MBTA: Starting May 22: Commuter Rail Schedule Reminder

Spring 2017 Commuter Rail schedules go into effect on Monday, May 22nd. Paper schedules will be available at South Station, Back Bay, and North Station starting Monday, May 15th.

Schedules are now available online at mbta.com.

Schedule changes have been made to the Newburyport/Rockport, Haverhill, Fitchburg, Providence/Stoughton, and Worcester lines.

The Worcester Line schedule includes service to the new Boston Landing Station.

There are no schedule changes on the Lowell, Needham, Franklin, Fairmount, Middleboro/Lakeville, Kingston/Plymouth, or Greenbush lines. These schedules are only being re-printed without severe weather train designations.

Last updated: May 09 2017 11:48 AM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442457926

Sent by the MBTA.

boarding the commuter rail at Franklin/Dean Station

Digital Learning Committee and Science/STEM Presentations

The documents scheduled for presentation and discussion at the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2017.

Digital Learning Committee - 5/09/17 from Franklin Matters

Science/STEM Program and Instruction from Franklin Matters

ASMS 8th grade scientist present @ School Comm. @asmssullythehusky @franklinpsnews @franklinmatters.ma #huskypride pic.twitter.com/YF0qYot5bQ

— Sully The Husky ASMS (@sullythehusky) May 10, 2017

MassBudget: Study shines new light on performance of vocational schools

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Study Shines New Light on Performance of Vocational Schools It is no longer news that students who attend high-quality career and technical education programs in Massachusetts also perform well academically and are more likely to graduate from high school. What has remained unknown is whether the impressive outcomes in these programs are due to what takes place inside these schools or merely reflects differences in the backgrounds and motivations of students who enter the programs. A MassBudget policy brief summarizes research that sheds new light on that question. Shaun M. Dougherty at the University of Connecticut takes advantage of a natural experiment comparing virtually identical groups of students who attend vocation schools with those who don't. The careful study compares students who scored just well enough on entrance exams to attend Massachusetts' regional vocational and technical high schools with other students who scored barely under the threshold and weren't admitted due to lack of available space. Students attending the regional vocational schools show substantially higher probabilities of persisting in and graduating from high school. They are more likely to earn industry-recognized credentials. They score just as well on the MCAS as students who also applied and just missed getting in. MassBudget earlier this year examined the common features of effective career, vocational, and technical education programs: greater individualized attention, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment; partnerships with outside organizations and employers, and integration of quality academics with vocational training. This new paper presents important evidence that the schools studied are engaging students in ways that make it more likely that they will graduate and develop career specific skills and that they are doing so in ways that don't have a negative effect on academic achievement. To read the full issue brief, click here (LINK). The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

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

FHS softball tops North Attleboro 2-1

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Tuesday, May 9.

Softball = North Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

– North Attleboro freshman Bella Erti allowed just three hits but thats all the Panthers would need in a close non-league win over the Rocketeers. Big Red took the lead in the top of the fourth when Erti tripled and scored on a double by Sam Courtemanche. Franklin answered in the bottom of the fourth with a single from Olivia DiGiacomo and then a two-run home run by Clara DeCarvalho. Jackie Cherry earned the win for Franklin, striking out six. FHS head coach Kate Fallon-Comeau noted DiGiacomo made some outstanding defensive plays in right field as well.

Boys Track = Franklin @ Attleboro, 3:45
no results available

Girls Track = Franklin @ Attleboro, 3:45
no results available


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-050917/

FHS Panthers

Tri-County RVTHS to Hold Senior Project Fair on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 6:00 PM

WHAT: On Monday, May 15th the top 3 Senior Products and their creators will be shown to
Tri-County staff, student body and the general public.

Local Cable Stations will be in attendance interviewing the student presenters and recording the festivities. Members of our Advisory Committees, Co-op Employers and School Committee Representatives will also be in attendance. Q and A is encouraged and the students are more than happy to tell you all about their Project. 

Additionally, our fabulous Culinary Arts Department tantalize all with their delicious goodies. The Senior Project Committee recognizes each participant and presents them with a Certificate of Achievement. The event culminates with the awarding of the over-all 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Project. Lastly; the coveted “Student Colleague Choice Award” is revealed. It is a definite “must do” and a great event for all ages. You will leave Tri-County informed, inspired and in awe of what our students have achieved. Don’t miss out on the fun!

The Senior Project is a capstone project for all Tri-County students. Each student demonstrates the skills acquired in his/her Career Program by researching and designing a product.

Our seniors did a great job in creating products that will truly amaze you. We can't wait to tell you more about our products and our experiences here at Tri-County! We hope to see you!

WHEN: Monday, May 15, 2017, 6:00 PM
WHERE: 
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Gymnasium
147 Pond Street
Franklin, MA

new webpage header for Tri-County

Volunteers Wanted for May 20 Downtown Beautification Day

A lot of April showers are sure to bring May flowers, which is perfect timing for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club’s annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on Saturday, May 20.

Dozens of volunteers are needed this year to help plant the flowers and greenery on the downtown bridge and in barrels in front of businesses. The event will go on rain or shine.

Volunteers Wanted for May 20
Downtown Beautification Day

Community service hours are available to high school sports teams, scout groups and students needing volunteer opportunities. Contact Beautification Day Chairperson Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com to sign up.

Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up a few trays of flowers at 7 a.m. at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St.

“Special thanks to Barry Madden of Franklin Ford for his generous donation of a pickup truck for the day’s activities,” says Mason. “I’d also like to thank Melanie Hamblen of Franklin Agway for volunteering her time and truck.”

Helpers can grab their garden gloves and meet Mason at 8 a.m. in the small commuter parking lot on West Central Street near Central Pizza and Hair Mania. Work is expected to wrap up by 11 a.m., or earlier if there are more volunteers.

“Our theme this year is patriotic red, white and blue, and all the plants are drought resistant,” says Mason. “The displays will give downtown Franklin a fresh and welcoming look and be a colorful finishing touch to the streetscape project.”

The Town is planning to incorporate additional plantings on the center island later this spring to add even more visual appeal.

Beautification Day is the result of a full year of planning, growing, maintaining and improving the summer and winter displays. Local businesses generously support the ongoing project without getting their hands dirty unless they want to.

D.G. Ranieri Real Estate and Eileen Mason of RE/MAX Executive Realty are the Gold sponsors this year. Draper & Kramer Mortgage Corp., Emma’s Quilt Cupboard & Sewing Center, Middlesex Savings Bank, and Charles F. Oteri & Son Funeral Home are Silver sponsors. Auerr, Zajac & Associates, LLP, Flynn|Wirkus|Young - Attorneys, John S. Marini of Marini Construction, and Tom Fricker Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. are Bronze sponsors.

To inquire about sponsorship or learn more about the event, please contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2017/05/downtown-beautification-day-may-20.html

Tri-County Medical Careers Students Celebrate Pinning Ceremony

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School friends and family members joined Medical Careers instructors, Suzanne Dodakian, Paula Hutchinson and Anne-Marie Guanci in honoring senior students with a pinning ceremony.

Since beginning their Medical Careers program, students have received the following certifications/training:

Sophomore year: American Heart Association’s First Aid and CPR, OSHA, Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology, and the Alzheimer Association’s Dementia Care training.

Junior year: Certified Nursing Assistant.

Senior Year: Home Health Aide Training, AHA Health Care Provider CPR with AED, and some students completed First Responder Training.

The pinning ceremony honored nineteen seniors in the Medical Careers program. 
The students awarded their pins are:

• Anna Bercot of Walpole
• Katelyn Billington of North Attleborough
• Jenna Booth of North Attleborough
• Sabrina Botelho of Seekonk
• Devin Driscoll of Millis
• Hollyann Edwards of Norfolk
• Jamie Ferland of Wrentham
• Abigail Fisher of North Attleborough
• Delaney Forbes of Franklin
• Gabrielle Gagne of Seekonk
• Alyssa Gauthier of Walpole
• Brandon Isom of North Attleborough
• Tori Kehlhem of Franklin
• Britney Lizotte of North Attleborough
• Kathleen Loonie of North Attleborough
• Kelsey Morin of Franklin
• Emily Small of Wrentham
• Megan Walker-Nelson of North Attleborough
• Jacqueline Wallace of North Attleborough

Tri-County RVTHS recently celebrated our Medical Careers seniors with a Pinning Ceremony

About Tri-County RVTHS

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. For more information go to www.tri-county.us.

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting - May 9, 2017

View this email in your browser Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting Tuesday, May 9th The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 pm.  The meeting will be held at the YMCA in Franklin and all are welcome to attend.  At this meeting we will discuss the status of a variety of trail projects, including the Prospect St tunnel, proposed work on the Prospect to Lake section, and a schedule trail clean-up in June. Download this month's agenda (140 KB) Copyright © 2017 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

FHS baseball, softball, boys and girls lacrosse, and boys tennis post wins on Monday

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Monday, May 8.

Baseball = Franklin, 1 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final

A pitcher’s duel broke out at Frothingham Park on Monday afternoon between Franklin’s Jake Noviello and Oliver Ames’ Sam Burr. The difference in the game came in the fourth inning when the Panthers scored the lone run of the game. Jake Lyons’ swinging bunt forced an errant throw to first, allowing the Franklin senior to get to second. Lyons moved to third on a sacrifice bunt from sophomore Alex Haba and came home on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Hodgkins. Josh Macchi had a pair of hits for Franklin. Noviello earned the win, allowing just three hits, walking one and striking out five in a complete game effort. Burr scattered six hits without issuing a walk, striking out three in a complete game performance.

Softball = Oliver Ames, 4 @ Franklin, 8 – Final

Franklin struck for six runs over the first three innings and tacked on two more in the fifth to double up on Oliver Ames. Ally Shea paced the offense, going 4-for-4 with four RBI while Anna Balkus chipped with two hits and two stolen bases. Emily Valentino earned the win for the Panthers, striking out three. For Oliver Ames, Katie Mills had a pair of doubles and two RBI, Sarah Tetrault had a pair of hits with a run scored and Caroline Mahoney went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 10 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final

Sam Arsenault scored a hat trick and Eric Civetti and Chase Tanner each netted a pair in Franklin’s win over Oliver Ames. “OA played very well defensively, we had to work for this win,” said FHS head coach Lou Verrochi. Jonathan O’Glishen and Nitin Chaudhury each chipped in with a goal, Jacob Alexander won 14 of 16 face offs and Connor O’Rourke recorded eight saves in the cage for the Panthers.

Girls Lacrosse = Oliver Ames, 4 @ Franklin, 15 – Final

Annie Walsh registered five points while Erin Walsh, Caroline Lounsbury and Jordan Jette each recorded four points apiece to pace the Panthers past Oliver Ames. Annie Walsh scored four goals and had one assist to go along with Erin Walsh’s four goals, Lounsbury’s three goals and one assist and Jette’s four assists. FHS head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino said Grace McDermott (three draw controls, three ground balls) played well defensively. The Panthers’ offensive burst could have been higher if not for an incredible 27-save performance from OA goalie Ari Waldorf.

Boys Tennis = Oliver Ames, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final


Girls Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ Oliver Ames, 3 – Final

After splitting the first four matches, it came down to second doubles between Franklin and Oliver Ames. OA’s team of Olivia Groebe and Kristin Bloumbas prevailed in a three set thrilling, 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 to help the Tigers secure the win. Maura Kiernan (third singles) won 6-4, 6-0 and the team of Tori Wyman and Tate Hadges (first doubles) won 6-0, 6-1 for Oliver Ames’ other two points. Franklin’s Hannah Sweeney won 6-0, 6-0 at first singles and Anja Deric earned a 6-2, 6-1 win at second singles.

For the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-050817/

FHS Panthers

2017 MyFM Local Music Awards Honors Set For May 21, 2017

The stage is set for this year's MyFM Local Music Awards!  On May 21^st hundreds of local musicians, fans and local music supporters will gather at Liz's Diamond Bar and Grille in Hopedale to honor, celebrate and relish all that The Greater Milford Area Local Music Scene offers.

The doors open at 4:00pm with entertainment by JC Fusion.  The official award ceremony starts at 4:30pm featuring 10 live performances and over 30 award presentations.

2017 MyFM Local Music Awards
Honors Set For May 21, 2017

"This makes SIX years of celebrating local music in the Greater Milford Area, I couldn't be more excited" said event organizer, Ray Auger of 101.3 MyFM in Milford.  "As much as this night is for the musicians, it's just important to the fans of the local music scene and music in general.  There's so much talent here in our own backyard and I want to share it with everyone!  And we make one hell of a night with this party!  Everyone, 21 plus, is invited to attend and enjoy a night of local music at its best… and it's FREE!"

This event is designed to look and feel as if it would be a night at the Grammy Awards.  No detail is missed. There's a red carpet, VIP Lounge, SWAG, interviews, multi-camera coverage from Milford TV, must-see-fashion, laminated VIP passes for those lucky enough to be granted access to the Budweiser VIP Lounge, live performances and coveted trophies handed out throughout the night included the Stanley Cup of local music honors, The Headliner Award.  The MyFM LMAs were designed to honor the arts in style. 

"The focus on local music from MyFM has been amazing", says local musician and nominee, Todd Boisvert.  "The MyFM Local Music Award event is a spectacular celebration of what the local artists have accomplished over the past year, voted on by their fans and peers. Every year seems to get better and better."

For more details on the WMRC Local Music Awards like the Facebook page or visit WMRC Daily News.com.

WEBSITE

http://www.wmrcdailynews.com/news-category/myfm-local-music-awards

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/localmusicawards

Horace Mann Stature Unveiling - Photo Slideshow

Photos from the unveiling of the Horace Mann statue can be seen in this slideshow 




Additional photo albums created over the years featuring events and places in Franklin can be found here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/collections/72157612392942556/

In the News: the message is spread; Franklin downtown more friendly

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

"Four years after the Boston Marathon terror attack, Bill Richard continues to share his son’s message of peace and kindness. 

The attack, which took place near the finish line of the race on April 15, 2013, killed three people - including Bill’s son Martin - and injured at least 264. The attack involved two pressure cooker bombs placed on Boylston Street that detonated 12 seconds apart. 

“We were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Richard said Monday at Horace Mann Middle School. “We lost Martin, people were hurt, and hundreds of people are still dealing with their injuries today.” 

A year after the loss of his eight-year-old son, Richard created the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation Inc., to honor and preserve the memory of his son and his message to the world: “No more hurting people. Peace.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170508/franklin-bill-richard-spreads-sons-message

"Change has been a constant in Franklin’s downtown neighborhood, but its place as an active center of town life hasn’t changed. 

The area - largely defined by the triangle formed by Main, Emmons and West Central streets - boasts an MBTA commuter rail station, a museum and the town fire department, as well as a mix of restaurants, retailers and organizations. 

The downtown’s current look is no accident - it’s the product of a continuing effort to make the area more friendly for those who wish to come by and wander. The downtown transformed during a two-year overhaul - a “streetscape” project - that changed the traffic pattern on several streets from one-way to two-way, among other improvements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170507/neighborhood-series-franklins-downtown-bustles

We the People - May 10 - 7:00 PM

"Hear Ye Hear Ye" skit and multi media presentation

You might be surprised to learn that over time the Supreme Court has given constitutional protection to "non-people". 

Sponsored by Corruption of our democracy-UU Social Justice


When: Wednesday, May 10, 7:00 PM
Where: First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA

We the People - May 10 - 7:00 PM

CANCELED - Immigration Discussion with Jessica Vaughan - May 18

Jessica M. Vaughan a Franklin resident, is the Director of Policy Studies for the Center for Immigration Studies and is frequently seen on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC and NBC Boston

When: Thursday, May 18 @7:00 PM
Where: Franklin VFW, Pond St


Updated 4:00 PM 5/18/17  The event has been canceled by the hosts (the Franklin Republican Town Committee) with a statement to be available later 

Immigration Discussion with Jessica Vaughan - May 18

Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity A mixed bag of results is the best way to describe real estate activity in Norfolk County for the month of April, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. April's real estate sales fell by 8% year over year. A total of 1,248 properties were sold in April compared to 1,358 in April 2016. However, total dollar volume of real estate sales, both residential and commercial, came in at $774 million for the month, a whopping 56% increase from the same time period in 2016. "This increase was significantly impacted by a $199 million sale of the Windsor Gardens apartment complex in Norwood," noted O'Donnell. Lending activity decreased during April , in line with expectations. O'Donnell noted, "Just 1,907 mortgages were recorded in April compared to 2,636 in April 2016, a significant decrease of 28%. In addition, the total amount of borrowing for April was $999 million, a 3% reduction from the same time period in 2016. Clearly, consumers are taking into account the recent rise in interest rates when making a decision to purchase a home. Also, the lack of inventory to sell has impacted the numbers." There were also mixed results when it came to April's foreclosure activity. The bad news: the number of foreclosure deeds doubled last month to 32 compared to 16 during the same time period in 2016. Conversely, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, was 48 in contrast to 68 filings in April 2016. This drop off in filings represented a 29% decrease from the previous year. Register O'Donnell stated, "While I am concerned about the number of foreclosure deed recordings, I was heartened by the significant reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings. It is my hope that the worst of the foreclosure crisis is behind us." The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950 to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Attorney General's HomeCorps program at 617-573-3333. Norfolk County homeowners continued to take advantage of the consumer protections offered through the Homestead Act. A total of 855 Homesteads were recorded during April. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I strongly urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell. In conclusion Register O'Donnell stated, "While the economy remains on a solid footing in eastern Massachusetts, the continued low housing inventory levels are having a negative effect on Norfolk County's real estate market. Prospective homebuyers, particularly first-time homebuyers, are bidding on a limited number of properties. This results in higher sale prices. With regards to the lending market, I see a continued drop-off in lending activity, based on expected interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve through the 2017 calendar year." 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 is located at 649 High Street, 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 at 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 Reports on April 2017 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity