Thursday, January 4, 2018

Let's Laugh Today is in Franklin is on Wednesday, January 10

Begin the New Year with joyful laughter on Wednesday, January 10 (and every second Wednesday of the month) from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Let's Laugh Today
Let's Laugh Today
Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It has many benefits besides the joy of laughter. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety.

Let's Laugh Today 2
Let's Laugh Today 2
Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. See www.letslaughtoday.com. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com.


Let's Laugh Today
Let's Laugh Today 1
         

Lifelong Community Learning: Winter/Spring 2018 Registration is Open



REGISTRATION IS OPEN
FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

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Lifelong Community Learning: Winter/Spring 2018 Registration is Open
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"new regulations only allow .5 percent of contaminated materials in any given bale"

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

"Outside E.L. Harvey’s single-stream recycling and sorting plant in Hopkinton, Ben Harvey points to stacks of nearly 3,000 bales of mixed paper that he doesn’t know what to do with. He’s not able to ship it overseas to Asia like he’s done for decades. 
That’s because China recently imposed strict guidelines that make it nearly impossible for recycled materials to be shipped out. For the past two months the 2,000-pound bales are being stacked up in the parking lot. 
“We’ve got a building full. We have trailers full,” Harvey, president of the company, said Wednesday afternoon. “We are pretty much maxed out with our storage capacity; we don’t want to store material that doesn’t have a market.” 
Single-stream recycling allows consumers to collect all recyclables in the same bin. Harvey’s operation sorts the materials and prepares them for shipping."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180104/mountains-of-paper-stacks-up-after-china-says-no-more

This topic is not a surprise as it was covered in the DPW update to the Town Council in the December 2017 meeting reported on here. The presentation doc covers trash/recycling beginning on page 21 after providing an update on the sewer system.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/live-reporting-dpw-presentation.html

Franklin can do its part to help improve its recycling. The current contamination rate is about 6%, the industry average is 14%, and the new regulations require less than .5%.

For additional info on what to recycle and what not to check out the Recyclopedia
http://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/pages/recyclopedia-what-do-i-do

or this site provided by Waste Management
http://recycleoftenrecycleright.com/





“We’ll all be struggling to keep warm, but it’s important to also keep safe”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"With a major winter storm rapidly bearing down on Massachusetts, safety officials are reminding residents to take safety precautions as they look to keep warm during the tempest and the expected period of arctic cold to follow. 
State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey this afternoon issued safety tips to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning (CO) during the storm, which the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency warns could bring blizzard conditions to eastern Massachusetts. 
“Many have already been struggling to keep warm and safely deal with frozen pipes this week,” Ostroskey said in a statement. “This upcoming storm may leave many without power.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180103/state-fire-marshal-offers-storm-safety-tips/1

“We’ll all be struggling to keep warm, but it’s important to also keep safe”
“We’ll all be struggling to keep warm, but it’s important to also keep safe”

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - changed due to Jan 4 storm

Please see below for modified Trash and recycling pick up schedule



Collection








Date
Day

Service day
Service Date
1/1/2018
Monday

Holiday

1/2/2018
Tuesday

Monday
1/1/2018
1/3/2018
Wednesday

Tuesday
1/2/2018
1/4/2018
Thursday

Storm

1/5/2018
Friday

Wednesday
1/3/2018
1/6/2018
Saturday

Thursday
1/4/2018
1/7/2018
Sunday

None

1/8/2018
Monday

Friday
1/5/2018
1/9/2018
Tuesday

Monday
1/8/2017
1/10/2018
Wednesday

Tuesday
1/9/2017
1/11/2018
Thursday

Wednesday
1/10/2017
1/12/2018
Friday

Thursday
1/11/2017
1/13/2018
Saturday

Friday
1/12/2017

My normal pick up day is Wednesday. Now due to the storm instead of Thursday, it will be Friday for this week and Thursday for next week.

modified Trash and recycling pick up schedule
modified Trash and recycling pick up schedule

Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - changed due to Jan 4 storm
Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - changed due to Jan 4 storm

MBTA: Franklin Line notice for Thursday, Jan 4

Franklin Line: As part of the Reduced Schedule on January 4th, additional stops will be added to Trains 703, 715, 717, 719 and 721.

Train 703 (8:04 am from South Station) will make additional stops at Readville and Endicott

Train 715 (3:48 pm from South Station) will make all local stops EXCEPT Hyde Park or Plimptonville

Train 717 (4:43 pm from South Station) will make all local stops EXCEPT Plimptonville

Train 719 (5:20 pm from South Station) will make all local stops INCLUDING Plimptonville

Train 721 (5:45 pm from South Station) will make additional stops at Readville and Islington


Last updated: Jan 03 2018 05:22 PM
MBTA: Franklin Line notice for Thursday, Jan 4
MBTA: Franklin Line notice for Thursday, Jan 4
The full Franklin schedule (PDF) can be found here
https://d3044s2alrsxog.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/commuter-rail-franklin-2017-11-20.pdf

Franklin Public Schools: No School Due to Snow - January 4, 2018

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 4, 2018.  

Given the timeframe of the storm and projected accumulation, school offices and the district's central office will also be closed.

All Thursday afternoon and evening activities are also canceled.

The parent conference day for Franklin High School is being rescheduled to Thursday, January 25, 2018. More details will follow.

Stay safe,
Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: No School Due to Snow - January 4, 2018
Franklin Public Schools: No School Due to Snow - January 4, 2018

NIKE Executive Michael Spillane to Speak at Dean College Executive Lecture Series

Dean College is honored to host Michael Spillane, President of Categories and Product at NIKE for the Dean College Leadership Institute Executive Lecture Series on Thursday, February 15, 2018. The Executive Series offers a unique and interactive opportunity for students, alumni and the local community to interact with today’s business leaders.

Spillane is responsible for developing the strategy that drives the creation of all NIKE footwear, apparel and equipment. He also leads the merchandising of all product to the global marketplace. Prior to his current position, he was a GM and VP for NIKE, Greater China. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Umbro Ltd. and Chief Executive Officer of CVEO Corporation (formerly, Converse Inc.).

With extensive experience in marketing consumer products, Spillane previously held senior management roles at leading apparel and textile companies, including Malden Mills, Tommy Hilfiger USA, Jockey International, and Missbrenner, Inc. Spillane serves on the board of directors at The Boston Beer Co., and Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA).

Featuring an unprecedented list of national business leaders, including past speakers like Robert K. Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, Bert Jacobs, Anne M. Finucane, the Executive Lecture Series is a signature event for the Dean Leadership Institute and an exciting opportunity for our students and the community to gain knowledge from an experienced business executive.

The speaking program will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin, MA on February 15, 2018. The program is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited. For more information and to register, visit www.dean.edu/dlispillane.
NIKE Executive Michael Spillane
NIKE Executive Michael Spillane

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.

Annual Report 2017: Franklin Fire Department

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. 

The following is a text representation of the printed pages 84-85 (actually 91-92 of 264)



"ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FRANKLIN FIRE DEPARTMENT - FISCAL YEAR 2017

Fire Headquarters
40 West Central Street
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038
(508) 528-2323

http://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department

The Department
The Franklin Fire Department is divided into two divisions: Operations and Maintenance, which is the largest and responsible for dispatch, emergency medical services, fire suppression and hazardous materials response. Administration and Support Services is responsible for personnel, budget and finance, training, code compliance and coordinating the Town’s emergency preparedness.

Our Mission
The mission of the Franklin Fire Department is to: Have a positive impact in the lives of citizens and visitors of Franklin in their time of crisis by providing compassionate, contemporary, community driven services.

Safeguard human life from the perils of fire, sudden illness, injury or other emergency medical condition, natural and man-made disasters as well as preserve the environment and property from ensuing destruction. Be responsible for a safe, productive and pleasant work environment for our employees, and provide them opportunities to gain new skills and advance their personal career goals.

Operational Objectives

  • Initiating advanced life support to patients within 10 minutes of receiving the telephone call at our communications center.
  • To access, extricate, treat and transport and transport trauma patients to a level one trauma medical facility within one hour of the occurrence of the injury.
  • Interrupt the progression of fires in structures within 10 minutes of open flame ignition.
  • To insure response readiness remains greater than 70%.
  • Provide safety and survival skills for all school students in grade K through 5 consistent with the Student Awareness Fire Education (SAFE) initiative
  • of the Commonwealth.
  • Provide educational opportunities for department members to insure optimal performance and safety.
  • To develop and maintain “best practice” to insure personnel and citizen safety.
  • Insure fire safety through timely, consistent code compliance services to all external customers.
  • Provide all department services in a manner that satisfies the needs of our customers.
  • Process emergency notifications in our dispatch center within 120 seconds of receiving the initial call for 99% of all calls.


Message from the Fire Chief
Fiscal Year 2017 ended as the busiest year in department history, with 4,150 emergency responses. Fortunately, the community did not suffer any fire related deaths this year, although there were several tragic incidents which resulted in the loss of life. Department members suffer two loss time work related injuries during the fiscal year. The department continued to see the impacts of opioid related incidents throughout the community. We applaud the work of the SAFE Coalition, Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti and District Attorney Michael Morrissey for their continued support and resources to provide family assistance during times of crisis.

The department enjoyed the award of two grant initiatives during the Fiscal Year. The first was in the amount of $65,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to provide department personnel with hearing protection. With the Support of Representative Jeff Roy, Senators Karen Spilka and Richard Ross the department was able to purchase hearing protection which also allows for wireless communications with the two-way radio system. These devices will greatly reduce the effects of hearing loss for firefighters. The next grant was from the FEMA in the amount of $ 219,000 will be used to replace the department’s cache of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus.

We continue to see the number of calls for service that occur back-to-back or simultaneously grow at an alarming rate. Back-to-back or simultaneous calls are where the department receives another emergency call for service while managing a call for services (two at a time). In Fiscal Year 2017, this caused 200 ambulance responses from other Towns into Franklin. The increasing use of out-of-town resources causes delay in our ability to provide timely transport to the hospital emergency room. Franklin’s average response time is 5 minutes, 44 seconds; the average response time for an out-of town ambulance is 12 minutes, 33 seconds – this time difference can have a great impact on the quality of patient outcomes for people with medical emergencies.

The trend of call distribution is compounded by the increasing calls for services. As previously noted, the department responded to 4,150 emergency responses in Fiscal Year 2017, an increase of nearly 9% from Fiscal year 2017.

We believe the trend is in response to an upturn in our economy. This year saw increased occupancy rates in the Town’s Industrial Parks as well as opening of new businesses and facilities. All of these combine to bring more people into the community and increase the demands for our services. We will continue to monitor all of these trends and work with the community to develop strategies to maintain acceptable levels of emergency services within the Town.

Di Ana Baker
The department experienced the sudden loss of Dispatcher Di Ana Baker. Di had been a department dispatcher since 2000. Her energy, vibrancy and
willingness to assist the community will be greatly missed.

This year saw the retirement of three long term employees, Firefighter Robert Tucci; Firefighter Richard Leitch and Firefighter Leo Gallagher. Firefighter Tucci began his career with the department in 1988 and assisted in many department roles. Bob’s career with the department was cut short as a result of a line of duty injury. Firefighter Leitch was with the department for 23 years at the time of his retirement. He was also forced to end his career early due to a long term illness. Firefighter Gallagher retired from the department in December 2016 after nearly 18 years of service. We thank them all for their years of their dedication and service to the Town and wish them the best in retirement.

This year we welcomed new members Becki Carloni, Kathryn Forest and AJ Morris. All come to the department with a wide variety of experiences that
strengthens our ability to provide services to the citizens of Franklin and we look forward to their long productive careers with the department.

In addition to emergency response, the department also continued to try to expand its fire prevention education activities, providing safety and survival education to the most vulnerable population to fire – our children and seniors. Through the dedicated efforts of SAFE Officer Keith Darling, the department reached over 7,600 individuals with safety related programming. This included 100% of all Elementary Students, summer YMCA Camps and various Boy and Girl Scout programs and tours as well as a various activities at the Senior Center. This year the department continued to offer home visit for our senior citizens and include 48 visits. The focus of these visits is to insure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, remove trip hazards as well as provide safety education. Firefighters Kevin Marshal, Bill Blanchard and Christian Mills provide dedicated assistance in completing this important service to our citizens.

In closing, I would like to recognize our employees, who are among the best fire service professional in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts! They continue to work tirelessly to protect life and property within Franklin. In addition to their on-duty responses, our employees commit countless hours in continuing education and training targeted to maintain and improved upon their emergency skills. Additionally, they continue to press forward in attempt to provide the highest level of service to the community based upon advancement in the fire-rescue field and advancements in technology. They continue to be the chief reason for maintaining our current the level of success and level of services we provide our citizens of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted

Gary B. McCarraher, Fire Chief"

Annual Report 2017: Franklin Fire Department
Annual Report 2017: Franklin Fire Department


You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

Wine Aromas: Wine Class January 11

Wine Aromas

Thursday, January 11, 7:00 - 8:30 PM

 Apple. Leather. Grass. Bell Pepper.

When you start paying attention to wine you hear aroma and flavor descriptions such as these being thrown around. What does it all mean? How can you tell what you are smelling? Join Mark and Kim as they lead you through a guided tasting using the Nez du Vin system to start training your nose to be sensitive to all the Wonderful aromas that wine has to offer.


Franklin Liquors, The Tasting Room
$25/per person


Support Medway Community Education
Sign Up =  http://www.medwayschools.org/sites/medwayps/files/file/file/adult_3.pdf

Support Norfolk Recreation Department 
Sign Up =  https://www.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs

Wine Aromas: Wine Class January 11
Wine Aromas: Wine Class January 11 (screen grab of Norfolk registration page)

Friendly Reminder: School Start Times Advisory Committee - Apply Online before Jan 17, 2018

Hello

The purpose of the School Start Times Advisory Committee will be to study the feasibility of adjusting school start times in Franklin based on current research related to children and sleep. The Advisory Committee will be considering any proposed changes within the local context. Representatives from the Advisory Committee will present their findings and possible recommendations for the School Committee to consider. Changes to school start times, if any, are to be decided by the Franklin School Committee.

The commitment for this committee is expected to be two meetings per month, most likely in the evenings. The committee is planned for the 2018 calendar year, with a presentation to School Committee planned for January, 2019. All activities of this committee will be subject to the Open Meeting Law.

If you would like to apply to be a member of the Advisory Committee, please fill out this form. The deadline to complete this form is Wednesday January 17, 2018 at 5 PM. Appointment of committee members by School Committee is scheduled to be made at the January 23, 2018 School Committee meeting.



Click on this link to apply: https://goo.gl/forms/stAh38Ok8637KwkG2

Thank you,

Franklin Public Schools



-------------------------------------------------------

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Franklin High School - should the start time be later?
Franklin High School - should the start time be later?

In the News: balancing the FY 2019 budget; Holliston rail trail; Meals on Wheels needs volunteers

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

"Town officials agree that balancing the budget will be the main topic of concern for the new year. 
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting said town officials haven’t picked through the budget with a fine-tooth comb, but has an early prediction that there could be a more than $3 million shortfall. He said it’s too early to tell where cuts might have to be made. 
“We’re going to have a big struggle balancing the fiscal budget,” he said. “It’s the dominant issue that Franklin will face in the next six months.” 
Nutting said state aid will be set in stone in February. The budget will be voted on in May or June by the Town Council. They will be holding their annual goals workshop later this month."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/franklin-2018-brings-budget-trouble

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


"Holliston Trails Committee Chairman Robert Weidknecht started dreaming of a completed Holliston rail trail 20 years ago. 
“Throughout the years, I’ve heard all the naysayers. ‘Oh, it’ll never get done, it’ll cost too much,’” said Weidknecht. “It’s a great thing for the town.” 
Holliston finished its 6.7-mile section of the multi-town Upper Charles Trail in the fall but 2018 will bring finishing touches and expansion. 
The entire Holliston stretch was open briefly until December, when a section over the Bogastow Brook closed to allow repairs to the 8 Arch Bridge. Trail users can detour to Woodland Street until the bridge reopens in the spring."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/2017-good-year-for-holliston-rail-trail


"The Medway Meals on Wheels program is hoping to find volunteers to bring food to and check in on local seniors. 
Tina Wright, who helps coordinate the program locally, said the Medway program had lost four drivers over the month of December. 
“We’re really scrambling,” she said. “We’re looking for three to four people who think they can deliver once a month - it’s an hour to an hour and a half commitment every month.” 
Wright said volunteering with the program might be a good way to help fulfill any community-service New Year’s resolutions. Though volunteerism can ebb and spike in certain times of year, she said, Meals on Wheels is seeking drivers who can consistently make monthly deliveries."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180102/meals-program-in-medway-seeks-volunteers