St Mary's Changes Grade One Education Program Location

This is an important message to inform all of our families of a change which will help to strengthen the Faith Formation of our young people. After much prayerful thought, advice, and discussion with Fr. Brian, teachers, and parents, we have decided to have our First Grade students come to class at the school building. 

Beginning September 2017 there will be no home program for Grade One (First Communion 1).

If you already have other children in our program, you will register your first grade student when you register your other children this summer, adding Baptismal information online.

New families of first grade students will have the opportunity to register online using the registration link that will be on the parish website this summer. You will also be able to add the necessary Baptismal information online.

At this time, if anyone is interested in joining our teaching team for Grade One and hopefully, Grade Two, please contact the Religious Education Office at 508-528-1450.

I hope by getting this information out to you early you will be able to make your plans for Religious Education for 2017/2018. If at any time you have questions, regarding Religious Education, please feel free to call me at 508-528-1450.

Thank you
Karen Ackles

St Mary's Parish, Franklin

In the News: Council to reconsider Summer St; State to reconsider school funding

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

"The Town Council is scheduled this week to determine if the local government will re-consider a controversial Summer Street zoning change it earlier rejected. 

On the agenda for Wednesday’s council meeting is a vote on the resubmittal of the move, which would allow for denser development on the 11-acre property at 496 Summer St. by changing it from a “rural residential I” zone to a “single-family residential VII” one. 

If a majority of the council agrees to the reconsideration, the process would restart - the change would be referred to the Planning Board for approval, and the council would have to hold a public hearing and two readings. The change would still need a two-thirds approval by the council to take effect. 

The request was submitted by property owner Bruce Hunchard, who said he was legally allowed to seek a resubmittal, and that he had followed the rules in requesting the change. He noted that the single-family residential VII zone had been on the town’s books for several years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170410/franklin-may-reconsider-zoning-move

"The state’s 24-year-old school funding formula comes up short by $1-2 billion when it comes to projecting the real cost of public education each year, according to a group of lawmakers and education experts who unveiled a new proposal Monday. 

State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, D-Jamaica Plain, is the lead sponsor of S.223, a bill that would phase in an overhaul of the current K-12 funding formula. Over the past two-dozen years, rapidly rising costs for healthcare and special education have handcuffed school systems, leaving them with little left to spend elsewhere and sometimes forcing them to make cuts to programs that directly impact student services. 

“This is not schools asking for extra funding. This is not schools being frivolous,” Chang-Diaz said. “This funding formula has eroded ... Every year, we have been asking schools to do more and more with less.” 

Dozens of state lawmakers and education leaders gathered Monday at the Statehouse to name the bill a top legislative priority."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170410/lawmakers-say-state-formula-miscalculates-education-costs-by-1-billion

REMINDER: Franklin Odd Fellows: Speaker’s Forum Series Public Talk - Apr 13

Presenters: Robin Putnam, Research and Special Projects Manager
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation

Date/Time: April 13, 2017. 6:30 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, Temporary Location
25 Kenwood Circle., Franklin, MA 02038

Agenda: 

1. Understanding Identity Theft - Manage your personal information and Safeguard your computer. Security freezes and fraud alerts. Reporting ID Theft and First Steps for Victims
2. Scams and Fraud Prevention – Work at Home Scams – Vacation and Travel Scams – Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Scams – Guidance for Businesses on Security Breaches – Fake Check Scams.
3. Credit Card Skimming Devices – How to spot and avoid them.
4. Q and A: Engage audience members in a question and answer period.

Franklin Odd Fellows

One-Night Only Fund-Raising Event For Today’s Special, Inc - April 15

ONE-NIGHT ONLY FUND-RAISING EVENT FOR TODAY’S SPECIAL, INC. AT THE BLACK BOX – SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

100% of donations go to opening our bakery!

Today’s Special, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization created by Michelle Carlucci for her son Harry, is hosting a one-night-only fund-raising event at THE BLACK BOX in Franklin, MA. Our goal is to open a small bakery in Franklin that will provide much needed jobs to people of all abilities. Opening soon, with your help!

This one-night-only event will feature a live performance by Today’s Special’s own Ted Stefan, along with the music making skills of local favorites Steve Serra (Charity Case), and brothers Craig and Jeff Bernheart. We’re hoping to also have some surprise guests join us so stay tuned! With the help of our awesome friends at everybody's favorite King Street Cafe’, Today’s Special will provide a preview of the products that will be available at our bakery and in stores throughout the Commonwealth. There will be fun people of all ages at our booth so you can grab a t-shirt and some special treats while you meet our amazing friends and volunteers. Come on out, listen to the music, and like we say . . . . eat good · feel good · do good!

One-Night Only Fund-Raising Event For
Today’s Special, Inc - April 15

Tickets are a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE $50.00 and are available at todaysspecialinc.com by clicking GET INVOLVED and then UPCOMING EVENTS. Click on the Event and buy your tickets it's that easy! A confirmation e-mail will be sent and you will be added to the guest list. 

Tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of the event. THE BLACK BOX Theater is located at 15 West Central St, in downtown Franklin, MA and offers a full cash bar. Parking is free and available next to and behind the theater. Parking is also available on Main St.

Don’t miss your chance to come together to support a great cause and a great new 501(c)(3) organization. Today’s Special, Inc. is calling on you to join the Inclusion Revolution! We’ll see you April 15th! Don’t miss it!

Thank You!

This was shared from the Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/315297955551665/

Boston Globe selects FHS' CJ Neely as Division 1 Boys Basketball Coach of the Year

The Boston Globe published their All Scholastic Awards in the Sunday edition. The key highlight for Franklin was the recognition of FHS' CJ Neely as Division 1 Coach of the Year.

CJ Neely, Franklin (Boston Globe photo)

Coaches of the Year - Boys Basketball 

Division 1: CJ Neely, Franklin

In his third year at the helm, Neely made history with the Panthers as they won the program’s first Division 1 Central title and were state finalists (22-3). The Oliver Ames and Bates alum has a 57-13 record with Franklin.

For the remainder of the Globe All Scholastic selections
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2017/04/08/boys-basketball-boston-globe-all-scholastics/okGvmjWLSDbYUe3djrNMoN/story.html#Neely

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Computer Seminar Reminder - May 11

Press Release ~ Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Computer Seminar Reminder

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminds Norfolk County residents that the Registry will host a free informational computer seminar on land records research at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street in Dedham from 4:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 11, 2016. The seminar is geared for both real estate professionals and the general public.     Register O'Donnell noted that the program will include a brief introductory presentation followed by a series of hands-on computer exercises. There will also be opportunities to ask both basic and advanced questions. Computer assisted land records are currently available both at the Registry and on the Internet at www.norfolkdeeds.org.    "These services have proven to be invaluable tools for our customers. We hope that this seminar will be both helpful and informative," said Register of Deeds Bill O'Donnell. There is no charge for the seminar, but anyone planning to attend is asked to register by calling Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or by email to agardner@norfolkdeeds.org.  Please include your name, address, email and a daytime phone number when you register. "This seminar is filling up quickly, so I urge residents to sign up as soon as possible, " noted the Register.    To learn more about this and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds.    The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. It is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County, amassing approximately a half of million land records, dating back to 1793. 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 contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org . Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Computer Seminar Reminder Thursday, May 11th ~ 4:30pm to 5:30pm email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-461-6116 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org STAY CONNECTED:

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today Norfolk County Register of Deeds - screen grab

Clean out the closet: Give used shoes for the Charity Soles 4 Souls®

Here is something that the Franklin community can get behind – Postalcenter has teamed up with a Millis high school student who is collecting used shoes for the charity Soles 4 Souls®. 

There is a Postalcenter in Franklin that will collect until Apr 30: https://www.postalcenter.com/business-and-home-office/solesforsouls.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/postalcenter.franklin/

Land Use Workshop - Thursday, April 13

Land Use Workshop 

April 13, 2017 at 6:30 PM

355 East Central Street 

Council Chambers

Topics for Workshop

• COMMUNITY APPROACH TO HOUSING and Economic Development
1. Current Growth spurt? - see attached Memo
2. Residential VII ?
3. Commercial I
4. Commercial II
5. Height of issues in Cl, C2, Downtown and RS
6. Affordable housing

• lnclusionary Zoning - for affordable/or open space?

7. Open Space Acquisition Plan?


History
Master Plan Adopted by the Town Council in 2013 

Changes as a result of the Master Plan
• Change Industrial to R 5 at the end of Dean Ave (Thompson Press)
• Allow surface parking lots as primary use in Downtown
• Clean up zone lines in the Downtown
• Rural business (was Neighborhood Commercial) - Washington Street and Spring Street
• Change R4 to RS on West Central near Beaver Street

Zoning in Master Plan not addressed to date
• C-1 issues/options/location

Recent proposed changes not included in the Master Plan
1. Residential VII East Central Street - Citizen/Developer petition
2. Storage Facility moved from CII to industrial - In process
3. Medical Marijuana - State law passed - adopted
4. Recreation Marijuana - State law passed - adopted

Thompson Press building on Dean Ave - future site of 200+ condos

The original agenda document for the Land Use Workshop




The Master Plan can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

The 5 part Special Report on the development of the Residential VII zoning proposal can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 12, 2017

The agenda and associated documents for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 12. In the first column the agenda items (where there are links) will take you to the supporting documents. 

A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes - March 22, 2017
B. Announcements	B. Announcements: This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be also recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognition	C. Proclamations/Recognition
D. Citizen Comments	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	E. Appointments - Franklin Cultural Council
F. Hearings	F. Hearings
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions: Ligislative Delegation: Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative Jeffrey Roy
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports (provided during the meeting as needed)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 17-20: Chapter 61A. Non-Exercise of First Refusal Option -Property located at 4 Mount Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-20: Majority Vote (5))	1. Resolution 17-20: Chapter 61A. Non-Exercise of First Refusal Option -Property located at 4 Mount Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-20: Majority Vote (5))
2. Resolution 17-21: Compenation Plan, FY 2018 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-21: Majority vote (5))	2. Resolution 17-21: Compensation Plan, FY 2018 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-21: Majority vote (5))
3. Resolution 17-22:Town Council Apprval of the Resubmittal of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-755: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential I to Residential VII of an Area on Summer Street ( Motion to Move Resolution 17-22: Majority vote (5))	3. Resolution 17-22:Town Council Approval of the Resubmittal of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-755: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential I to Residential VII of an Area on Summer Street ( Motion to Move Resolution 17-22: Majority vote (5))
4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Water - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Majority Roll Call vote (5))	4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Water - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Majority Roll Call vote (5))
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-788 to the Planning Board (Majority Vote (5))	5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-788 to the Planning Board (Majority Vote (5))
6. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5))	6. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5))
7. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-790 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5))	7. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-790 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5))
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT	(provided during the meeting)
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS	(provided during the meeting)
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS	(provided during the meeting)
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION	not currently scheduled
O. ADJOURN

Location of the Horace Mann statue to be unveiled May 7, 2017

FHS girls lacrosse tops Sharon 17 - 5

Girls Lacrosse

Sharon, 5 @ Franklin, 17 – Final 

– Sophomore Annie Walsh found the back of the net four times while adding one assist while Julia Jetta also recorded five points, scoring twice and setting up three more tallies to lead the Panthers. Caroline Lounsbury added four goals and Alex Field had five draws and two caused turnovers.

FHS Panthers

This was the only reported result across the Hockomock League on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-040817/

Tri-County RVTHS Students Win First Place in the SkillsUSA Chapter Community Service Competition

Three Tri-County RVTHS SkillsUSA students won first place in the SkillsUSA chapter community service competition for high school students. Merna Amaya and Rosa Martines, both of North Attleboro, and Hanna Goudreau of Medway all who are grade 11 Medical careers students created a Kindness Matters campaign for the high school. 

The students will now go on to the SkillsUSA National competition. Kindness Matters is not just another “anti-bullying” campaign. Instead, it’s a pro-kindness message that shows students the power of their words and the power of kindness.

Kindness Matters is a campaign designed to reinforce thoughtful and caring acts among students and their peers. The Tri-County team created a campaign leading an effort to inform their peers about the signs and symptoms of suicide through Kindness Matters. Mema, Rosa and Hannah created several initiatives to promote the campaign. 

(from left) Rosa Martinez, Hanna Goudreau and Merna Amaya

They created Kisses for Kindness in which students were able to send other students inspirational messages in Hershey’s kisses; a Kindness Poster Contest promoting kindness and positivity; an SOS class that was held for Sophomores to teach them about signs of suicide and depression; Room for More which helps students who have no one to sit with at lunch be paired with other students; a Coping Skills Table at the school that displayed positive coping skills; posters were hung up in bathrooms with suicide hotline telephone numbers; and they also sent out surveys to parents on measuring depression with their children.

Kindness Matters is a campaign designed to change the way people interact with each other. It is the legacy of 13 year old Peyton A. James, who took his life after years of bullying. In this world of technology and constant communication, it’s often difficult to escape the ridicule that seems to be everywhere. 

The purpose of Kindness Matters is to change the dialogue that takes place between people every day. Kindness Matters is not just about bullying because not everyone is a “bully.” However, everyone can be a little bit kinder to others. By doing that, we can change the world.

“Random acts of kindness, big and small, can make a difference in someone’s life,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “I am proud of the Tri-County students and this initiative for our school. It is our hope to inspire students to be more thoughtful and caring, knowing that one act of kindness can lead to making a difference in someone’s life.”

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting - April 11

View this email in your browser Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, April 11th The Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:00 pm at the Franklin YMCA. Topics we will discuss include a proposed DCR Partnership Grant for trail signage and preparations for the 2017 Road Race on May 6.  Also, you can register for the road race at www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race We look forward to seeing you.   Download this month's agenda (140 KB) Copyright © 2017 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038