In the News: MBTA on suicide alert; transportation and carbon emissions

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

"THE ISSUE: Since July, trains have struck and killed 11 people in Massachusetts. THE IMPACT: The MBTA is working with suicide prevention organizations and other partners to identify ways to reduce accidental deaths and suicides on its tracks. 

A recent surge in the number of suicides and accidental deaths on Massachusetts train tracks has transit officials and suicide prevention advocates searching for answers. 

“I can’t tell you why there’s been this increase on the railways,” said Steve Mongeau, executive director of the suicide-prevention organization Samaritans. “One of the challenges in the suicide prevention arena is there has not been a significant amount of research done specifically on railways.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171020/mbta-focuses-on-suicide-prevention

MBTA commuter rail at Franklin/Dean Station

"THE ISSUE: Transportation is the state’s largest source of carbon emissions. THE IMPACT: State leaders are soliciting input on strategies to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. 

In the face of President Donald Trump’s proposals to loosen environmental protections, Massachusetts leaders are doubling down on the state’s commitment to fight climate change. 

The state Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Department of Transportation plan to hold a series of listening sessions across the state to solicit public input on environmental issues such as reducing carbon emissions from vehicles and making the state’s transportation infrastructure more resilient in the face of climate change. The listening tour will feature sessions on Oct. 31 in Boston, Nov. 2 in Worcester, Nov. 6 in Amherst and Nov. 9 in Brockton."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171020/state-leaders-seek-ideas-on-reducing-vehicle-emissions

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 10/20/17 - THU 10/26/17

FRIDAY 10/20/17
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
12-6pm   School Committee Community Relations ‘Coffee’ @ Franklin Farmers Market
6:30pm   HMMS Trivia Night @ Horace Mann Middle School

SATURDAY 10/21/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
Noon-6:30pm  Harvest Fest Block Party @ Whole Foods Bellingham
3pm   Nutrition and Conditioning for Student Athletes @ Clarion Farm
5pm   Fall Porketta Dinner @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
6pm   Who Says I Can’t Foundation Annual Fundraiser @ Franklin Elks Lodge
6-8pm   Franklin Art Association - Fall Frolic Reception @ Norfolk Public Library
7:30pm   FPAC preforms ‘Monthy Python’s Spamalot’ @ The Black Box
7:30pm   Brook Williams - Acoustic Guitar @ Original Congregational Church in Wrentham

SUNDAY 10/22/17
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
10am-4pm   Pop Up StoryWalk® on the SNETT #3 @ Spring Street Trailhead, Franklin
11am-1pm   No Tricks All Treats! @ Daddario Hardware Store
1-4pm   Fall Fundraiser for the Purrfect Cat Shelter @ Pour Richard’s
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1:15pm   Remember When with Joe Landry @ Franklin Historical Museum
2:30pm   FPAC preforms ‘Monthy Python’s Spamalot’ @ The Black Box
3pm   LiveARTS - String Quartet @ FUSF

MONDAY 10/23/17
6:30pm   Elementary School Parent Forums with Superintendent Ahern @ Horace Mann/Oak St Cafeteria
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 10/24/17
9:30am   Elementary School Parent Forums with Superintendent Ahern @ Horace Mann Health Classroom
6-9pm   Taste of the Region @ Tri-County RVTHS

WEDNESDAY 10/25/17
10am   A Favorite Poem Project @ Franklin Senior Center
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)

THURSDAY 10/26/17
8am-1pm   Tri-County Career Day for middle school students @ Tri-County RVTHS
1pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
1:30pm   Coloring Isn’t Just for Kids @ Franklin Senior Center
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
6:30pm   Paint Your Pet (benefits Purrfect Cat Shelter) @ Pour Richard’s
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Franklin Candidate for School Committee - Alexandra Porter-Marques

Alexandra Porter-Marques (AP-M) and I (FM) exchanged emails to get the questions answered to share here. We did meet in person at the Candidates Night Tuesday, Oct 17. Alexandra is a candidate for Franklin (MA) School Committee in the election scheduled for November 7, 2017.


FM - Tell us a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?


AP-M - My husband and I moved to Franklin in 2003. We were looking for an affordable safe town with a strong school system that was commutable. At the time, I was working in Newton at a program supporting the mental health needs of young parents and their children and was committed to my work. My husband worked at a mental health agency serving families in Whitinsville. Franklin was equidistant. I had no roots to Franklin. Over time, I’ve grown attached to this community primarily through the school system which has educated my children and fostered relationships that root us here. 

My son was five when we moved to Franklin. He was born eleven weeks early. He utilized the special education system through most of his educational career in Franklin. I learned so much about individualized learning and the value of strong connections with teachers through parenting him through the school system. I learned about resources that existed within the system, their limitations, and resources I needed to seek outside the system. I saw firsthand the strength of teachers who went above and beyond to learn about his strengths and his needs and I learned about the importance of inclusivity and the value of community. He is now in the Honors Program at Westfield State University. Part of my desire to run for School Committee stems from my passion to give back to the system that gave so much to him. 

My daughter is in the seventh grade at The Horace Mann Middle School. She’s a typically developing kid with her own strengths and weaknesses. I’ve witnessed what ignites her passion for learning and what stultifies it. It has been interesting to compare the special education system with regular education. There are some core aspects of special education that make sense for all. I’m eager to explore some of these ideas as we think together about addressing personalized learning that honors individual learning styles and social emotional health as a School Committee.

I understand firsthand the enormous challenge of raising strong healthy kids when both parents are working full-time. It is impossible to meet all our needs as parents, children, and families. We, as parents are constantly making compromises and sacrifices, doubting our parenting, worrying about our kids, and often silently struggling ourselves. Community connection is vital and yet we have so little time. Part of what I hope to do on the School Community is provide some necessary outreach, support, education, and opportunities for connection.

I’m also interested in the idea of intergenerational programming. Connecting Seniors with students and families. Storytelling is a powerful tool for learning. What better way to make history come alive than to hear it from the voices of the Seniors in the community. Fostering these connections would be a gift to our children.


FM - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

AP-M - Over the next two years, under the direction of Dr. Ahern, The School Committee will be creating a strategic plan to guide programming and policies. One of the main objectives is to enhance programs and practices that build social and emotional competencies. Children whose social and emotional needs are met are naturally higher achieving academically. I believe I have the unique training and perspective necessary to inform this process.

I have worked in community mental health for the past seventeen years. Seven years ago, I opened my private practice in Medway. About 1/3 of my caseload is from Franklin. Most of the children and adolescents I’ve seen struggle with anxiety and depression. All of them struggle to make it through the school day. In addition to individual treatment and parenting support, I’ve worked with teachers, school guidance counselors, and administrators to make small adjustments that make a significant difference. I would like to use my education and experience to better inform policies/procedures.

I graduated from Boston College Summa Cum Laude in 1996. I received my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in 2002. I have four years post graduate training in Adult Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from The Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. I’m currently enrolled in a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy at The Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute. Psychoanalytic theory is the theory of how the mind develops. 

In practice, contemporary psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a deeply humane approach that stems from an in depth understanding of personality. My training would be an invaluable asset as we work to ensure that learning is developmentally appropriate at all levels. Additionally, I’m a highly trained active listener and an integrative and innovative thinker. I’m excited to see what kinds of creative strategies we can come up with to better meet our children’s social and emotional needs.


FM - What do you see as your role's biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

AP-M -I’ve heard the concern that we need more resources. More counselors, which of course is a strain on budget. I don’t believe we necessarily need more resources, I’m trained to think systemically and I believe small shifts in mindset that are clinically informed can make a powerful difference for these kids. These kinds of shifts over time contribute to a shift in culture- one in which students feel better understood and empowered in their learning. 

I also believe community outreach that educates, supports, and empowers parent can improve the partnership between parents and teachers so that children feel better understood and are more accessible to learning and reaching their academic potential. We have a lot of strength here we can capitalize on with the right vision, a clear strategic plan, and the right leadership. I believe we have that in Dr. Ahern and I am excited to be a part of a multi-disciplinary team of educators and administrators that addresses education from a variety of perspectives.

If you’d like to reach out to me directly, I would be happy to listen to your experience and concerns and answers any questions you may have.

It would be a true privilege to serve this community. Please consider voting for me on November 7. Thank you.

Alexandra's email is alexandraj30@aol.com

Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html

Election Collection - 2017

FHS Golf finishes 3rd in Hockomock Championship

The FHS golf team finished 3rd in the Hockomock League Golf Championship held Thursday at Blue Hill Country Club in Canton. The overall team results, the Top 10 and the Franklin team results are shown below. Thanks to HockomockSoorts for making them available to share.


TEAMS

1. Canton – 247
2. Oliver Ames – 249
3. Franklin – 254
4. Foxboro – 262
5. King Philip – 264
6. Mansfield – 265
T7. Attleboro – 267
T7. North Attleboro – 269
T7. Sharon – 269
T7. Stoughton – 269
11. Milford – 271
12. Taunton – 283


TOP 10

1. Dylan Kane, North Attleboro – 77
2. Ryan McGarry, Oliver Ames – 78
3. Bryan Woelfel, Franklin – 79
4. Joey Vaughn, Canton – 80
T5. Danny McLoughlin, King Philip – 81
T5. Mark Bissonette, Oliver Ames – 81
T5. Brendan Campbell, Stoughton – 81
T8. Jack Goyetch, Canton – 83
T8. Brian See, Mansfield – 83
10. Danny Powers, Canton – 84


Franklin

• Bryan Woelfel – 79
• Matt D’Errico – 86
• Jason Collins – 89

North Attleboro’s Dylan Kane fires a 77 to win the individual title. OA’s Ryan McGarry (78) second, Franklin’s Bryan Woelfel (79) third. pic.twitter.com/in97eBda4z

— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) October 19, 2017

North Attleboro’s Dylan Kane fires a 77 to win the individual title. OA’s Ryan McGarry (78) second, Franklin’s Bryan Woelfel (79) third. (@R_Lanigan photo)

A photo gallery of the golf championships can be found online
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/Hockomock-Golf-Championships-2017

For the complete listing of Hockomock results
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-league-golf-championship-results-2017/

Both FHS soccer teams on short end in games vs. Mansfield

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Thursday, Oct 19.


Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final
– Mansfield senior John Cooney netted the lone tally of the game and senior keeper Nick Ferraz made a pair of highlight saves in the first half to help the Hornets preserve the lead, and the win, against the visiting Panthers. Cullin Anastasia set up Cooney for the only goal.

Girls Soccer = Mansfield, 5 @ Franklin, 1
– Final The Hornets broke open a 1-1 tie with four second half goals and stayed tied atop the Kelley-Rex division standings. Taylor Smith had a brace and an assist for Mansfield, while Cassidy McMahon, Stephanie Kemp, and Amanda Mangano each had goals and Emily Vigeant had a pair of assists for the Hornets.


For all the other results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-101917/

FHS Panthers

Hold the date --> Patriots Night at Remington - Nov 17

Friday, November 17, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Admission - $10 Suggested Donation per person

Have your photo taken wearing all 5 rings : $5 per person, $10 family shot

Activities for All
Combine Drills, Estimation Jars, Face Painting, Tattoos, Patriot Coloring Pages, Patriot Cheerleader Autographs, Meet Pat Patriot, and MORE!

Patriots Night at Remington - Nov 17: the 5 Super Bowl banners hanging at Gillette Stadium

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail StoryWalk® - Saturday - Oct 22

Come read and walk on the local rail trail!

View this email in your browser Pop Up StoryWalk® on the SNETT Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 10:00am - 4:00pm 15 Spring Street Trailhead Wadsworth Farm Franklin, MA Welcome to our Pop Up StoryWalk® on SNETT #3! The featured book is: We're Going on a LEAF HUNT by Steve Metzger. Ages 3 and up, but ALL are welcome to come enjoy the walk and read event. Stop by anytime between 10am and 4pm. Please note this event is WEATHER PERMITTING. There will be no staff on site. PARKING: Please park in front of the gate on the left side of the road and along the road where the green house and farm stand of Wadsworth Farm is. Please be courteous and do not block any driveways as there is no dedicated parking area here. Wadsworth Farm owners are allowing us to use their space. Thank you :) The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. For more information, please visit our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/878525058970658 We are looking forward to seeing you! Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038 Add us to your address book