native, naturalized, and invasive plants, and their effects on ecological communities. 

We explore the food web that links plants to insects, to birds, wildlife, and humans — and give examples of “cool” ecosystem relationships. 

A detailed case study illustrates the conversion of an urban garden from a conventional landscape to a largely native one, and the resulting impact on birds and wildlife. By the end of the program, you will “get” why this issue is so important and understand what you can do about it.


image from http://www.grownativemass.org/
image from http://www.grownativemass.org/

Franklin Lions: Paint Party - Mar 18


The Franklin Lions will be hosting a paint party on Saturday, March 18 at Muse Paint Bar, Patriot Place, Foxboro. 

Tickets are $45 each which include food and non-alcoholic beverages. A portion of the ticket sales will be going to the Franklin Lions Scholarship Fund

Tickets must be purchased in advance at: https://events.musepaintbar.com/index.php/welcome/edit/26795


 Tickets must be purchased in advance
Tickets must be purchased in advance

Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminded homeowners who are in the midst of struggling to pay their mortgage or are facing a foreclosure that there are consumer programs available to help them out.

Register O'Donnell stated, "During the past several years, our office has partnered with reputable agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure issues. Consumers can contact either the Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 or NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 587-0950 x-46


Another option would be the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-3333. These agencies provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process to providing legal services to stave off a foreclosure as well as offering several forms of credit counseling. Additional information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org under the Support tab."

The Register also had a cautionary warning for consumers. "It's important to seek the right source for your needs such as a non-profit or state agency as cited above. Unfortunately, foreclosure rescues and mortgage modification relief are becoming a growing scam. Some unscrupulous private companies look to charge consumers outrageous prices for services and make unrealistic promises to them."

During the past few months, a statistical review showed that there has been a relative decline in foreclosures, particularly Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings - the first step in the process. "With that said," noted O'Donnell, "we realize that while Norfolk County is a destination location to both live and work, there are still some of our neighbors facing economic hardships. During the month of January, there were 30 foreclosures recorded at the Registry and 41 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings initiated against homeowners."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "The Registry is unequivocally committed to helping those facing a mortgage delinquency or foreclosure by directing them to the appropriate agency that can hopefully put them back on the road to financial recovery. I urge people who feel that they need such services to contact the agencies referenced above."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can consult the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org or contact our Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
http://www.norfolkdeeds.org
Norfolk Deeds webpage

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Mar 1, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, 2017

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

A. Approval of Minutes
February 15, 2017 Meeting Minutes
B. 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.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions(none scheduled)
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
Franklin Cultural Council
F. Hearings(none scheduled)
G. License Transactions - 7:10 PM
1. BJ's Wholesale Club - Transfer of License
2. Alumni Restaurant - Change of Beneficial Interest, Transfer of Stock
H. Presentations/Discussions(none scheduled)
I. Subcommittee Reports(updates provided during meeting as necessary)
J. Legislation for Action
1. Resolution 17-08: Amendment to the 2017 Town council Meeting Schedule (Motion to Move Resolution 17-08: Majority vote - (5))
2. FY 2017 Capital Plan
3. Resolution 17-09: Appropriation Purchase of Fire Truck Replacement - Engine #3 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-09: 2/3 vote (6))
4. Resolution 17-10: Appropriation Capital FY 17 (Motion to Move REsolution 17-10: Majority vote (5))
5. Resolution 17-11: Appropriation Water Enterprise Capital FY 17 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-11: Majority vote (5))
6. Resolution 17-12: Appropriation Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 17(Motion to Move Resolution 17-12: Majority vote (5))
7. Resolution 17-13: Salary Schedule Full-Time Elected Officials (Motion to Move Resolution 17-13: Majority vote (5))
8. Resolution 17-14: Transfer from Water Enterprise and Rescing Borrowing Authority (Resolution No. 14-16 Appropriation Funding Sources) (Motion to Move Resolution 17-14: Majority vote (5))
9. Resolution 17-15: Supplementation of Prior Resolutions of the Town Authorizing Borrowing to Allow for the Application of Premium(s) Received to Project Costs (Motion to Move Resolution 17-15: Majority vote (5))
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-786: Storage Facility Bylaw - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw 16-786 - Roll Call - 2/3 Majority vote (6))
K. Town Administrator's Report(updates provided during meeting)
L. Future Agenda Items(updates provied as necessary)
M. Council Comments(updates provided during meeting)
N. Executive Session(not scheduled)
O. Adjourn
You can also find this agenda on the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/town-council-meeting-agenda-3

The single PDF for the agenda and associated document can be found

sunrise in Franklin Friday morning overlooking the Country Club from Russet Hill Road
sunrise in Franklin Friday morning overlooking the Country Club from Russet Hill Road

FHS Boys Basketball playoff first game - Thu, Mar 2



D1 Central

#1 Franklin (18-2) will host the winner of #8 Natick (13-7)/#9 Acton-Boxboro (12-10) on Thursday, March 2nd at 7:00.


https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-boys-basketball-playoff-seeds-matchups-2017/
FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School for "SHREK THE MUSICAL"

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce upcoming performances of SHREK THE MUSICAL to be held at the Horace Mann Middle School located at 224 Oak Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Performances will be held on Friday, March 3rd from 7–9:30 PM and Saturday, March 4th from 2–4:30 PM. The public is invited and welcomed to attend the show! Tickets are priced at $17 for adults and $13 senior citizens and children under ten. Tickets will be sold at the door or an order form will be available for download at www.bfccps.org.

"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek...." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek. SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on the hit Dreamworks movie and promises fun for the whole family. 
Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School  for "SHREK THE MUSICAL"
Join the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter
Public School  for "SHREK THE MUSICAL"

The production is under the co-direction of BFCCPS’s Fine and Performing Arts Director Mr. Christopher Heater and vocal teacher Mr. Scott Bryant, with a cast comprised of 31 students in grades Six through Eight. The cast is supported by a live orchestra and a dedicated 20 member backstage student crew.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has been in operation since 1995 and provides a well-rounded, rigorous academic program designed to educate the whole child. BFCCPS’s educational philosophy, which is centered around strong core academic subjects, as well as yearlong courses in art, music, languages, technology, and physical education, integrated character education and community service, and strong parent partnerships, has led to local, state and national recognition.

If you’d like learn more about the educational mission of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School please contact the school’s Marketing Coordinator, Joanne Basile, at jbasile@bfccps.org or 508-541-3434 x140.

Anglican Church of the Redeemer invitation to join them for the season of Lent

Father Dan Sylvia and all the people of Redeemer invite you to come and worship with us on
Sundays at 10 a.m. Children’s Church is offered most Sundays during the service. We especially invite you to join us for the season of Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday on March 1 and leads into Holy week with Easter Sunday on April 16. 

Anglican Church of the Redeemer is located at Moseley Mill, 31 Hayward Street in Franklin, MA. A time of fellowship and refreshments follow the service.

We seek to be a faithful Christian community where the joy of knowing Jesus spills out into
our families, our relationships with others where we live, work and go to school. Worship,
Sunday school, small groups, opportunities for prayer and community service are offered for
all. 

You don’t have to be a believing Christian; if you are a “seeker,” please come and seek
God with us. There is ample parking and the church is accessible to all. The Church of the
Redeemer is a parish of the Anglican Diocese in New England of the Anglican Church in North America.

Questions? You can us at 508-346-3423, email office@redeemeranglicanchurch.org or on the web at www.redeemerfranklin.com

Anglican Church of the Redeemer is located at Moseley Mill, 31 Hayward Street in Franklin, MA
Anglican Church of the Redeemer is located at Moseley Mill, 31 Hayward Street in Franklin, MA

Franklin Lions: Clothing and Shoe Drive

Clothing and Shoe Drive

Franklin Lions will be collecting used clothing including shirts, pants, dresses, ties, belts, hats, coats and shoes. Household items include sheets and blankets

When: Now till March 17th

Where: Email the Franklin Lions to arrange pick up. Drop off locations coming soon!

Contact: franklinmalions@gmail.com

http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/
http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/

John Fernandes = 2017 Butch Moore “You Touched Upon My Life” Award

My FM Media is proud to announce that John Fernandes of Milford has been selected as the recipient of the 2017 Butch Moore “You Touched Upon My Life” Award.

Butch Moore was a local singing legend that toured throughout Ireland, Europe, and the United States initially with The Capitol Showband and later with his wife Maeve as the famed singing duo Butch and Maeve. His signature song “You Touched Upon My Life” spoke volumes about a man that had touched the lives of so many around him with his music, his smile, his generosity, and his big heart. With Butch’s passing away in early 2001 WMRC-First Class Radio created this award in his honor.

John Fernandes, the former Milford Democratic Representative, spent 10 years in the Legislature before deciding not to seek a sixth term in the House this past November. Fernandes was first elected in 2006, but continued working at his law firm, something that he still does today. In his last session, Fernandes was elevated to House chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which allowed him to work on issues such as foreclosure and opioid abuse. Before joining the House, Fernandes served on the Milford Board of Selectman, Milford School Committee and school committee for the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Suffolk Law School.

Past recipients include Kevin Meehan, and (the late) Billy Hood, Linda Varney, Judge Francis and Virginia Larkin, Senator Richard T. Moore, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, Tony and Virginia Brenna, Chris Morcone, Gina Oliva-Tarolli, Tom McGovern, Paul Surapine, the Kimball Family, the Ellis Family, Justine Brewer, and Frank & Wendy Saba, and Tony Khoury.

The official award presentation for John Fernandes will take place at the My FM---Milford Area Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Business After Hours on Thursday March 16th. The event will be held at Scioli’s Pizza Bar on Route 140 in Milford starting at 5PM.

For additional information contact My FM at (508) 473-1490, or to reserve tickets for the event contact The Milford Area Chamber of Commerce at (508) 473-6700.

http://myfmmedia.com/
http://myfmmedia.com/

Saturday, February 25, 2017

"Flexibility is really important"

From the Milford Daily News, an article on the Senior Center Open House scheduled for Sunday, Feb 26 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a good time to see the newly renovated second floor and other improvements to this important facility for Franklin's community.

"The newly renovated second floor of the Franklin Senior Center is under wraps for the time being, with yellow tape barring visitors from using the elevator or walking up the stairs. 
This secrecy will come to an end Sunday, with a grand opening celebration set to introduce seniors (and others who may be interested) to the new space in the building. 
The town first approved the $1 million in 2015, as a response to increased demand for the center's services. The center had been built eight years ago with an unfinished second floor, to allow room for future expansion. 
Senior Center Director Karen Alves said the current secrecy is intended to preserve the space's "wow" factor when it is unveiled this weekend. The finished second floor adds more space allowing for more programs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170224/franklin-renovated-senior-center-open-house-set-for-sunday





Photos from the Senior Center open house held on Nov 11, 2007:



Senior Center


Photos from the open house can also be found deep in the archives of Nov 2007 beginning with this post: http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/11/senior-center-entrance-area.html

"this is something we can continue to work on and that over time we will see gradual declines"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"For the sixth year in a row, the number of people killed by opioids in Massachusetts continued to climb in in 2016 as state and local public health officials grappled with the growing epidemic. 
There were at least 1,465 opioid overdose deaths last year, with 469 to 562 additional deaths also believed to be opioid-related, according to recently released data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. 
In total, opioids likely killed around 1,979 people least year, up from an estimated 1,751 deaths in 2015 and an estimated 1,379 deaths in 2014. Fatalities have increased every year since 2010, when there were 532 opioid-related deaths."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170224/opioids-bay-state-overdose-deaths-rose-again-in-2016

The MA Dept of Health report can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/newsroom/press-releases/dph/latest-quarterly-report-on-opioid-od-deaths.html

The Franklin Police Dept publish the Franklin statistics
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/opioidoverdose-tracking

reported overdoses and deaths in Franklin from 2014-2016
reported overdoses and deaths in Franklin from 2014-2016
The SAFE Coalition has a support hotline to call for help (in an emergency call 911)


For Help call SAFE Resource Support line – 508-488-8105
For Help call SAFE Resource Support line – 508-488-8105

Stacey Peasley! - Saturday, Feb 25, 10:30 AM


"Dance, jump, and sing along to the infectious music of Stacey Peasley! Stacey Peasley has performed before audiences and been a professional singer for over twenty years. Lately her audiences are a bit shorter but no less enthusiastic. A teacher for ten years, Stacey is thrilled to combine her love of children and music into a lively act that engages kids and creates memorable and fun sing-along songs!"
Stacey Peasley! - Saturday, Feb 25, 10:30 AM
Stacey Peasley! - Saturday, Feb 25, 10:30 AM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/02/stacey-peasley-saturday-february-25th.html

For more about Stacey visit her webpage  http://www.staceypeasley.com/

"the chemicals pose a serious risk of harm to honey bees and other pollinators"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"A type of pesticide many beekeepers blame for mass bee die-offs would come under tighter regulation under a bill filed in the Massachusetts legislature in January. 
"I believe this is a responsible attempt to limit the amount of these pesticides in the environment, while recognizing the need to use these chemicals responsibly in agriculture," said state Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, the bill's main sponsor. "When they're used judiciously and properly, we can mitigate the impact on pollinators." 
Over the past decade, pesticides containing a classification of chemicals called neonicotinoids have come under mounting suspicion by beekeepers, who have reported high death rates among their honeybees. Nationally, annual honey bee losses have averaged around 30 percent over the past 10 years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170224/lawmakers-considering-pesticide-restrictions-to-limit-bee-die-offs


And from December 2016, some may recall this post:


via Ed Szymanski
"Collapse", the Chronicle show about honey bees (yes, I'm in it) will be re-aired this Friday night, Ch. 5, 7:30 PM. 
It's a great show talking about the troubles bees face and what is being done. 
Not just saying that because I'm part of it."

screen grab of the Chronicle intro
screen grab of the Chronicle intro

If you are out and about on Friday, here are links to view the video segments from the WCVB 5 archives

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-why-are-the.../41786964

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-theyll-take.../41787238


http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-make-your.../41787062   (Ed is in this one!)

http://www.wcvb.com/.../chronicle-eat-candy-save.../41787050



screen grab of bees from the Chronicle show
screen grab of bees from the Chronicle show

For more about Neonicotinoids  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neonicotinoid

And "Beyond Pesticides"  http://www.beyondpesticides.org/programs/bee-protective-pollinators-and-pesticides/chemicals-implicated

For more about Ed  http://www.pchman.com/

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, March 1st


LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Wednesday, March 1st ! 

Let's Laugh Today in Franklin is on Wednesday, March 1st (and every first Wednesday of the month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Laughter Yoga is a fun and healthy combination of laughter exercises, yoga breathing and gentle stretching. It's a great stress buster with real health benefits. Join them for an hour of laughs, fun and finish with a restful cool down meditation. 


a great stress buster with real health benefits
a great stress buster with real health benefits
Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family.  Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating.  


Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

See www.letslaughtoday.com for opportunities to laugh in other towns. Want to learn how to bring more laughter into your personal and professional life? Looking for a second income? Attend a weekend on March 11th and 12th in Walpole for this lifetime certification in laughter yoga. E-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com


Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating
Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating

Let's Laugh Today because Seven Days Without Laughing Makes One WEAK!
Let's Laugh Today because Seven Days Without Laughing Makes One WEAK!

The vision of Laughter Yoga is to achieve Health, Joy and World Peace through Laughter!