Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Live reporting: School Committee - Budgeting Workshop - Oct 10, 2017

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the School Committee budgeting workshop held in the 3rd floor training room on Tuesday, Oct 10, 2017.

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.




Franklin neighborhood recently on a foggy morning


Important Message from the Superintendent

Dear FPS Families,

Earlier today, High School Principal, Paul Peri, sent the following message about an incident at the high school to FHS parents.  For transparency, we would like to share it with the entire Franklin Schools community.

Regards,
Sara E. Ahern
Superintendent of Schools


Good Afternoon-

This email is to share information with the community about an incident that occurred at FHS at approximately 10:10 this morning. All students and staff are safe, and while the incident is concerning enough that we want to make you aware of it, there was never any danger to students or staff.

A parent came into the office to share a text message she received from her child saying that he/she overheard another student talking about something occurring in the cafeteria at 12:15 and that students should get under their tables.

FHS administration in conjunction with law enforcement began an immediate investigation into the incident with input from central office.

The investigation will continue and at this time we are able to share the following:

  • The student was promptly identified, met with administration, police, and was removed from the building.
  • It was determined that there was no immediate danger to FHS students or staff, and that there were no weapons present at Franklin High School.  Due to the fact the student was identified so quickly and a timely response from Franklin Police, the administration felt a lockdown was not necessary.
  • At this time, the investigation is continuing and consequences will be consistent with both the FPS policies as well as local and state law.  However, we will be unable to discuss specific consequences.
  • Franklin Police will continue to maintain an active and visible presence at FHS in the coming days.

Again, we would like to stress that all students and staff were and continue to be safe.  As always, we will continue to do everything within our power to protect our students' and staff's safety and well-being.

We will continue to communicate regularly with parents, guardians, and families in all areas of safety and building security.

Sincerely,

Paul Peri
FHS Principal


Annual Ladybug 5K and Kids Fun Run - Oct 14


1 The Annual Ladybug 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run is about to hit the roads of Franklin once again next Saturday, Oct. 14. The event takes off from Franklin’s John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Pond Street. 
2 The Ladybug 5K benefits the Kennedy School PCC, which funds enrichment activities for students, such as field trips, guest speakers and more. 
3 The course of this USATF sanctioned event with professional timing is as follows: Start on Joval Court, right onto Southgate, right onto Coronation, left onto Oakland Parkway, right onto Ashbury Drive, left onto Norumbega Circle, left onto Charles River Drive, left onto Franklin Springs Drive, left onto Maple Street, left onto Southgate Road, ending with a left back onto Joval Court.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20171008/annual-kennedy-school-pcc-ladybug-5k-kids-fun-run-set 

The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015
The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015

Franklin Federated Church Yard/Rummage Sale - Oct 14

The Franklin Federated Church Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, October 14th from 9 AM to 2 PM, rain or shine.

The church has been holding this fundraiser for over 25 years. Home décor, dishes, glassware, books, toys, a large selection of clothing, small electronics, Stampin Up Stamps, holiday and vintage items, jewelry and accessories. 

The prices and quality are amazing; 90% of the merchandise for sale is priced $10 and under.

Come visit us at the Town Common at 9, then stroll down to the Franklin Harvest Festival @ 11. You won’t be disappointed.


Franklin Federated Church Yard/Rummage Sale - Oct 14
Franklin Federated Church Yard/Rummage Sale - Oct 14

FHS boys soccer tie Xaverian 0-0

From Hockomock Sports and Twitter we share the results of the Franklin High School boys soccer game vs. Xaverian on Monday, Oct 9.


Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 vs. Xaverian, 0 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-100917/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Still time to sign up for the FHS Youth Soccer Clinics - Oct 15

Presented by the Franklin High School Soccer Program
Instruction Provided by: FHS Soccer Team Members and Coaches

All skill levels welcome
Grades 1-6 boys 9-10:30 am Grades 1-6 girls 11-12:30 PM- Cost $25

The clinic will run rain or shine

Location: Franklin High School New Turf Field.
Content: The clinic will focus on skills and techniques for any level player.
Equipment: sneaker or cleats, shin guards and a soccer ball. 

Payment: Send the form with a check payable to Franklin Soccer Boosters: Kathleen O’Neil at 560 Coronation Dr., Franklin MA 02038. Email: franklinsoccerboosters@gmail.com





Boys and Girls Youth Soccer Clinic - October 15
Boys and Girls Youth Soccer Clinic - October 15
Note: the form refers to an Oct 8 deadline which has been removed. Entries can be take on the day of


"sexting is the new first base"

Did you catch the Boston Globe Magazine article on Sunday?
"In the affluent seaside town of Duxbury, Massachusetts (nicknamed “Deluxeberry,” for its oceanfront homes), rumors of the not-so-secret Dropbox account had been circulating all year. On it were said to be folders named after some 50 Duxbury High School girls, each containing revealing or even nude photos. 
How had those photos, known as “noods” in Internet slang, come to exist? Some girls had sent their photos to boyfriends, trusting that they would keep them private; others to boys they were crushing on, hoping to impress or land a potential hookup. Some had refused requests for pictures, but out of frustration or vindictiveness, someone doctored up nude photos with their name or face and posted it anyway."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2017/10/06/cautionary-tale-about-high-school-sexting-from-duxbury/V1LmUr8qZeYIsULcdXAvyO/story.html

This is timely as there is a forum on Monday, Oct 16 at Franklin High School to discuss this very issue.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/sext-ed-forum-on-teen-sexting-and.html

SEXT ED: A forum on teen sexting and changing the law - Oct 16
SEXT ED: A forum on teen sexting and changing the law - Oct 16

Find out how to volunteer with the Franklin Neighborhood Brigade - Oct 12

Have you heard of the Franklin Neighborhood Brigade? 

We establish community-specific networks of volunteers that can be mobilized to help residents facing sudden crisis manage day-to-day tasks such as meal
preparation, rides, and basic household chores. Using web-based coordination
tools, we manage recipient requests and the recruitment of volunteers to fulfill those requests sensitively, quickly and free of charge. If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer or are a current volunteer, please join us as we kick-off the new season with a “spooky” wine and cheese event!

WHEN: Thursday, October 12

TIME: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

WHERE: 11 Lyons Street, Franklin (Joanne Schaefer's House)

Our Executive Director, Polly Mendoza, will be be on hand to discuss "what's
new" with the Neighbor Brigade and to process CORI forms for any volunteer
who currently needs a renewal.


Cheryl Ferri, Joanne Schaefer, Anne Gilberti, Co-leaders Franklin Neighbor Brigade

Find out how to volunteer with the Franklin Neighborhood Brigade - Oct 12
Find out how to volunteer with the Franklin Neighborhood Brigade - Oct 12

In the News: #2069 signs; "Cradled in Light" release; fire fighter boot campaign a success

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

"On lawns around the area, rectangular white signs with ”#2069″ on them have been cropping up over the last several weeks -- like Tweets that have escaped the confines of the internet to become viral, in-living-color messages. 
They are not Mass DEP permit numbers, or advertisements for a new website, but rather a message from a Wrentham faith community and a Franklin support organization to bring attention to the opioid crisis that has been a prominent concern in Massachusetts and across the nation. 
The #2069 yard signs - distributed through a cooperative effort of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Wrentham and the Franklin S.A.F.E. Coalition - are a reminder that in 2016, in Massachusetts alone, 2,069 people died as a direct result of opioid abuse and addiction. 
Rev. Ron Tibbetts, a deacon at Trinity Church, said the signs are not intended simply as a memorial to those who have lost their battle against opioid addiction, but also serve as “a call for deeper awareness of this epidemic in our midst.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171009/whats-with-all-2069-signs

Trinity Episcopal Church in Wrentham and the Franklin S.A.F.E. Coalition
Trinity Episcopal Church in Wrentham and the Franklin S.A.F.E. Coalition


"A celebration of the release of the new mantra meditation CD, “Cradled in Light,” will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Franklin Yoga and Wellness. 1256 W. Central St. #2. 
“Cradled in Light” is the premier CD of singer, composer and Franklin resident Pamela McIntyre. Over the last year and a half, Pamela has been collaborating with California producer and musician Jack Lee to create this uplifting music. 
Light refreshments will be provided. 
For information: http://divinemoves.com; http://franklinyoga.com.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171009/strongcradled-in-light-release-party-set-for-oct-22strong


"Members of the Franklin Fire Fighters Local 2637 of the Professional Fire Fighters Association, together with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, raised $10,050 in the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to help free kids and adults from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility. 
With the help of current and past supporters, sponsors and partners, the organization will make it possible to double research investment, help 50,000 more families and send 20,000 kids to camp for free by 2020. The Fill the Boot program started in Boston more than 60 years ago."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171009/strongfranklin-fire-fighters-raise-funds-for-muscular-dystrophystrong

Monday, October 9, 2017

Final Candidate listing for Franklin Election - Nov 7, 2017

Friday, October 6, 2017, the following is the list of Candidates who will be on the ballot for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017
Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk

Town Council – 9 Seats – 2 year term


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



School Committee – 7 Seats – 2 year term


  • 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
  • Dianne C. Feeley
  • Dr. Monica Linden
  • Alexandra Porter-Marques
  • Virginia (Gigi) Zub



Planning Board – 2 Seats- 4 year term


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


Planning Board –Associate – 1 Seat – 4 year term


  • Richard W. Power, Sr.



Board of Health – 1 Seat – 4 year term


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



Board of Assessors – 1 Seat – 4 year term


  • Christopher K. Feeley – Candidate for Re-Election


You can also download and print this listing (PDF)




Final Candidate listing for Franklin Ballot - Nov 7
Final Candidate listing for Franklin Ballot - Nov 7


BFCCPS Alumni – Where Are They Now

From the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) blog, comes this item of interest for Franklin voters.

"Students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight at BFCCPS participate in a variety of Community Service projects each year. It is our hope that over the course of their time with us, that these continued service opportunities will help instill an ongoing interest in service activities well beyond their time here at BFCCPS. 
We’ve recently learned that two BFCCPS alumni, Patrick Casey and Eamon McCarthy Earls, have registered to run for office during this year’s Franklin Town Council Election.

Continue reading the article online 
http://bfccps.org/bfccps-alumni-where-are-they-now/

BFCCPS Alumni – Where Are They Now
BFCCPS Alumni – Where Are They Now (image from BFCCPS website)

Chelmsford tops FHS field hockey 2-0 on Sunday

From Hockomock Sports and Twitter we share the results of the Franklin High School field hockey game vs. Chelmsford from Sunday, Oct 8.


Field Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Chelmsford, 2 – Final
– Franklin’s Christina Luccini made 10 saves but the Panthers fell to visiting Chelmsford in the rain. FHS head coach Lisa Cropper said Annie Walsh, Cassi Ronan and Regan Paterson had strong games for the Panthers.


Shared from Hockomock Sports as the only league game on the schedule for Sunday  https://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-100817/


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Register Speaks with Channel 7 About Deed Scam



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register Speaks with Channel 7 About Deed Scam

Continuing his efforts to combat consumer rip-offs, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently sat down with WHDH-TV Channel 7 reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan to remind homeowners to disregard a direct-mail solicitation offering them a certified copy of their property deed for an outrageous fee of anywhere from $59.50 to $83.00.

Register O'Donnell stated, "Today, there is a California company that is sending a direct-mail solicitation to unsuspecting homeowners asking them to send a check for $83.00 in order to receive a copy of their deed. If a consumer knew that the Registry of Deeds would provide them the same certified copy of a property deed for a charge of only $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage, they would never agree to pay such an outrageous fee for service. The average price for a mailed homeowner's deed by the Registry, (usually two pages) is $3.00."

"This marketing scam hits consumers hard in their wallets and pocketbooks, especially the elderly and first-time homebuyers," noted O'Donnell. Furthermore, during his interview with Channel 7 reporter Ryan, Register O'Donnell stated these solicitations directed at unsuspecting homeowners were "unconscionable."

O'Donnell reminds residents, "If you receive a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry's Customer Service Center immediately at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Additionally, if you desire a copy of your property deed, you can also contact the Registry's Customer Service Center or come by the Registry of Deeds office hours that are held in all our Norfolk County communities."

The Register's segment with consumer reporter Ryan is also available for viewing on Channel 7's website by accessing the following online link: http://whdh.com/7-investigates/hank-investigates/hank-investigates-deceptive-deeds/.

Register O'Donnell concluded, "I want to thank Channel 7 and Hank Phillippi Ryan for spreading the word about this unethical behavior being carried out against not only Norfolk County homeowners, but homeowners across Massachusetts. From my perspective, this is nothing but a scam. As the word is spread, hopefully more people will become aware of this type of scam."

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 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 via telephone 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
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Register Speaks with Channel 7 About Deed Scam
Register Speaks with Channel 7 About Deed Scam

Columbus Day: a normal schedule for some

Columbus Day is a Federal holiday so there is no postal delivery or pick up. 

Schools are closed but the trash and recycling schedule for Franklin is NOT delayed, it will run on the normal schedule.

Franklin's Municipal Building is closed for the holiday and the Library is closed due to the move back to the renovated building on Main St.

The MBTA commuter rail will run on the normal weekday schedule.
https://twitter.com/MBTA_CR/status/916258831017103365

For more about the origins of Columbus Day, check out the wikipedia entry here  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Day

Trash and recycling bins
Trash and recycling bins

Legislators to Host Manufacturing Roundtable - Oct 12

As part of Manufacturing Month in Massachusetts, Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) is hosting a Manufacturing Roundtable at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin, Massachusetts on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 9:00am. Some thirty-five manufacturers, legislators, state officials and advocates are slated to attend.

The Tri-County Manufacturing Roundtable will be an opportunity for manufacturing companies to discuss partnering with manufacturing leaders and local schools to ensure that their companies have the right tools and highly trained workforce they need to grow. Manufacturing of today involves employees that are highly trained in technology, programming and innovation.

The discussions will be led by Ira Moskowitz, Director of Advanced Manufacturing Programs at the Innovation Institute at MassTech, which manages the Commonwealth’s investments in the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) program, and John Killam, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP). 

M2I2 aims to help Massachusetts manufacturers adopt innovative new technologies and promotes job growth through cross-collaboration among companies, universities, national labs, government, incubators, accelerators and other academic and training institutions. Under Killam’s direction, MassMEP has played a key role in securing training grants for manufacturers, as well as preparing potential employees for careers in the field of manufacturing.

“Manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy,” said Representative Roy. “It is the sixth largest employment sector here, and we are constantly looking to innovative solutions that can help our economy grow. We know the area provides competitive salaries for workers and advances the development of revolutionary products. Collaboration between manufacturers, community colleges, technical high schools and regional workforce boards is a way we can continue to develop talent and increase production.”

According to the recently launched Manufacturing in Massachusetts website (http://www.mamanufacturing.com/), 10.1% of the Commonwealth’s total economic output is tied to manufacturing and $26 billion in manufactured goods were exported from the Commonwealth in 2016 alone. Roughly 250,000 employees work in the manufacturing sector in Massachusetts, comprising 7.8% of the total workforce in the state.

Rep. Louis Kafka (D-Sharon), Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham), Sen. Richard Ross (R-Wrentham), Rep. Elizabeth Poirier (R-North Attleborough), and Rep. Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk) are also expected to participate.

These efforts are supported by the Legislature’s bipartisan Manufacturing Caucus which serves as a link for legislators cutting across issues that affect the manufacturing industry. Formed in August 2014, the Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees, encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors. The Caucus is co-chaired by Rep. Roy and Sen. Eric Lesser (D-Springfield).

October is MA's Manufacturing Month
October is MA's Manufacturing Month