Town Council Recap: Water/Sewer Rates Increase as of July 1, 2018

In the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 14, the minutes were approved for the January meetings. The appointments to the newly authorized Agricultural Commission were postponed to the next meeting. The appointment of Sean Preston to the Design Review Committee was approved.

All votes were recorded as 8-0 either by roll call or voice (with 1 absent - Kelly).

The Capital Plan was approved and the initial authorization of $1.8 M was approved. $1.5M was allocated from free cash and 325,000 from the "Receipts Reserved for Appropriation-Ambulance Fund"

You can find the details here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10iChpSO_rql6Ksoiwm425UezCYUFBD-A/view?usp=sharing

Following the fiscal planning, amounts from free cash were allocated to the Fire Truck and Turf Fields stabilization accounts. Another $280K was allocated from free cash for the OPEB Trust Fund. This helps fund the outstanding OPEB liability.

The bylaw amendment to cover for circumstances where a developer can leave debris on a sidewalk or roadway as discussed in a prior meeting was revised and brought forth for a first reading. It was moved to a second reading.

The water and sewer rate increase came up for their second readings and were both approved unanimously by roll call votes.


-->Using my own household water and sewer usage from the most recent bill, I calculated the current rate and the future rate to show the projected increase.

	Usage	Current Rate	New Rate	Current Charge	New Charge	Qtrly Increase	Annual Increase
Water	14	$5.25	$5.75	$73.50	$80.50	$7.00	$28.00
		0-15 CCF
Sewer	14	$5.50	$6.05	$77.00	$84.70	$7.70	$30.80
		0-15 CCF
Totals				$150.50	$165.20	$14.70	$58.80

The Town Council Actions Taken document can be viewed/downloaded here

The Town Council agenda was published here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-14.html

The Capital Plan was published here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/capital-plan-for-fy-2018.html

My notes reported during the meeting on Wednesday

• Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report to Clo...
• Live reporting: Legislation for Action
• Live reporting: Subcommittee reports
• Live Reporting: Town Council - Feb 14, 2018

Town Council Recap: Water/Sewer Rates Increase as of July 1, 2018

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Studio Two: Benefit Concert for HMEA - Feb 24

Please join us Saturday, February 24, 2018 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin.

7:00 - 10:00 PM  (doors open at 6:00)

$20 per person  (proceeds benefit HMEA)  Click here to purchase your tickets
https://hmea.org/beatlesconcert/

"Unlike other Beatles Tribute acts that try to deliver the entire Beatles catalog in single two-hour show, STUDIO TWO concentrates only on the most exciting and fun time in The Beatles career: The club and touring years. 

These are the years where people actually saw them play. The years where The Beatles crafted their sound, and their stage performance-and the years where they took the world by storm, and changed everything."

Studio Two: Benefit Concert for HMEA

For more about Studio Two visit their webpage
http://www.studiotwotributeband.com/

For more about the good works that HMEA does, visit them on the web at 
https://hmea.org/

FHS Indoor Track results from MIAA D1 Meet

The FHS girls and boys results from the MIAA Div 1 Indoor Track and Field Championships held Friday, 2/16/2018 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center are shared here. The girls team finished 5th overall and the boys 19th. School records were set and broken in the meet.


Girls 55 Meter Dash
1 Kyla Hill 11 Springfield 7.14 10
3 Jessica Kroushl 12 Franklin 7.36 6

Girls 300 Meter Dash
1 Victoria Steffon 12 Wachusett 40.42 10
22 Lauren Jackson 10 Franklin 45.60

Girls 600 Meter Run
1 Julianna Kennedy 11 Andover 1:35.40 10
12 Samantha Powderly 10 Franklin 1:44.65
17 Sydney Hawkins 09 Franklin 1:45.63

Girls 1000 Meter Run
1 Samantha Friborg 12 Acton-Boxbor 2:49.86 2 10
16 Ella Gutkowski 12 Franklin 3:20.13 1

Girls 1 Mile Run
1 Lucy Jenks 10 Newton South 5:02.58 2 10
3 Nicole Clermont 12 Franklin 5:16.41 2 6

Girls 2 Mile Run
1 Caroline Barry 12 Newton South 11:01.44 10
17 Katrina Walbert 12 Franklin 12:56.43

Girls 4x200 Meter Relay
1 Andover 1:43.84 10
1) Ally Bennett 12 2) Hannah Lansberry 12
3) Delia Barbanti 11 4) Hope Joel 11
6 Franklin 1:50.07 3
1) Lauren McGrath 11 2) Brianna Cummings 12
3) Lauren Jackson 10 4) Jessica Kroushl 12

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay
1 Andover 4:03.81 10
1) Hannah Lansberry 12 2) Grace Dunn 11
3) Julianna Kennedy 11 4) Emma Joel 11
14 Franklin 4:21.57
1) Jessica Kroushl 12 2) Nicole Clermont 12
3) Kaylee DeSimone 11 4) Katherine Hartnett 12

Girls 4x800 Meter Relay
1 Franklin 9:35.02 10
1) Nicole Clermont 12 2) Katherine Hartnett 12
3) Julia Fenerty 11 4) Emma Clifford 11

Girls High Jump
1 Sara James 12 Wachusett 5-04.00 10
16 Lauren McGrath 11 Franklin J4-08.00
-- Elizabeth Wisniewski 11 Franklin NH
-- Miranda Smith 12 Franklin NH

Girls Long Jump
1 Natalie Marshall 12 Newton North 18-02.50 10
2 Jessica Kroushl 12 Franklin 17-06.00 8
4 Lauren McGrath 11 Franklin 17-04.00 5
23 Brianna Cummings 12 Franklin 14-09.50

Girls Shot Put
1 Julieth Nwosu 11 Brockton 39-11.00 10
6 Miranda Smith 12 Franklin 35-01.50 3
12 Sarah Goodermuth 12 Franklin 32-01.00
19 Allison Rizoli 12 Franklin 30-07.00

Boys 600 Meter Run
1 Jonathan Polanco Soto 10 Leominster 1:20.79 3 10
11 Dylan Kehoe 11 Franklin 1:25.06 2

Boys 1 Mile Run
1 Tristan Shelgren 12 St. John's Pr.-D 4:20.94 2 10
2 Tyler Brogan 10 Franklin 4:21.06 2 8
12 Michael Hagen 11 Franklin 4:36.09 1

Boys 4x800 Meter Relay
1 Lowell 8:07.44 2 10
1) Carlos Rivera 12 2) Nasir Gibson 12
3) Chris Galarza 12 4) Jadiel Pinales 11
7 Franklin 8:20.33 1 2
1) Tyler Brogan 10 2) Michael Hagen 11
3) Camden Harrington 10 4) Dylan Kehoe 11

The complete meet results can be found on the MIAA site:
http://miaa.ezstream.com/index.cfm?ChnID=314&SubID=-1&chncd=314,-1&itemid=8120&parid=-1&Org=MIAA&CFID=35393246&CFTOKEN=83050464

McGrath (4th) and Kroushl (2nd) both place in the long jump and both broke the previous school record!

In Today's D1 State Competition, school records were set by Miranda Smith in the Shot Put and Jess Kroushl in the Long Jump. Lauren McGrath also broke the Long Jump record only to have Jess Kroushl break Lauren’s record on her next Jump. CONGRATS LADY PANTHERS! #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) February 17, 2018

The Franklin Girls Track Team finished 5th overall in the MIAA DIV 1 STATE TEAM competition.The 4x800 Relay won the event and qualified for the New Balance National Championships in New York City. Nicole Clermont, Kate Hartnett, Emma Clifford & Julia Fenerty. #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) February 17, 2018

And for the big surprise of the night the boys 4x800 takes 7th running almost a 20sec season PR pic.twitter.com/MtJUs4azFA

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) February 17, 2018

NBD but the girls 4x800 squad are D1 champs pic.twitter.com/o3Vgz08lln

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) February 17, 2018

Girls 4x200 takes 6th at D1 meet pic.twitter.com/yq0oQF9rjW

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) February 17, 2018

What’s that? Another record fell tonight? Miranda Smith places 6th in shot put with 35’1” pic.twitter.com/ETESlgCv6B

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) February 16, 2018

McGrath (4th) & Kroushl (2nd) both place in the long jump and both broke the previous school record! pic.twitter.com/3ntQKQKBXF

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) February 16, 2018

How (and why) Russia Hacked the US Election (Video)

"Hacking, fake news, information bubbles ... all these and more have become part of the vernacular in recent years. But as cyberspace analyst Laura Galante describes in this alarming talk, the real target of anyone looking to influence geopolitics is dastardly simple: it's you."

This was recorded in April 2017 at TED2017. And yes, this helps to understand the indictments handed down to the 13 Russian nationals on Friday.

In case you missed it, the NY Times link is here
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/16/us/politics/russians-indicted-mueller-election-interference.html

You can also find this talk on the TED.COM site
https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_galante_how_to_exploit_democracy

The TC Insider

February 16, 2018 To the Tri-County Community, We are so pleased to announce that two of our teachers have won the Mass Insight Partners in Excellence Award.  Kim Zogalis, Computer information Systems teacher and Matt Murphy, Mathematics teacher were selected from over 600 Advanced Placement (AP) teachers participating in Mass Insight's AP program. Selections were based on their implementation of the program through participation in Saturday Study Sessions and the increases in student scores on the AP exam. Congratulations to Kim and Matt for their excellent service to Tri-County students. With this year's freshmen firmly engaged in their trade programs, we turn our attention to the incoming freshmen for next year. If you know of anyone interested in attending our school next year, now is the time to apply.  We currently have well over 300 applications for the Class of 2022. Our Guidance department is conducting interviews leading up to the placement test in the early spring.  It's a very exciting and busy time for us. Seniors are midway through their senior project presentations that is the capstone for two years of work. The imagination, ingenuity, and professionalism they display in their project presentations is inspirational to all the judges and parents. Many students come in from cooperative employment to present and head back to work after completion of their presentations. Their work will be on display this spring at our Senior Project Fair. Our winter sports are wrapping up and although our basketball teams and hockey team are not going to the tournaments, they had great seasons with very young rosters. The wrestling team had a very strong season with the team placing 7 out of 14 wrestlers in the State Tournament. Congratulations to Coach LaPlante and the team.    Thanks for your support, Mr. Procaccini Social Media: Let's get social!  Stay up to date on all things Tri-County!  Follow us on the following social media sites: Facebook:  tinyurl.com/tricountyfb Twitter:  @tricountyrvtsd Instagram:  @tricountyregional LinkedIn:  https:tinyurl.com/tricountyrvths Upcoming Events Admissions - Open Enrollment Going on Now Tri-County Children's Center - Open Enrollment Going on Now - February 28 Wrestling D3 State Meet February 16 and 17 Wakefield, MA Cheerleading - Milford Invitational February 18 Winter Vacation February 19-23 Skills USA District Competition March 1 TC Drama Club Presents: The Matchmakers March 3 Freshman & Sophomore Semi-Formal March 9 Winter Sports Awards Night March 13 St. Patrick's Day Buffet @ Gerry's Place March 15 Robotics Expo March 31 40 Year Celebration Dinner April 7 Golf Tourmament June 8 About The TC Insider The TC Insider is a biweekly newsletter for the families of Tri-County students. View Email In Browser Tri-County RVTHS 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 www.tri-county.us 508-528-5400

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of contents, visit this link on the web 
http://mailchi.mp/86d3c964695d/the-tc-insider-2511709?e=a64020e338

The TC Insider

Mark your calendar: Franklin Fives Road Race - May 5

8th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Fives Road Race

5K Run/Walk - 5 mile run - 1.5 mile walk

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Remington Middle School 

628 Washington Street Franklin, MA

USA Track and Field Sanctioned Event

Run or Walk-5k or Run 5 mile Courses through residential neighborhoods on paved roads. 1.5 mile walk through residential neighborhoods. Help support our effort to develop the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) into a multi-use path for Franklin and Bellingham. Post race refreshments. Prizes awarded by category. T-shirts to the first 150 entrants. Participation Medals & raffle prizes and DJ at the site for your enjoyment.

Event details and schedule
T-shirts to the first 150 entrants. Prizes awarded by category. Post race refreshments. Race timing by Spitler Race Systems.

• Registration: 8:30 – 9:45 AM
• Start Time: 10 AM
• Start / Finish: 628 Washington St. Franklin, MA (Remington School)
• Run – 5K and 5 mile course through residential neighborhoods
• 1.5 mile walk through residential neighborhoods
• Entry Fee: 
• $30 prior to race day; $35 day of the race 
• $15 Students prior to race day;  $20 day of race for Students

Link to the Rail Trail Committee website with registration info:
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/race

Link directly to registration page:
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/8th-annual-franklin-and-bellingham-franklin-fives-road-race-2018?int=

Link to Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/801815903359955/

Mark your calendar: Franklin Fives Road Race - May 5

FM #139 - Legislative Forum on School Funding (audio)

This internet radio show or podcast is number 139 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the Legislative Forum on School Funding held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 in the Lecture Hall at Franklin High School.

The event featured opening remarks by School Committee Chair Anne Bergen and then a panel discussion facilitated by Vice-Chair Denise Schultz. The panelists were Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, and Representative Jeffrey Roy.

The Forum itself runs just about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Without further ado, here is the recording





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

My notes from the Forum can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/live-reporting-legislative-forum-feb-13.html


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

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

Jennifer Knight of SAFE Coalition tying some comments and points together at the end 

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

FHS boys and girls basketball teams top KP

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Feb 16, 2018


Boys Basketball = King Philip, 49 @ Franklin, 62 – Final
– Franklin pulled away in the fourth quarter to hold off an upset attempt from King Philip. The Panthers led 36-35 going into the final period and scored 26 points to secure the win. Senior Paul Mahon paced Franklin with 21 points while junior Jalen Samuels added 17 points.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 57 @ King Philip, 41 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-02-16-18/

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/964657558618243077

Via the Twitterverse

Follow this Twitter list to get all the FHS Sports updates
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

Freshmen and JV best KP! Despite an astonishing 59 (yup 59!) fouls Varsity is the victor this evening!!... https://t.co/8i0xKoX2uJ

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) February 17, 2018

Day 1 States Results: Jordan Carlucci and Bakalars advance to the semi-finals. Jake Carlucci, Sauer, Remillard, Farrell, Racca, Sackley, Johnson, and Coughlin move on in the Consolation bracket. Weigh ins at 8:30 tomorrow.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) February 17, 2018

CONGRATS Coach Burke on being named NIHOA Coach of the Year! Such a well-deserved honor for an incredibly dedicated educator and coach! #PantherPride https://t.co/wuac9G9Juj

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) February 17, 2018

In Today's D1 State Competition, school records were set by Miranda Smith in the Shot Put and Jess Kroushl in the Long Jump. Lauren McGrath also broke the Long Jump record only to have Jess Kroushl break Lauren’s record on her next Jump. CONGRATS LADY PANTHERS! #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) February 17, 2018

The Franklin Girls Track Team finished 5th overall in the MIAA DIV 1 STATE TEAM competition.The 4x800 Relay won the event and qualified for the New Balance National Championships in New York City. Nicole Clermont, Kate Hartnett, Emma Clifford & Julia Fenerty. #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) February 17, 2018

Thrilling 2 pt win vs. KP tonight for final freshmen game of the season! #together we won! Great season girls and can't wait to see you all at tryouts next year!!! ;-)

— Sandy Sauer (@FHSCoachSandy) February 17, 2018

1st round action all wrapped up at the D1 State Tourney. Sauer, Bakalars, Jordan Carlucci, Remillard, and Racca all advance in the Championship bracket.

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) February 17, 2018

THANK YOU SENIORS! pic.twitter.com/XZtR7dDF6h

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) February 17, 2018

Franklin Student Wins National Gold Medal in Music

Mia Quinn, who lives in Franklin and studies voice at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, has been awarded the National Gold Medal of Excellence for 2016-2017 in Preparatory Voice, with a remarkable score of 97. The Royal Conservatory of Music awards the National Gold Medal to the student who has achieved the highest score in the country within their specific skill level for each instrument. 

Mia Quinn

Mia, now 11 years old, has been studying voice, as well as performing and recording albums with the Recording Ensemble at Encore for over two years. Under the guidance of her vocal instructor, Lisa Ostrow, (who has guided students to national gold medals twice before), Mia began her studies in voice using the curriculum of the RCM right from the start.

The Royal Conservatory of Music provides a recognized national standard of success in music study from beginner to advanced levels. It inspires excellence through individual student assessments that are central to the Program, while also supporting teachers with high-quality and innovative resources. 

The RCM allows students to measure and celebrate accomplishment and track their progress throughout the country. All students and teachers across the United States are invited to participate, and Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios is proud to be able to offer these opportunities at the school and through outreach to the surrounding communities.

A number of students from Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, located in Franklin and Millis, participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) assessment sessions each year. The RCM assessment process represents an extremely exciting opportunity for students, on a national level, to demonstrate the skills that they have honed through practice. Locally, assessments are held at Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, which is a Founding School and a regional assessment center for this internationally-acclaimed program. 

Mia Quinn and Lisa Ostrow

Student participants come from all around the New England area to take the assessments, while adjudicators travel from all across Canada in order to administer the exams. Not only do the adjudicators judge students based on ability to perform on the instrument of their choice within their skill level, but they also administer academic assessments in music theory, harmony, history, and analysis.

Ostrow, Vocal Director and co-owner of Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, had this to say:

"Mia's accomplishment is extraordinary. Having scored an unprecedented score of 97 on her vocal assessment, her National Gold Medal is a true testament to the dedication she brings to her music studies, the level of support she receives from her family, her innate talent, and her tremendous desire to achieve. And, best of all, Mia is an absolute joy to work with - fun and funny, and incredibly sweet. We are very proud of her, as we are of all our students."

In December, 2017, Mia received First Class Honors with Distinction on her Level 1 vocal assessment with a score of 92, and is on her way to perform at Carnegie Hall as a result of having won her Gold Medal!

For the assessments, students are graded on proficiency in the following areas: Performance; technical requirements; aural skills; rhythm; and, sight-reading ability. Encore will be hosting another round of regional assessments this spring and is very much looking forward to the opportunity to meet and interact with young musicians from all over the Northeast.

To learn more about Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios and the Royal Conservatory of Music program, please visit: www.encoremusicacademy.net

3 Bent Street, Franklin, MA 02038 

AND 

352 Village St., Millis, MA 02054

info@encoremusicacademy.net

Phone: (508) 533-7700

Fax: (508) 533-7760

Vacation Week Skating Schedule at Pirelli Veterans Arena

"February school vacation is here! And what better way to spend the week than by going to public skating. Day-time public skating hours will be held every day this week. Head down to the rink for some school vacation fun!"

February school vacation is here! And what better way to spend the week than by going to public skating. Day-time public skating hours will be held every day this week. Head down to the rink for some school vacation fun! #fmcicesports pic.twitter.com/zpUuv8aEab

— PirelliVeteransArena (@PirelliArena) February 16, 2018

Vacation Week Skating Schedule at Pirelli Veterans Arena

The Pirelli Veteran's Arena is a full service DCR skating facility, managed by FMC Ice Sports, and offers a variety of skating programs for all ages and abilities
https://fmcicesports.com/rink/franklin-veterans-skating-arena/

Light one of three finalists for Acton-Boxborough Superintendent

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

"The school committee presented their three finalists for the position of superintendent of schools for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District. The names of the finalists were announced and their resumes presented Thursday evening. 

Committee member Diane Baum, who chaired the Superintendent Search Screening Committee, said the committee reviewed 25 applications and interviewed nine candidates before settling on the finalists. 

Baum thanked the 14-member committee for its work, saying they were a diverse and thoughtful group that put in a great deal of effort to come up with the finalists."

The Finalists:

• "Peter Light, Baum said, is the current assistant superintendent of Franklin Public Schools."
• "Anthony Parker is the current principal of Weston High School, where he has been since 2006."
• "Dr. Peter Sanchioni is the current superintendent for Natick Public Schools, where he has been since 2008."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20180215/finalists-for-acton-boxborough-superintendent-announced

The FTC will never ask you to send money

The FTC will never ask you to send money by Andrew Johnson Consumer Education Specialist, FTC If someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) contacts you and asks you to send money, it's a scam. Do not pay. Report it. Spread the word to your family and friends. Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/16/18 - THU 2/22/18

FRIDAY 2/16/18
9am   FDP’s Networking Breakfast @ Dean College Dining Center
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud @ Franklin Senior Center
11:30am   Mommy and Me Fitness (ages 3-8) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
5:30pm   Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga (for parents and loved ones of those suffering from addiction) @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
7pm   Yoga for Recovery @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
7pm   Franklin’s 240th Birthday Party @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 2/17/18
9am-3pm   Book Sale ($1 a book) @ Franklin Public Library
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2-3pm   Dean College Students Arts and Crafts Event @ Franklin Public Library
7-11pm   Margarita Night (Elks Fundraiser) @ Elks Lodge

SUNDAY 2/18/18
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9am-12pm   Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library (*please note the Library is only open for the the Bag Sale, but closed for any regular Library business due to holidays)
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 2/19/18
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed - holiday
10am   Storytime (all ages, free) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm

TUESDAY 2/20/18
All Day   Superhero Training Camp Week @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Can Save You Cash! @ Franklin Senior Center
6pm   Lenten Soup Supper and Book Study (weekly until March 21) @ St. John’s Episcopal Church

WEDNESDAY 2/21/18
All Day   Superhero Training Camp Week @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10am   Roulette Fun @ Franklin Senior Center
1pm   The Greg and Axel Show @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   Book Bites @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Doggie Tales @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
7:30pm   Dean College Presents ’Twelfth Night’ @ Dean College Main Stage Theatre

THURSDAY 2/22/18
All Day   Superhero Training Camp Week @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Gary Highlander Presidential Series Biographies: George Washington @ Franklin Senior Center
12pm   Urban Sketching (no experience necessary) @ Franklin Public Library
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Franklin Elks Lodge
1-2pm   Superhero Slime! @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Genealogy Club Meeting @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm   Dean College Presents ’Twelfth Night’ @ Dean College Main Stage Theatre 

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 Public Schools: Message in response to event in Parkland, FL

Dear Franklin Families and Colleagues,

It is with a heavy heart that I write to convey deep sadness for the tragic loss of life at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. We are heartbroken for the students, their families, and our colleagues.

I am sure many in our school community are asking: How safe are the Franklin schools? and How can we support students as more details emerge?

The safety and well-being of Franklin students and staff are our highest priority. Our buildings remain locked and well-supervised when school is in session; all visitors must check in at reception upon arrival and present identification. Security cameras provide coverage around all of our buildings. We have open communication with the Franklin Fire and Police Departments, and our response teams regularly review and practice safety protocols and procedures through training with staff and students. Additionally, we continue to refine our practices through continuing education on best practices within the field of school safety. Parents or staff members with concerns about safety should contact the building principal with specific questions.

We also stress climate and culture in each of our schools, centering our work around core values and relationships. It is important that each student feels connected to an adult and we strive to ensure we have supports in place to help students in crisis. We emphasize the importance of speaking up when there is a concern, and we have examples when students, parents/guardians, and staff have come forward to bring a concern about a friend or classmate to an administrator's attention.

You may be looking for resources to ensure that our students are supported as they learn more about the tragic event in Florida. This resource, from the American Psychological Association, may be of assistance to you: http://www.apa.org/topics/violence/school-shooting.aspx

Counselors, teachers, and administrators are available to help any student who may be experiencing difficulty as a result of the news. Please reach out to any member of the administration if we can be of help in any way.

With respect,

Sara E. Ahern, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Oak St/Horace Mann schools

Franklin Downtown Partnership Announces 2018 Event, Meeting Dates

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set the dates for its 2018 events and meetings, and a few of those events have new dates and times thanks to input from members and Franklin residents.

The annual Strawberry Stroll, which traditionally had been held on Thursday afternoons, will be Friday, June 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“Residents told us that holding the Strawberry Stroll on a Friday evening would make it easier for them to come downtown and enjoy the event,” says Executive Director Lisa Piana. “The feedback told us more families could spend time together downtown without the Stroll competing with after-school activities and sports. We think it will be a very positive change for families and for our downtown businesses and restaurants.”

2018 Event, Meeting Dates

Thanks to a member’s suggestion, the Partnership’s networking events are now monthly breakfast meetings (instead of lunch) held in the Dean College dining center. The first breakfast meeting in January drew 15 members who shared ideas and enjoyed a meal for less than $6.

Future networking breakfasts are scheduled for March 16 and April 20. Everyone is invited to drop in between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. and join the discussion over a cup of coffee or a delicious meal.

The general public is invited to the FDP general meetings to hear the latest news about events, downtown projects, town updates and member announcements. General meetings are scheduled for the following Thursdays: April 5, June 14, September 6 and November 1. Meetings begin at 8:30 a.m., last one hour, and are usually held in the Campanella Board Room in the Dean College Campus Center.

Downtown Franklin’s annual Beautification Day will be Saturday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to Noon. Groups are encouraged to volunteer and community service hours are available.
Eileen Mason coordinates the effort for the FDP along with the Franklin Garden Club.

The Harvest Festival will happen Saturday, October 13, with a rain date of Sunday, October 14. The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown.

Winter Decorating Day will be Sunday, November 18, from 9 a.m. to Noon. Organizer Eileen Mason will need volunteers for Sunday and also on Saturday the 17th to help sort greens.

The Holiday Stroll date is still under consideration by the FDP Board and will be announced in a timely manner.

More information and a handy downloadable event list can be found at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, and on the FDP’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Follow the Partnership for updates and notifications about sponsorship and participation opportunities.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 240 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ for more information.