Franklin Artist to be featured at Mansfield Gallery - Apr 14 to May 12

Franklin resident, Sue Pratt Sheridan will be the featured artist in a solo exhibition from April 14 until May 12 at the Next Door Gallery at Happy Hollow Frame Shop, 250 North Main Street in Mansfield.

The opening reception, free and open to the public, will take place on Saturday, April 14th, 2018 from 7 - 9 PM. For more information, call 508-339-1234 or visit the gallery’s Facebook page at The Happy Hollow Frame Shop and Next Door Gallery.

For over 25 years, Pratt Sheridan has painted in a variety of media; the show will include landscapes, seascapes, city scenes and figures. Much of her work depicts the natural beauty of New England as well as scenes from her paintings excursions in Europe.

Pratt Sheridan’s award-winning work has been featured in many local and regional shows and galleries. She holds a Signature Artist designation from the Rhode Island Watercolor Society.

In addition to her painting, Pratt Sheridan has been an active member in many area arts organizations. She has also been a strong arts advocate with service on the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee and the Franklin Cultural Council.

Regarding this art show Pratt Sheridan states “I’m honored to be having a solo show of my work at this fine gallery. I hope people will take a break from their everyday routines, come on down to the gallery, and enjoy some beautiful views!” 

Franklin Artist to be featured at Mansfield Gallery - Apr 14 to May 12

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 22, 2018

The School Committee meeting scheduled for March 13 was canceled due to the blizzard. The documents have not been changed so one can assume these would still be applicable for the reschedule date of Thursday, March 22.

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Project 351 Student Representative ASMS
b. Update on Homework (District Improvement Plan – Goal 2) – Dr. Joyce Edwards

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – Second Reading
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed.

• Policy CBD – Superintendent’s Contract
• Policy ADF – Wellness Policy

b. Proposal for FHS Seniors late arrival or early release during study hall pilot
I recommend temporary suspension of policy JH – Student Absences for the purpose of piloting late arrival/early release for FHS Seniors during quarter 4 as discussed.
c. School Start Times Advisory Committee Appointment
I recommend approval of the remaining School Start Times Advisory Committee appointment as discussed.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Budget Discussion

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)
b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the February 27, 2018 School Committee meeting.
b. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of four checks totaling $518.67 as detailed:

• $340.72 Parmenter PCC for Supplemental Supplies
• $50.00 Parmenter Parent for Supplemental Supplies
• $77.95 Parmenter PCC for Supplemental Supplies
• $50.00 Parmenter Parent for Supplemental Supplies

c. Music Parents Gift
I recommend acceptance of $240.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment as detailed.
d. FHS scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Digital Federal Credit Union for a FHS Scholarship.
e. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library books.
f. Remington Middle School Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $594.00 from the RMS PCC for in-house enrichment.
g. Jefferson Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,159.00 from the Jefferson PCC for field trips.
h. HMMS Grade 6 recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the request to take HMMS 6th graders to Save the Bay, in Providence, RI on 5/30; 5/31; and 6/1/2018 (approximately 52 students each day) as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills = Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll = Mrs. Douglas

10. Executive Session
a. Strategy with respect to litigation.

11. Adjournment

The documents released for this agenda can be found on the School District page
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/s3-13-2018%20SC%20Packet/

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Mar 22, 2018

Reminder: 2018 Dog Registration Is Due

All dog owners must renew their dog license annually.

Registration runs from January 1st thru April 1st.

Dogs not licensed by April 1st are considered unlicensed and late fees will apply.

New dogs must be registered at the age of 6 months.

If residents have any questions regarding dog licensing, please visit our website www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk or contact the Town Clerks Office at 508-520-4900 or via email at townclerk@franklinma.gov

Thank you,

Teresa M. Burr
Town Clerk

Reminder:  2018 Dog Registration Is Due

Kroushl named MVP; 8 girls, 2 boys named to Hockomock Indoor Track All Stars for FHS

Below are the official 2018 Hockomock League Girls Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Jessica Kroushl, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Halle Atkinson, Franklin
• Nicole Clermont, Franklin
• Emma Clifford, Franklin
• Julia Fenerty, Franklin
• Ella Gutkowski, Franklin
• Katherine Hartnett, Franklin
• Sidney Hawkins, Franklin
• Lauren Jackson, Franklin
• Jessica Kroushl, Franklin

For all the Hockomock League girls Indoor Track all stars, follow this link
https://hockomocksports.com/2018-hockomock-league-girls-indoor-track-all-stars/


Below are the official 2018 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Jonathan Shultz, North Attleboro

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Tyler Brogan, Franklin
• Dylan Kehoe, Franklin

For all the Hockomock League boys Indoor Track all stars, follow this link
https://hockomocksports.com/2018-hockomock-league-boys-indoor-track-all-stars/

Kroushl named MVP; 8 girls, 2 boys named to
Hockomock Indoor Track All Stars for FHS

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series ~ Yookeroo - Mar 24

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series features Yookeroo on Saturday, March 24, 8 PM.

A progressive rock quartet based in Massachusetts, Yookeroo has played across the northeast and recently released their first full-length album "Into the Æther." 

They signed with Green Line Records (Boston) in December 2017. 

Yookeroo consists of Gabe Rudd (Keyboard) Desmond Cornetta (Guitar/Vocals), Michael Agnello (Bass/Vocals,) and Sam Pinkowitz (Drums).

Tickets can be purchased online

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1101

THE BLACK BOX Local Artist Series ~ Yookeroo - Mar 24

Franklin Youth Lacrosse at Coles Tavern with Backyard Swagger on April 7

"Come Support Franklin Youth Lacrosse at Coles Tavern with Backyard Swagger on April 7th - great food, great music and raffles and silent auctions. Hope to see you there!!"

Franklin Youth Lacrosse at Coles Tavern with Backyard Swagger on April 7

For more info about Franklin Youth Lacrosse, visit them on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Youth-Lacrosse-1306863252774863/

BFCCPS March Expansion Update

"Dear BFCCPS Community, 

We are thrilled to share that site work has begun at the location of the new BFCCPS facility, and we are on track to meet our Fall 2019 open. 

We have begun to plan our fundraising efforts for two playgrounds and a gymnasium. We are in need of motivated and interested individuals who have the time to be part of this process. If you are interested please contact the President of the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation, Don Tappin. 

The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation (BFEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) which supports the schools mission. As the owners of the property at 500 Financial Park Drive the BFEF will oversee fundraising activities to support the development of the property. 

Please also save the date for the morning of April 7th for a Community kickoff for families to get a more thorough update on the expansion, have a opportunity to view the layout for the new facility, and learn more about the BFEF. More details on this to come soon. 

With excitement and appreciation,
The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation"

BFCCPS March Expansion Update

This was shared from the BFCCPS webpage
http://bfccps.org/march-expansion-update/?doing_wp_cron=1521624154.1048209667205810546875

In the News: Sunshine Week articles and links to be aware of

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

"We’ve become so accustomed to frequently and easily accessing information on demand — from more sources and in more forms than at any other time in history — that it’s easy to forget how quickly our information landscape has evolved and what that evolution means for us as individuals, as news consumers and as participants in a democracy. 

It can also be easy to forget how much the information we choose to read, watch and hear really matters. It’s the basis for many of the decisions we make — for ourselves, for our families and for our civic society. It helps us determine the kind of lives we lead, the social and political structures we want to change or preserve and the kind of world we inhabit. It is the very foundation of both personal empowerment and a robust democracy. 

To be meaningfully engaged with the world around us, we must be informed. But what does that mean in an age of information overload in which so much “content” isn’t what it appears to be? How, in other words, can we know what to believe?"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20180320/sunshine-week-importance-of-recognizing-fighting-against-fake

“All politics is local.” This famous quote by Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, the former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and proud son of Massachusetts, is used so often that it often seems cliché. But its frequent usage underscores the profound truth that drives decisions made by those in government, whether it be at city or town hall, the state house or the U.S. Capitol, and even the White House. 

In this regard it is critical that citizens feel empowered, and in fact encouraged, to communicate with their elected and appointed officials utilizing both traditional and new, innovative means of communication. 

The advent of social media has impacted every sector of society, with both positive and negative consequences. The internet and the explosive expansion of the use of handheld devices and tablets have facilitated new means of communication and commerce. People now email and text much more frequently, reducing the utilization of landline telephones at home or work. This technology has lowered the cost of entry into sectors of the economy and created new, disruptive businesses such as Lyft, Uber, Airbnb and Venmo, a mobile payment service."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20180320/sunshine-week-new-amp-traditional-ways-to-approach-your-elected-officials

"Want to be a more informed and engaged citizen? Here are suggested websites: 

U.S. Congress: Members of Congress and tracking legislation, congress.gov. 

Watch live and video of the Senate, senate.gov/floor/index.htm and the House, at houselive.gov. 

Federal Election Commission: Campaign financing in federal elections, including how much campaigns are raising and spending, and who’s contributing, fec.gov. 

Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance: Campaign financing in state and local elections, how much campaigns are raising and spending, and who’s contributing, ocpf.us."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20180320/tools-to-becoming-more-engaged-citizen

screen grab of  The News Literacy Project

This website 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.

If you would like to be more involved, write an article or two, please reach out and let me know.

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Mar 21, 2018

All Commuter Rail lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule on Wednesday, 3/21. Please check for service alerts prior to travel, as winter weather is forecast throughout the day.

Allow additional time while travelling to local stations and use caution traversing platforms and parking lots. For the latest Commuter Rail information, follow us on Twitter @MBTA_CR, visit mbta.com/winter, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber, and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Last updated: Mar 20 2018 06:32 PM

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Mar 21, 2018

Electric Youth 2018 at THE BLACK BOX - Mar 23

Electric Youth 2018 returns to THE BLACK BOX on Friday, March 23 at 7:30 PM, offering family entertainment with music for all ages! 

Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, EY delivers high-energy music, including contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits. 

The EY show at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of Bruno Mars, Elvis, Duffy, Billy Gillman, Jim Croce, Stevie Wonder and more.
 
With Special Guest Future Shock!

Electric Youth 2018 - Mar 23

Tickets can be purchased online  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1087

Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse Friday, Apr 6

Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse in Wrentham on Friday, April 6 to celebrate his 51st year making music and in support of his new release, "Safe Home".

OCC Coffeehouse

1 East Street,
Wrentham, MA 02093
Friday, April 6th

Info & Tickets can be purchased online https://www.musicatocc.org/upcoming-shows.html

Safe Home is the new album from the Boston's venerated songwriter, Livingston Taylor. The release was recorded with a single microphone, the band appears right before you with this spacious, lush and multi-dimensional recording. Liv was supported by a world class band of Shelly Berg (piano), David Finck (bass), Bashiri Johnson (percussion), and Chelsea Berry (vocals), the album gives playful bend to musical classics like "Anything You Can Do", and also presents Livingston originals such as "I Must Be Doing Something Right".

Livingston Taylor’s career as a professional musician has spanned 51 years. He maintains a performance schedule of more than a hundred shows a year, delighting audiences with his unique brand of popular music which includes mostly original repertory from his thirteen albums. In addition to his performance schedule, Livingston is a full professor at Berklee College of Music, passing on the extensive knowledge gained from his long career on the road to the next generation of musicians.

Livingston Taylor is performing at OCC Coffeehouse Friday, Apr 6

Franklin Agway sales to benefit SAFE Coalition - March 24-25

"March savings at the Franklin Agway. More deals on our anniversary weekend. Support the SAFE Coalition 3/24-3/25 when purchasing your all natural Bonide products."

Franklin Agway sale to benefit SAFE Coalition

More about the SAFE Coalition can be found on their webpage
http://safecoalitionma.com/

Reminder: FHS Panthers Softball Clinic Grades K-5 - Mar 24

FHS PANTHERS SOFTBALL CLINIC Grades K-5

Saturday March 24th 2018 (Rain or Shine) 

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Franklin High School Gymnasium

$40.00 per player (includes a t-shirt)

(we will be hosting a separate clinic for 6th-8th graders Aril/May date TBD)

Players will learn the fundamentals of Fastpitch Softball. Specific skills will be covered using a series of stations which the players will rotate between to insure age groups and skill levels are being maintained.

Stations include:
• Proper throwing and catching mechanics 
• Proper hitting mechanics
• Overall fielding and base running

The lead instructor will be KATE FALLON-COMEAU, Franklin High School Softball Program Director and Head Coach of Franklin High Panthers Varsity Softball. Coach Fallon-Comeau was a four year starter at Curry College in both pitching and catching and was team captain her senior year. After coaching JV softball at Cardinal Spellman High School, she went on to be Varsity Coach of SE Regional Vocational High School.

Assistant coach Matt Connelly, along with the Varsity players will be on hand to assist in what should truly be an exciting three hours.

Please complete and mail the form below with payment by March 22, 2018, to insure your softball player will be part of this event.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczUXF5Nk03MGpvXzFtTHItTmNhTEtIWS12cW5z/view?usp=sharing

Reminder: FHS Panthers Softball Clinic Grades K-5 - Mar 24

yes, for the eagle eyes, the registration date was extended to Mar 22 (from Mar 17).

In the News: Pack 126 Eagle Scouts; Empty Bowls dinner tickets on sale; RMV shuts down this weekend

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

"Salvator Balkus, Daniel Hickey, Samuel Molloy, Seamus Reardon and Daniel Schratz, members of the Boy Scout Troop #126 and residents of Franklin, earned the honor of Eagle Scout, the highest rank that the Boy Scouts offers. Only 3-4 percent of Boy Scout members attain this honor. 

Salvator Balkus is a senior at Franklin High School. In the troop, he has previously served as patrol leader and webmaster. In addition to scouting, Balkus is very involved in the FHS Mock Trial team, where he argues cases and gives expert testimony in court. He is also a National Honor Society member, competes in sprinting and high jump for the high school spring track team, and works at the Panther Help Desk helping students and solving technological issues with school computers. 

Last year he completed his Eagle project, in which he helped the Franklin Historical Commission digitally compile data and redesign the website for their museum. The project involved eight dedicated volunteers and over 80 hours of work. These volunteers created data spreadsheets to record military veteran information from World War I, World War II, the Spanish-American War and the Revolutionary War. They also scanned portraits, recorded data on historic properties and digitalized a timeline of Franklin history."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/strongboy-scout-troop-126-members-earn-eagle-scout-distinctionstrong

"Pick up your spoons. 

Franklin High School’s annual community Empty Bowls Dinner will be held May 1, and tickets can be bought online. 

To help the nearly 1,000 individuals seeking food assistance from the Franklin Food Pantry, the pantry is again partnering with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club. In the last two years, the club has raised about $11,000. 

There were 250 tickets sold for last year’s event. The club is hoping to sell an additional 100 this year. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children. Soup and bread will be served by the club’s students, and everyone will take home a hand-crafted bowl made by the students and community members."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/franklins-empty-bowls-club-to-host-dinner

"Need to get your car inspected? 

Don’t plan on heading to the shop this weekend. 

The state Registry of Motor Vehicles will close 7 p.m. Thursday, and won’t reopen until 8 a.m. Monday, March 26. Anything associated with the Registry – like your car’s new inspection sticker – will be inaccessible during that time. 

“We’ve tried to do everything we can to make our customers aware,” Lauren Dias, of Hopkinton’s Lumber Street Auto Repair said. “It shuts us down for that period of time.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180319/registry-of-motor-vehicles-to-shut-down-friday

Registry of Motor Vehicles will close 7 p.m. Thursday, and won’t reopen until 8 a.m. Monday, March 26

FHS Bakalars, Carlucci, Carlucci, and Remillard named to Wrestling All Stars

Below are the official 2018 Hockomock League Wrestling All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Eddie Marinilli, Canton

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Ian Bakalars, Franklin
• Jake Carlucci, Franklin
• Jordan Carlucci, Franklin
• TJ Remillard, Franklin

For all the Hockomock League wrestling all stars, follow this link

https://hockomocksports.com/2018-hockomock-league-wrestling-all-stars/

FHS Bakalars, Carlucci, Carlucci, and Remillard
named to Wrestling All Stars