Downtown Partnership: April General Meeting (Apr 6), Networking Luncheon (Apr 11)

A few reminders

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Next FDP General Meeting is April 6  Members and non-members alike are invited to our next General Meeting, which will be Thursday, April 6 at 8:30 a.m. in the Dean College Campus Center, Golder Room* *Please note: The Golder Room is located on the second floor of the Campus Center. Signs will direct you to the meeting location.  The meeting agenda will be posted soon on the FDP website. Next Networking Luncheon Join us Tuesday, April 11 for the next FDP Networking Luncheon.  These informal networking opportunities take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dean College Dining Center, first floor of the Campus Center.  A delicious lunch and excellent conversation all for the low, low price of $6.55!  RSVP to Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu, or Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com.  Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: Ahern contract is near; school budget funding not sustainable

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

"The School Committee is in the midst of negotiations with its pick for superintendent, with officials hoping to see progress in the next couple of weeks. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley said the committee's preferred candidate, Holliston Assistant Superintendent Sara Ahern, had accepted the offer to succeed Maureen Sabolinski, who is retiring at the end of the school year. 

The committee, O'Malley said, must now negotiate a contract with Ahern and conduct a background check on her. 

"We expect no trouble with either," he said, adding that he expected a signed contract in the next week or so, or within the next few weeks at the latest. "We're fortunate to have someone as capable as Dr. Ahern."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170328/franklin-superintendent-contract-deal-expected-soon

"The town's schools presented a $60.2 million proposed fiscal year 2018 budget to the public Tuesday night, though officials said the revolving funds used to balance it are being depleted. 

The proposal represents an increase of $1.8 million - or 3 percent - over the 2017 budget. District officials cited healthcare costs and special education transportation as among the items that drove the budget higher. 

Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said the budget would have the district maintain level services, and did not include a reduction in staff. She said some elementary school staff might be moved around, depending on enrollment figures. 

District Finance Director Miriam Goodman said salaries and healthcare costs account for about 86 percent of the proposed budget. The town is expected to receive about $28 million - around 47 percent of the proposed amount - through Chapter 70 state aid. In the proposal, schools would spend $6.3 million from district revolving funds."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170328/franklin-schools-propose-60-million-budget

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - March 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

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 28, 2017, March 15, 2017 and March 17, 2017 School Committee Meetings.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
1. Nicolas Gnaman
2. Alexander Chitarra
Correspondence: Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FY18 Budget Hearing

3. Discussion Only Items

• Grant Procedures Manual
• 2017-2018 School Committee Schedule – Draft
• School Choice

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend adoption of the 2017-2018 School Committee Schedule as discussed.
c. I recommend adoption of the Grant Procedures Manual as discussed.
d. I recommend that the district not participate in school choice for the 2017-2018 school year as discussed.
e. I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe to take music students to Boston from 3/9-3/11/17 for the MA All State Music Festival as detailed. (pre-approved remotely 7-0)
f. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $1,560.00 for the Robert Lima Scholarship.
g. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1,265.80 from the Oak Street PCC for inhouse enrichment.
h. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $300.00 from Columbia Gas of MA as a Teacher Appreciation Award for Sarah Murphy (Gr. 4) to be used for supplemental classroom supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Digital Federal Credit Union for the Robert Lima and Keiichi Kitanosono scholarships.
j. I recommend acceptance of checks totaling $2,245.00 from the JF Kennedy PCC for field trips as detailed.
k. I recommend approval for the recurring field trip for 8th graders to Providence Place Mall on April 13, 2017 as detailed.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,819.68 from the Jefferson PCC for Field Trips.
m.I recommend acceptance of a check for $220.00 from Franklin Music Parents for inhouse enrichment as detailed.
n. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $801.75 from the Parmenter PCC for Field Trips.
o. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip for Keller 5th Grade students to travel to Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI on May 5, 2017
as detailed.
p. I recommend approval of the request for FHS cheerleaders to travel to Rochester, NY for Platinum Nationals Competition from April 8-10, 2017 as detailed.

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

a. Budget Sub Committee – Dr. O’Malley 

b. Community Relations – Ms. Schultz

School Committee Liaison Reports

a. PCC Liaison – Dr. Bergen 

b. SWAC Liaison – Mrs. Douglas

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

7. Executive Session
a. Contractual Negotiations

8. Motion to Adjourn
– Dr. O’Malley

Franklin Public Schools FY 2018 Proposed Budget from Franklin Matters

Franklin Almanac - Episode 4

The 4th episode of Franklin Almanac is available for viewing. It is broadcast on the local cable channels daily (M-F) at noon and 7:00 PM. You can also view the episode via the YouTube link provided here.

The four stories covered in this episode of Almanac 

• Relay for Life
• Empty Bowls Club
• Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite Blood Drives
• 40% Club and women's empowerment

For additional info on these stories

• Relay for Life
• Empty Bowls Club
• Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite Blood Drives
• 40% Club and women's empowerment

For a complete schedule of what is broadcast on Franklin TV, check the program guide  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

“Art Makes The Heart Spring" - Apr 22-23

Franklin Art Association’s Annual Gala Art Show and Sale takes place 

• Saturday, April 22, noon - 8 PM 
• Sunday, April 23, noon - 4 PM

at Black Box Theater, 15 West Central Street, Franklin. 

 “Art Makes The Heart Spring" features a display and sale of judged inclusive fine art, scholarship raffle, small works, art bin pieces. Plus popular attractions such as "Peoples Choice Award" and "Clothesline” of unframed, 8x10, original art. 

There also will be area of art from FHS art students. 

Event is free, open to the public, parking. Come and enjoy live music with wine and cheese during Saturday’s 4-7 PM reception, refreshments throughout the show.

“Art Makes The Heart Spring" - Apr 22-23

Genealogical Club Meeting - March 30th - 6:30pm

The Genealogical Club will meet at the Franklin Historical Museum on Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 PM. The agenda includes Italian genealogy research with guest speaker Mary Tedesco.

Genealogical Club Meeting - March 30th - 6:30pm

Franklin Historical Museum

In the News: water ban bylaw reviewed; stuff animals donated to Fire Dept

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

"The Town Council is considering changes to its water ban bylaw, though the new proposal drew sharp criticism from some members. 

The council discussed the matter at its March 22 meeting, with Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting saying the new language would codify the town's current practices. The proposed changes explain more fully the uses of water that would be affected by a ban, create an official "state of water conservation" designation and discuss how the public will be informed of a ban. 

Nutting said that despite discussion at an earlier council meeting, bans would not include private well owners. The new language, he said, did require that private well owners who water their lawns have signs to indicate they have wells, in order to make enforcement easier."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170327/franklin-considers-water-ban-law

"On a recent rainy day, Chloe Zajac and Harriet Chalk arrived at the Franklin Fire Department's headquarters with a special delivery packed inside a plastic laundry basket. 

Armloads of plush animals of all shapes and sizes were piled into the basket, with arms, legs, tails and snouts poking out here and there - a mound of pink, purple, gray, brown, white and yellow cheerfulness. 

Chloe, 7, and Harriet, 8, said they had gotten all of the love and comfort out of the animals they needed, and wanted to share it with others. So they decided to donate them to the fire department, to be given out to children in situations that call for such objects of consolation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170327/youngsters-donate-stuffed-animals-to-franklin-fire-dept

MBTA: Franklin Line notice on parking at Norwood Central; elevator at South Station

Franklin Line notice: Parking availability may be limited at the southern section of the Lenox Street parking lot at Norwood Central Station from Wednesday, March 29, through Tuesday, April 4.

Due to a bridge replacement project on Guild Street, parking availability may be limited at the southern section of the Lenox Street parking lot at Norwood Central Station from Wednesday, March 29, through Tuesday, April 4. Availability will meet demand as some spaces in the southern edge of the lot will be used to support the bridge replacement efforts.

Affected stops:
Norwood Central

Last updated: Mar 27 2017 06:34 PM

Norwood Central in 2010 (By John Phelan - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10599575)

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The South Station Concourse Elevator, which operates to/from the Commuter Rail and Red Line/Silver Line levels, will be out of service through Friday, March 31, due to modernization.

During this scheduled outage, please utilize South Station Elevator 926 (located on Atlantic Ave) for access to the Red Line and Silver Line.


http://mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/?ttype=elevator&advistory=true&route=Elevator

Finance Committee starts the detailed budget hearings Wednesday, March 29

The FY 2018 budget cycle is underway. A portion of the capital budget was already authorized. The balance is being held up to see how much of the 'free cash' is left after the winter storms do their thing with the snow/ice budget.

As of the recent Town Council, the FY 2017 budgeted amount was already close to what was actually spent for this winter thus far.

The School budget is reviewed at the School Committee meeting Tuesday and then formally presented to the Finance Committee on Wednesday. The remainder of the budget items on Wednesday's agenda are the 'smaller' department items covering Town Council, Town Administration, etc. (see the listing below).

For any resident, watching the Finance Committee review each department for the FY 2018 budget is the best way to find out what is going on, how Franklin operates, and what the drivers are for each department budget. You used to be able to get this insight at the Town Council budget hearings but with the changes they have made over the past several years, that effort is pretty much perfunctory and a waste of time (albeit officially needed).



FY 2018 Budget Presentation:

• School 300

• Council 111 A-1
• Town Admin 123 A-2
• Fin Comm 131 A-4
• Comptroller 135 A-6
• T/C 147 A-14
• Legal 151 A-22
• Human Services 152 A-24
• Central Services 196 A-50
• Animal Control 292 B-43
• Historical 691 F-11
• Memorial Day 692 F-13
• Cultural Council 695 F-14

Finance Committee photo from ToF webpage

The working draft of the FY 2018 has not yet been posted to the Town of Franklin page. Or if it has, it is not on the Town Administrator, Comptroller or Finance Committee pages. For reference you can review the FY 2017 budget
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_budget_17_0.pdf

and the Five Year fiscal forecast (last updated Jan 2016)
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/five_year_fiscal_forecast_fy17-fy21.pdf

Franklin Garden Club: "Pruning 101" - April 4

“Pruning 101” will be the featured program at the April 4 meeting of the Franklin Garden Club. The meeting will take place at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member of the Garden Club.

Featured speaker will be Gretel Anspach, a Master Gardener, who will discuss pruning methods that result in new growth and healthy plants, bushes and trees. She will also discuss the science behind when, how and why to prune woody plants. 

Participants will learn how to make the best use of their money by making good choices about which plants can be pruned by a home gardener and which require the services of a professional.

The Franklin Garden Club, a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, offers educational programs, maintains the garden at the Franklin Common, provides an annual scholarship to a high school graduate, and helps elementary students celebrate Arbor Day.

Franklin Garden Club

You can follow the Garden Club on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Garden-Club-Massachusetts/305256026231649

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is providing a friendly reminder to consumers that you don't have to spend time and money to drive to the Registry to view land records since they are available online via the Registry's internet-based document research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "Consumers can see up to 6,000,000 scanned land document images dating back to the founding of Norfolk County in 1793. These documents are available via our internet-based document research system. We are bringing the Registry records into people's homes and businesses. "Providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information, coupled with our on-site customer service center, is critical to our success at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," said Register O'Donnell. Elaborating on the Registry's research capabilities, O'Donnell said, "Land record information can be researched by multiple options, including the name of the property owner and property address. Consumers can access our internet-based document research system for many endeavors such as, to determine property ownership, to research land titles, to review land plans (only plans which are recorded at the Registry) and finally to confirm that documents affecting a person's property - such as mortgage discharges - have been duly recorded." The Registry's website also provides information on how to obtain copies of land documents. The Registry copy charges are $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry. Norfolk County residents and businesses deserve a Registry of Deeds that provides them with access to land record information in an easily accessible and consumer friendly manner. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org does that by bringing the Registry records into your homes and businesses." 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/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research

In the News: Ahern coming to Franklin

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin: The Wayland School Committee superintendent search contains this nugget. 

"Other than Unobskey, the two remaining candidates are Patricia Kinsella, assistant superintendent in Lincoln, and Joyce Edwards, assistant superintendent in Franklin. A fourth finalist, Sara Ahern, withdrew from consideration to accept another position. 

The School Committee is scheduled to meet again on Sunday morning at 9:30 at the Wayland Public Safety Building for further deliberations and a potential vote.

The details (background check and contract) are likely still being worked out before a formal announcement is made by the Franklin School Committee but this is a good sign that the choice by Sara of which position to take has been made.

Continue reading the article on the Wayland Superintendent search online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170326/committee-interviews-last-wayland-school-chief-finalist

future Franklin School Superintendent Sara Ahern

Attention Residents of Franklin - - 2017 Annual Census Forms - Dog Registration Reminder

You should have received your 2017 Annual Street Listing Census Form in the mail. The Annual census form must be signed and returned to the Town Clerk’s Office within 10 days of receipt. 

Residents are reminded that census forms need to be returned even when no changes are necessary to their census information. 

In accordance with MGL Ch 51, Sec 4c, failure to respond to the annual census shall result in removal from the active voting list and may result in removal from the voter registration rolls. 

If you have not returned your form, please do ASAP. If you did not receive a Census Form, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office. 

Those who did return your forms, Thank you very much!!

2017 Dog Registration

All dog owners must register their dogs annually. Registration runs from Jan. 1st to April 1st.

Dogs not licensed by April 1st are considered unlicensed and late fees will apply.

If residents have any questions regarding dog licensing, Please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or contact the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 or via email at townclerk@franklin.ma.us

Thank you,

Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk

Attention Residents of Franklin - - 2017 Annual Census Forms - Dog Registration Reminder

ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC MEETING FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS TO THE MASTER PLAN CHARLES RIVER NATURAL VALLEY STORAGE AREA

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, is updating the existing Master Plan at its Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area flood risk reduction project. The project is located along parts of the Charles River and its tributaries in eastern Massachusetts, and is an element of the Thames River Basin comprehensive flood risk reduction plan. As shown on the attached map, the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area is located in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties.

The purpose of the study is to assess natural resources of the project, determine regional needs and public desires, and develop an overall land and water management plan for the project.

The Master Plan draft proposal can be viewed at the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area website: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Flood-Risk­-Management/Massachusetts/Charles-River-NVS/

A public meeting to discuss proposed updates to the Master Plan and to provide public officials and concerned individuals the opportunity to give input to the process will be held beginning at 5 pm. on April 19, 2017. The meeting will be held at the Town of Millis Public Library, 961 Main Street, Millis, Massachusetts. If you are unable to attend the meeting, information or assistance in updating this Master Plan can be provided through the Project Manager, Joseph Zanca, at (978) 318-8419, by email at: joseph.l.zanca@usace.army.mil or at the following address:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District West Hill Dam,  WFD and CRNVSA 

Attn: Joseph Zanca, Project Manager

518 East Hartford Ave. 

Uxbridge, MA 01569

All comments must be received by close of business on Thursday, June 15, 2017.

the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area is located in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties

What does Neighbor Brigade do?

Franklin has a Neighbor Brigade chapter that is active and successfully helping neighbors in times of need.

What does Neighbor Brigade do? The new Public Service Announcement video helps to explain.








The Franklin Chapter was also featured in the Franklin Almanac, episode 3
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/franklin-almanac-episode-3.html

For more about the Franklin Chapter visit their page

Broadway In Franklin! - March 26 - 3:00 PM

Click to view this email in a browser

Click Here to Purchase Tickets

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Franklin Performing Arts Company PO Box 48 15 West Central Street Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

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One Book, One Community Book Discussion - March 28, 6:30 PM

The goal of the Franklin Public Library's One Book, One Community program is to help build a better sense of fellowship through a shared reading experience.

The results are in!

With 42% of the vote, Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance is our 2017 One Book, One Community read.

Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

Background info links

The Amazon link for the book can be found here
https://www.amazon.com/Hillbilly-Elegy-Memoir-Family-Culture/dp/0062300547

The authors Twitter page  https://twitter.com/JDVance1

The authors website can be found here
https://www.harpercollins.com/cr-123194/j-d-vance

The wikipedia page for the book
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillbilly_Elegy

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/01/one-book-one-community-2017-title.html

Some of this info was shared from the Town of Franklin page and the Franklin Library page