"all very positive things about the district”

Devyn Forcina, Editor of Pantherbook, interviews Dr Sara Ahern, the Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools.

“I want everyone to know that I want to know about their experience at, and about, Franklin public schools”, says Dr. Sara Ahern, the new superintendent of Franklin Public Schools. Dr. Ahern is a passionate, caring, and enthusiastic educator who I had the pleasure of interviewing last week. In this article, you can learn more about our new superintendent.

Continue reading the article online
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2017/09/08/dr-ahern-putting-the-super-in-superintendent/

Dr Ahern answers questions during the community forum earlier this year

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 13, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, 2017

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

You can also download and review the 166 pages of documents released for this agenda
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/september_13_2017_town_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes - August 9, 2017 - (Motion to Approve August 9, 2017 Meeting Minutes - Majority vote - (5))
B. Announcements	B. Announcements - 1. 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	C. Proclamations/Recognitions - Swearing in of Firefighters
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 reivew the matter.
E. Appointments	E. Appointments
F. Hearings	F. Hearings - Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, in an Area on or Near Union, Cottage, and Saxon Streets - 7:10 pm
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions: 1. Ashadeep, Inc. d/b/a Union Street Wine & Liquors - Change in Officer/Director, Transfer of Stock - 7:10 pm 2. 99 Restaurant - Change in Officer/Director - 7:10 pm
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - Franklin 4th of July Committee
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action: 1. Resolution 17-52: Transfer of Two Town-Owned Parcels of Vacant Land to Care, Etc of the Conservation Commision (Motion to Move Resolution 17-52 - 2/3 Majority vote (6) 2. Resolution 17-53: Disolution of Horace Mann Statue Committee (Motion to Move Resolution 17-53 - Majority vote (5)) 3. Resolution 17-54: Franklin Green Community Designation (Motion to Move Resolution 17-54 - Majority vote (5)) 4. Bylaw Amendment 17-796: Chapter 63, Buildings, Numbering of - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-796 to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5)) 5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, In an Area on or Near Union, Cottage, and Saxon Streets - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5)) 6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797: Setbacks for Accessory Building and Structures - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797 to the Planning Board - Majority vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report - Update on Town Council Goals
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session	N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn

the Library renovation is nearing completion. The temporary location will close
on Sep 16 to begin the move back to 118 Main St

The Updated Franklin Candidate listing for Election Nov 7, 2017

From Teresa Burr, Franklin Town Clerk:

As of Friday, September 8, 2017 the following list of residents had taken out nomination papers for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017

Town Council – 9 Seats

• Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
• Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
• Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
• Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
• Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
• Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
• Peter E. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election
• Matthew Kelly – Candidate for Re-Election
• Eamon McCarthy-Earls
• Melanie Hamblen
• Patrick Casey
• Anthony D. Padula
• Benjamin M. Terry
• Mickey Lee Whitmore

School Committee – 7 Seats

• Anne K. Bergen – Candidate for Re-Election
• Cynthia Douglas - Candidate for Re-Election
• Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
• Mary Jane Scofield – Candidate for Re-Election
• Dr. Monica Linden
• Alexandra Porter-Marques
• Virginia (Gigi) Zub
• Dianne C. Feeley

Planning Board – 2 Seats

• Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election
• Anthony D. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election

Planning Board –Associate – 1 Seat

• Richard W. Power, Sr.

Board of Health – 1 Seat

• Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election
• Bridget Sweet

Board of Assessors – 1 Seat

• Christopher K. Feeley – Candidate for Re-Election

You can also find this listing on the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/candidates_nov_7_2017_1.pdf

Franklin Election Collection - 2017

FHS girls soccer tie Algonquin 1-1

From Hockomock Sports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS girls soccer game against Algonquin on Saturday. The only scheduled match for FHS this weekend.

Girls Soccer
Franklin, 1 vs. Algonquin, 1 – Final 

– Freshman Erin Quaile scored the goal for the Panther off an assist by sophomore Carly Alston.

For other results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-090917/

1-1 tie against Algonquin. Goal by Erin quaile. Assist by Carly Alston.

— FHSG Varsity Soccer (@fhsgvsoccer) September 9, 2017

FHS Panthers

Franklin Library closing Sep 16 to begin move back to 118 Main St

The Franklin Public Library is closing the Temporary Location (25 Kenwood Circle) on Saturday, September 16. 

The Library will be closed for approximately four weeks. If you have holds, check their status to see if the pickup location has been changed. If placing a hold, please change the pickup location to a nearby library.

Franklin Library closing Sep 16 to begin move back to 118 Main St

Acme Jazz Quartet Kicks Off New Season of Live Music at THE BLACK BOX

The Acme Jazz Quartet kicks off an exciting new season of live music at THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, on Friday, September 15 at 8 p.m. The Quartet features Kenny Hadley (drums), Mark White (guitar), Mark Poniatowski (bass) and Arnie Krakowsky (saxophone), four world-class musicians whose performance resumes include a long list of music royalty. 

A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX presents wide-ranging music entertainment, slated to include a Big Band Brunch, classical concert, cabaret performances, New England Artist Series events and more this fall. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

Drummer Kenny Hadley has performed with Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, Peter Wolf, The Drifters and Rebecca Parris. His acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 
 

Acme Jazz Quartet Kicks Off New Season of Live Music  at THE BLACK BOX

Bassist Mark Poniatowski is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. His extensive performing experience includes the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band and the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, as well as with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno and Junior Watson. 

Poniatowski’s recordings include “Mississippi Moan” with the Bruce Katz Band and “The George Carlin Show” soundtrack. Guitarist Mark White has performed with the Boston Pops under Keith Lockhart, Boston Musica Viva under Richard Pitman, and the New England Ragtime Ensemble under Gunther Schuller, as well as with the Empire Brass Quintet, George Russell, Gil Evans and Anthony Braxton, and numerous theatre engagements with touring Broadway companies. 

A Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music, Mark White has taught over 25 clinics for Berklee in Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea. Saxophonist Arnie Krakowsky has performed with Dick Johnson and the Artie Shaw Orchestra, the Lionel Hampton Band, Phil Woods, Dave McKenna, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Tony Bennett. His recordings include “Where the Tenor Meets the Bone” and “Is It Minor Yours.”

Tickets for the September 15th evening with the Acme Jazz Quartet are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Fall Registration Open at Lifelong Community Learning

Register Online Today

Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Community Learning  Formerly The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning Newsletter  Fall / Winter September 2017       SPOTLIGHT Public Safety Partnership Citizen Police Academy  Beginning September 13 Women's Self-Defense Workshop  Beginning October 16 Home Alone Safety Grades 1-5October 17 For more information  & to register  Click Here  Please share this newsletter with friends and family. So they can join our mailing list and get this newsletter, too! And Then There's This * Beginners Guide to Decorative Life Planning With Your Calendars  *Message from Spirits:  A Mediumship Experience  *Community Walking -  free and open to the public Community Walking Wellness Challenge For more information               Click Here    * * * * * * *  Lifelong Community Learning 218 Oak Street  Franklin, MA 02038 508-613-1480 LCL@franklinps.net Dear Reader ... It's Fall. Well ..... ALMOST.     So we wanted to let you know that registration is open. AND we have some new, fun offerings as well as returning programs and a whole lot more .............  Happy reading!                                         Brenda Reed, Director  Lifelong Community Learning                   Fall / Winter Catalog                    Fall / Winter Brochure                                         * * * * * * *     Dance, Exercise and Wellness Expanded  session this fall Now 14 weeks                        For more information                  and to Register Click Here                                           * * * * * * *  Kid's Corner  Where fun and learning meet  Kids' Corner Franklin, a program of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning, is a unique collection of after school activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children's creativity......a place where fun and learning meet. For more information  & to Register  Click Here Child Care Education Problems and Solutions:  Behavior Strategies for Extended Day and Child Care Providers This workshop provides extended day and other child caregivers with concrete strategies and solutions for common behavior problems. For more information  & to Register Click Here An Evening of Wine  Tasting and Art This could be the perfect class for you! Paint Your Pet In An Autumn Scene AND Help The Purrfect Cat Shelter, Too!  For more information and to Register Click Here  And   so much more Expanded Sports Schedule, Cooking, Wine Tasting, Digital Photography, Language, AND Special Events. There's so much planned for this Fall. Check us out online and take advantage of our fun, affordable classes.                   www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com         click on Lifelong Community Learning                     Proud to be part of the Franklin Public Schools.

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by reedb@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

United Regional Chamber of Commerce: Legislative Update Sponsor Opportunity

Legislative Update with Featured Speaker, Congressman Joseph Kennedy III

• September 20th
• 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
• Dean College

Sponsor the Legislative Update lunch at the following levels:

Platinum Sponsor
$2,000.00 - 1 available - Name and logo on all materials and signage for the event - Bio and company information to be put on website - 4 tickets to the event - Ad on Chamber website for 6 months

Diamond Sponsor
$1,000.00 - 2 available - All of the above excluding the story and bio on website, smaller logo and typeface, positioned below the platinum - 2 tickets to event - Ad on the Chamber website for 3 months

Gold Sponsor
$500.00 - 4 available - Above excluding the tickets - Ad on the Chamber website for 1 month

Silver Sponsor
$250.00 - Event signage only

Table Sponsor 
$100.00 - Sign on table acknowledging the sponsorship

For more information, please call the chamber office at 508-316-0861.

United Regional Chamber of Commerce: Legislative Update Sponsor Opportunity

Franklin Public Schools; Letter to Athletes and Families on School Turf Field Status

Dear Student-Athletes and Families,

We are writing to provide an informative update on the status of the high school running track and turf fields at Pisini and Beaver Pond Fields, which have been undergoing renovations.

We share your frustration and concern about the delay of the project and the impact on our student-athletes. Although a new turf field has been installed, the field can not be used until the new track is complete. Although a significant amount of time has been spent by both school and town personnel planning appropriate timelines for renovation, there has been an unforeseen delay with the subcontractor who installs the track. The work began last week and is estimated to last approximately two weeks. They can not install in the rain, and each day of rain causes a further delay.

The project’s completion date, at the moment, is estimated to be September 20th, depending on the weather. As such, we have been working to relocate the first two home football games of the season. The September 8th game versus Stoughton is scheduled for Randolph High School. The September 15th game versus Milford is scheduled to be played at Milford High School. We are also developing contingency plans should rain delay the project further, impacting the September 22nd football game. All field hockey games originally scheduled at Beaver Pond Field have been moved to the New Turf Field, which is located near the front parking lot on the high school campus. The boys and girls varsity soccer games that were originally scheduled for Pisini Field have either been rescheduled or moved to the New Turf Field as well. Many of the sub-varsity games originally scheduled on the New Turf Field have been rescheduled or moved to the new Upper Grass Field, which is located near the new baseball and softball fields on campus.

We have been receiving daily updates from our municipal colleagues; they are applying pressure on the subcontractor through a daily fine for each day that the project is delayed and we are documenting the impact of additional transportation costs and lost athletic event revenue, which we anticipate recouping from the subcontractor. We know, however, that this does little to mitigate the impact on our athletic teams. We recognize that and express our sincere regret over the situation.

We want to compliment the student-athletes and coaches for remaining positive, flexible, understanding and resourceful throughout these first few weeks of the new fall season. We will keep you informed should any new information become available.


Sincerely,

Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools 
Paul Peri, Principal, Franklin High School
Tom Angelo, Athletic Director, Franklin High School

Friday morning photo of the Pisini Field track 

Friday morning photo of Beaver St turf field

A PDF copy of the letter can be found and downloaded from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczN0dXU3dqeFdUN3VQMTFBWTVvbGpoR1FJaEtn/view?usp=sharing