Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 13 (video)

The video of the Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum is now available.

• Live reporting from the Forum

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/live-reporting-legislative-forum-feb-13.html

• The audio of the Forum was published previously

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/fm-139-legislative-forum-on-school.html

• Announcement of the Forum

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/02/franklin-school-committee-legislative.html

Franklin School Committee Legislative Forum - Feb 13 (video)

Where’s the Green? - Mar 17

A look at prospects for open space, agriculture, and recreational space in Franklin and a discussion about the town’s continued growth

On Saturday, March 17 Franklin in Focus is inviting all interested people to gather for a look at the past, present, and future of Franklin’s open space and continued growth with an eye to preserving town character, enhancing recreation and conservation, and encouraging agricultural activities.

We are inviting representatives from the Town Council, Town Conservation Commission and Planning Board, Metacomet Land Trust, Charles River Meadowlands Initiative, Franklin State Forest, and Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail, Agricultural Commission, and Community Garden and other to join us.

The event will be held at the Franklin Senior Center from 10 - noon.


For more information, contact franklininfocus@gmx.com

Where’s the Green?  - Mar 17

FHS boys basketball repeat as D1 Central Sectional Champions

Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the recap of the FHS boys basketball win to claim the D1 Central Sectional Championship on Friday, March 9.

The 2018 Franklin boys basketball team has relied on its defense all season long to win game after game. 

So it’s only fitting the Panthers came up with a pair of big stops to secure a 58-53 win over Algonquin to clinch the program’s second straight D1 Central Sectional Championship. 

Holding a 55-50 lead with 4:21 to go, the Panthers relied on the defensive end to clinch the title. The Tomahawks had the momentum, sandwiching a bucket from Nick Redden (25 points, 11 rebounds) around two defensive stops to get within two. 

The Panthers got a turnover but gave the ball back on an offensive foul that negated an and-one opportunity. Once again, Franklin got the stop it needed but the rebound bounced around and out of bounds. Algonquin called a timeout with an inbounds chance under the Franklin basket with 39.3 to go.

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-beat-algonquin-to-repeat-as-d1c-champs/

For a photo gallery from the game, follow this link
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Franklin-Algonquin-Boys-Basketball-030918/

Franklin’s Paul Mahon drives to the basket in the first half against Algonquin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Via the Twitterverse
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

So proud of this team. Mon night we play Springfield Central. A rematch from last year's playoff run when Panthers earned an amazing W. Get ready! @RattleCity @FranklinHSNews https://t.co/61i5asha4a

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) March 10, 2018

If 1 play could some up the grit of a Central Sectional Championship team this would be it. Awesome hustle play! Tremendous culture has been developed by the @fhsboysbball team, coaching staff & @CoachCJNeely. Relentless effort, tenacity, grit & still going! https://t.co/Vd1N3RFgsX

— FHS Baseball (@FHSCoachZBrown) March 10, 2018

I’ve watched his play a handful of times....what a play from Paul Mahon. Definition of a hustle play. Have to feel good for Mahon too after he missed last year’s sectional final. He was terrific tonight. #hockomock pic.twitter.com/tIId34jZ0U

— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) March 10, 2018

Next up... Div 1 State Semi- Final game: Monday 3/12 at Worcester State College vs Springfield Central. 7:30 tip off. LETSGOPANTHERS @RattleCity @FranklinHSNews @_FHSBasketball

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 10, 2018

Franklin High School Boys Basketball. MIAA Central Sectional Division 1 Champions. @MIAA033 pic.twitter.com/zb3kwBOHgH

— Rich Riley (@richriley440) March 10, 2018

Franklin Public Schools: Status Update on Our School Buildings' Systems - Mar 9 - 4:15 PM

Friday, March 9, 2018  4:15 PM Update

Dear Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

We am writing before the weekend with an update regarding the status of our systems of operations within our schools.

Key Fobs

Key fobs had not been working for our entry doors, and staff were using door keys. Batteries in key fob entry pads are being or have been replaced.

Internet

As we had mentioned, Internet was out briefly but came back quickly across all schools, being functional by about 8:00 AM.  The Internet continues to function properly.

Heat

As we mentioned previously, a computer failure took down the heating system at Keller/Sullivan but the system was reset and heat came back online at 8:10 AM.  This morning, heat was on at Horace Mann/ECDC/Oak but not at full capacity. One boiler at Horace Mann/ECDC/Oak was restored at approximately 9:00 AM and heat is functioning properly there.

Phones

Phone lines have been restored to all schools but we are not yet at peak capacity.  We can receive incoming calls, make outgoing calls, and call internally. Work will continue through the weekend. Please be patient and try to call again or e-mail if you get a busy signal.

It appears that a significant majority of households would have power restored today. Please know we've been thinking of you, the challenges and discomfort that come when you don't have power in your homes, and understand implications for homework completion.

Many thanks to our Town Administrator's Office, the Facilities staff, the Technology Department, Fire Department and the Police Department for repair efforts and assistance throughout the day.

Regards,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools:  Status Update on Our School Buildings' Systems - Mar 9 - 4:15 PM

In the News: local businesses help during power outage; not enough candidates in Bellingham

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

"At the Cake Bar also in Franklin, owner Joanne Callahan said a lot of people came in to get work done, since the bakery did not lose power and offers free wireless internet. She said, though, that most of the people seeking refuge or respite came in on Thursday, as Friday had seen power restored to more customers. 

Callahan said she had lost power herself, and had sent her husband out to both make sure the business had lost power and to get her some coffee from the shop. 

The MetroWest YMCA also opened its doors to those without power, member or not. Many families used the WiFi and play spaces as they warmed up, said Lisa Mandozzi, branch executive director."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180309/local-businesses-institutions-help-people-warm-up

"The deadline for candidates to pull papers for this spring’s town election has passed, with only one potentially contested race on the ballot. 

Thursday, March 8 was the last day to seek papers from the town clerk’s office for the May 1 vote, in which multiple selectman and School Committee seats will be up for grabs. 

The only seat for which multiple candidates have pulled papers is a five-year Housing Authority position. Town Clerk Ann Odabashian said newcomer candidates Joseph Fleuette, Billiegene Lavallee and Mark Ladouceur had requested nomination papers; Lawrence Sposato, the incumbent, did not."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180309/dearth-of-candidates-in-bellingham-election

Reminder: Spring forward tonight for Daylight Savings Time

Spring forward for Daylight Savings Time

Mar 11, 2018 - Daylight Saving Time Starts

"Sunday, March 11, 2018, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned forward 1 hour to 
Sunday, March 11, 2018, 3:00:00 am local daylight time instead.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour later on Mar 11, 2018 than the day before. There will be more light in the evening."

https://www.timeanddate.com/time/change/usa

MASSBudget: Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children

Tax credit affects children's education, health outcomes

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. March 8, 2018 Data on EITC by community, and effects on parents and children The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new resources provide data on how many households in each Massachusetts city or town received earned income tax credit (EITC), a tax credit available to low- and moderate-income working people. The Governor's proposed budget includes an expansion of the state EITC from 23 percent of the federal credit to 30 percent, which would affect the economic security of more than 400,000 households in Massachusetts. MassBudget's brief includes an interactive map, which shows the share of all tax filers in each city and town who benefited from the state EITC. The data can also be downloaded as a table from the Kids Count Data Center. Both use the most current data available from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. More than 400,000 households claim the Massachusetts state EITC each year. In state Fiscal Year 2019 lower wage workers and their children will receive a total of $214.1 million in credits. For a detailed description of EITC and how it affects educational, health, and other family outcomes, see this updated fact sheet.   The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings

Friday, March 9, 2018  9:00 AM Update

Dear Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

It has been a busy morning so far and we are writing this message to convey accurate information regarding our systems operations in the early morning hours.

While power was restored broadly to our schools, we have been experiencing some problems with our systems. We have assessed across all buildings and feel we are able to operate normally with a few "workarounds".

Key Fobs

Key fobs are not working for our entry doors but door keys do work.  The buildings remain locked, however people in the building are able to get out.  Secretaries are able to buzz in visitors and check them per security protocols.

Internet

We experienced brief Internet outages early in the morning at some schools but all schools currently have Internet connections.

Heat

The heat was on in most buildings but a computer failure took the heat offline at Keller/Sullivan. The system was reset and heat came back online at 8:10 AM.  The heat at Horace Mann/Oak/ECDC is on but one boiler is not functioning properly. The contractors are currently working on it.

Phones

Our phone lines are experiencing problems across all schools.  Incoming calls are being directed to a "Town Offices" line here at the municipal building.  This line is being monitored and we are relaying the messages to the schools. If you need to reach the school, an alternative is to email the school secretary.

We are having difficulty making outgoing phone calls at ECDC/Oak St./HMMS and Keller/Sullivan.  Our workaround for emergency purposes is to use cell phone calls and/or text messaging. We will also have additional police and administrative presence at these locations for assistance.

Our communications vendor is currently working to repair the phone system.

We will continue to keep you apprised about conditions throughout the day.

Regards,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: Schools are in session but .... Operations of Systems in Our School Buildings

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 3/9/18 - THU 3/15/18

FRIDAY 3/9/18
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
11:45am   Kids Fitness @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
2pm   Tech Help with HMMS Students @ Senior Center
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

SATURDAY 3/10/18
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1pm   Drive-In Movie (Cars) @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   FPAC: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box
4:30-6:30pm   Black Brown and Beige: A Spirited Event @ Pour Richard's
7:30pm   FPAC: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 3/11/18
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1-4pm   Pennywise @ Pour Richard's
1:15pm   Alan Earles - The Blizzard of ’78 @ Franklin Historical Museum
2pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   FPAC: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat @ The Black Box

MONDAY 3/12/18
10am   Storytime (all ages, free) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm  Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Registry of Deeds - William O’Donnell @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 3/13/18
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Low Vision Group @ Franklin Senior Center
6pm   Lenten Soup Supper and Book Study (weekly until March 21) @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
6:30pm   Pallette Wood Burning Class @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
7pm   School Committee Meeting @ Franklin Municipal Building
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting (public welcome) @ Franklin YMCA

WEDNESDAY 3/14/18
9am   5th Grade Concert @ J F Kennedy Elementary
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10am   Roulette Fun @ Franklin Senior Center
10am   Gary Highlander Presidential Series Biographies (Abraham Lincoln) @ Senior Center
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1:30pm   Preschool Play N’ Learn @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
4:30-6:30pm   Spring Art Show (FPS Students K-12) @ FHS Panther Lobby
6pm   All Franklin Bands MICCA Showcase @ Franklin High School
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Town Council Meeting @ Franklin Municipal Building
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Meeting @ 3 Restaurant
7:30pm   Let’s Laugh Today - laughter yoga @ FUSF

THURSDAY 3/15/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Urban Sketching (no experience necessary) @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Minds in Motion @ Franklin Senior Center
6pm   All Franklin Chorus and Orchestra MICCA Concert @ FHS
6-8pm   Family Science Night @ FHS
7pm   Franklin SEPAC Workshop: ADHD Essentials @ Franklin Municipal Building
7pm   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

Tri-County - 2Q Honor Roll

The honor roll for the second quarter from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. 

Students who receive term grades of B- or better in all subjects earn honor roll status. 
Students who earn grades of A- or better in all subjects receive high honors.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/153jMCL65pqUqzxLpMUKRHSqte1uygBeQ/view?usp=sharing

Tri-County - 2Q Honor Roll

For more about Tri-County visit their webpage   http://www.tri-county.tc/

MA Consumer Affairs: Where to find that product recall

From MA Consumer Affairs:

"Product Recall! 

You’ve probably seen too many articles and news stories to count featuring that phrase. Whether it’s defective airbags, combustible smartphones, or contaminated produce, companies and consumer protection agencies will alert the public if a product is unsafe, hazardous or defective. 

You may be wondering which government agency oversees recalls; is it the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? Or the Department of Agriculture (USDA)? The answer is both. Actually, the answer includes several federal agencies. 

Recalls.gov was created in part by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States Coast Guard, the FDA, the USDA, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These six agencies teamed together to create an all-in-one website for consumers to find information about product recalls."

Continue reading the article online
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/can-you-recall-that-recall/

• Can you recall that recall?

FTC continues to crack down on student loan scams

FTC continues to crack down on student loan scams by Ari Lazarus Consumer Education Specialist, FTC A lot of us have student loans – and some of us have trouble paying them every month. Some companies claim to resolve that issue by saying they can help you pay them down quicker, cheaper or get them forgiven altogether. Be cautious – some of these companies are running scams. Here are some tips to avoid student loan repayment scams: Read more This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

“The time on some of this stuff seems to be now”

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

"As Massachusetts continued to clean up Thursday from its second nor’easter in a week, Gov. Charlie Baker said he plans to file legislation next week addressing climate change. 

Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito surveyed storm damage on the North and South shores last weekend, and Baker said it occurred to him then that “fixing whatever it is that’s there may just translate in something similar happening again at some point.” 

“A lot of these places got hit pretty hard in the Jan. 4 storm as well, and I think we’re going to have to come up with a different kind of strategy around resilience,” Baker said during his monthly appearance on WGBH Radio. 

Storms in January and March combined with high tides to inundate coastal communities with floodwaters, events that have put a spotlight on strategies to prepare for and respond to climate change.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180308/baker-to-file-climate-change-bill-next-week

https://350.org/about/

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Open -- Power Restored - Mar 9

Friday, March 9, 2018

Dear Franklin Families, Faculty, and Staff,

We have received notification that all of the Franklin Public Schools' school buildings and many homes have had power restored. Therefore, school will open on time this morning, Friday, March 9, 2018.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools:  Schools Open -- Power Restored - Mar 9

Important Message from the Town Collector Regarding Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills

Important Message from the Town Collector Regarding Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills are due March 15, 2018.

If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.

Online Payments can be made here.

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Bills are due March 15, 2018

You can also navigate to the online bill pay from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments