Saturday, March 31, 2018

1 week until PodCamp Western Mass 10 - Apr 7

I am part of the organizing committee for the social media learning and sharing event. If you would like additional details, feel free to reach out and ask. This is where I go to learn what is or isn't working in the social media world.

Tickets are $45 today, $50 tomorrow, or $15 for students. Holyoke is only a 90 minute drive!



Welcome to PodCamp - image by Seth Kaye Photography

PodCamp Western Mass #10

April 7, 2018
Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College
April 2018
7

PodCamp WesternMass #10 is a week away...


And in case you've been wondering whether PodCamp is for you, here are 5 Reasons why you should join us:
  1. If you're an absolute beginner (or nearly so), we have sessions for you. It's an unconference for everyone, at every stage of the game. 
  2. If you have experience or tips to share, your bringing that to the community is what fuels PodCamp. Help facilitate a session or just schmooze in the hallways. It's all valuable.
  3. Meet others who are on the path with you - running a business, starting a new one, doing community work, or just learning how to get the word out better. We're all in this together!
  4. Hang out and make friends. Seriously! This is an event that has the super-power of attracting the nicest people. We don't know quite why....we just know it's true.
  5. Did we mention the food? Your ticket price includes coffee in the morning, a delicious healthy lunch and happy hour snacks at our 4:30 gathering at Slainte. So, no need to pack a lunch, just grab your laptop, a smart phone, tablet or a pad of paper.  
Your ticket price includes:
  • Coffee and tea when you arrive
  • 5 Classroom sessions of your choosing
  • A fabulous, healthy lunch, including gluten-free & dairy-free options
  • Networking happy hour with munchies
If you already bought your ticket, we can't wait to see you! And because sharing is caring, please forward this to a friend or colleague who should be there with you!

Get your tickets here.

If you have any questions, just hit reply. We'd love to hear from you!

See you soon,
The PodCamp Organizing Team

Copyright © 2018 PodCamp Western Mass, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
PodCamp Western Mass
20 Northampton Street
Easthampton, MA 01027

Add us to your address book



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Friday, March 30, 2018

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 3/30/18 - THU 4/5/18

FRIDAY 3/30/18
9am   Peter Cottontails Eggcellent Adventures (registration required via Franklin Recreation) @ FHS
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
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 3/31/18
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am   Easter Egg Hunt @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
1pm   Storytime Fiesta @ Franklin Public Library
8pm   The Black Box Blues: Sonya Rae Taylor @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 4/1/18
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed

MONDAY 4/2/18
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Book Discussion Group (Lab Girl) @ Franklin Senior Center
3pm   Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 4/3/18
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Solar Information Workshop @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Franklin Garden Club Monthly Meeting - Perennials @ Franklin Senior Center
7pm   Friends of the Franklin Library Book Group @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 4/4/18
10am   Animal Tales @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Senior Players Practice (new members welcome) @ Franklin Senior Center
11am   Senior Players: New Members Wanted @ Senior Center
11:15am   Balance Class @ Senior Center
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
6:30pm   Friends of the Franklin Library Meeting @ Franklin Public Library
6:30-7:30pm   Franklin School Committee Community Coffee @ Franklin TV (23 Hutchinson St)
6:30pm   YA Dystopian Book Club @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 4/5/18
8:30am   FDP General Meeting @ Dean College (Campanella Room)
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
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 Students Attend Girls in Trades Conference

Thirteen Tri-County students in grades 10, 11 and 12 from the carpentry, metal fabrication, electrical, and HVAC and R programs attended the 2018 Massachusetts Girls in Trades Conference and Career Fair at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103, Dorchester, MA. 

The event was attended by over 500 young women from 27 vocational high schools throughout eastern Massachusetts along with Lt. Governor Karen Polito.

The conference is intended to support and encourage female career and technical education students and alumni to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Tri-County students engaged in learning about apprenticeship training programs, met tradeswomen working in the field, and learned how they, as high school girls in trades programs, can leverage the increase in building projects and seek opportunities for high-paying careers in the construction industry. 

Building Trades Unions, Apprenticeships, Contractors and Community Organizations who were part of Girls in Trades Massachusetts Conference and Career Fair shared information with students in anticipating that many of them will come and join them after graduation.

Some of the trade unions, contractors and other organizations who were represented at the conference were:

  • Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Union Local 3 MA ME NH RI
  • New England Regional Council of Carpenters
  • New England Carps Women's Committee
  • IBEW Local 103
  • IUEC local 4 Elevator Constructors
  • International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
  • Iron Workers Local 7
  • New England Laborers Training Camp
  • Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 12
  • Sprinklerfitters Local 669 U.A.
  • United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers Local 11
  • Sheet Metal Workers Local 17
  • Teamsters Boston
  • Barr and Barr
  • Commodore Builders
  • Consigli Construction
  • Dimeo Construction Company
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • In order Business Development Solutions
  • The Lane Construction Corporation
  • Sealcoating, Inc. - Art Baker
  • Suffolk Construction
  • Turner Construction Company
  • Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program
  • City of Boston
  • Massachusetts School Building Authority
  • Massachusetts Gaming Commission
  • Massachusetts Division of Apprentice Standards
  • Build A Life MA
  • SkillsUSA Massachusetts
  • UMass Transportation Center
  • Mass Dept of Transportation
  • UMass Building Authority
  • Wynn Boston Harbor
  • YouthBuild Boston
Tri-County Students Attend Girls in Trades Conference
Tri-County Students Attend Girls in Trades Conference

FHS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke - named 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year


"CONGRATS to our Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke for being named 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year! "


FHS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke
FHS Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Coach Margie Burke


What is the NIHOA?
National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA)

For more about the organization, visit their webpage  
https://nihoa.arbitersports.com/front/107166/Site/About/History%20of%20NIHOA

National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA)
National Ice Hockey Officials Association (NIHOA)

Music for Young Children offers 2 New Sessions

Encore's program Music for Young Children is offering two new sessions - Sunbeams (ages 5 and 6) and a Sunshine (ages 3 and 4) session. Sunshine will be offered on Thursdays from 4 - 5, and Sunbeams on Thursdays from 5 - 6.

Music for Young Children is a classroom-based program for young students and their parents. Our classes will not only teach piano skills and how to read music, but also other very important elements such as sight-reading, composition and ensemble playing. The classes are one-hour long weekly classes, divided into three 12-week sessions per level.

For more information please contact us at 508-533-7700, encoremusicacademy1@gmail.com, or encoremusicacademy.net.


Music for Young Children offers 2 New Sessions
Music for Young Children offers 2 New Sessions


LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin Weds, April 11

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, April 11 from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM (and every second Wednesday once a month) at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 
LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin Weds, April 11
give peeps a chance
Laughter Yoga is a unique and playful practice that does not rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga will have you smiling frequently and laughing heartily. 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 can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker.
 
If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. See more information and other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin Weds, April 11
www.letslaughtoday.com
LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin Weds, April 11
peeps
         




"epidemiology studies presented were inadequate to evaluate that risk"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin coffee drinkers. Something may eventually come of this as it works its way through the California courts:

"A Los Angeles judge has ruled that California law requires coffee companies to carry an ominous cancer warning label because of a chemical produced in the roasting process. 
Superior Court Judge Elihu Berle wrote in a proposed ruling Wednesday that Starbucks and other coffee companies failed to show that the threat from a chemical compound produced in the roasting process was insignificant. 
A nonprofit group had sued coffee roasters, distributors and retailers under a state law that requires warnings on a wide range of chemicals that can cause cancer. One of those chemicals is acrylamide, a carcinogen present in coffee. 
“While plaintiff offered evidence that consumption of coffee increases the risk of harm to the fetus, to infants, to children and to adults, defendants’ medical and epidemiology experts testified that they had no opinion on causation,” Berle wrote. “Defendants failed to satisfy their burden of proving by a preponderance of evidence that consumption of coffee confers a benefit to human health.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180329/california-judge-coffee-needs-cancer-warnings


The wikipedia entry on acrylamide https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylamide

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Franklin Students Find Success at MICCA Festival

Bands, Choruses and Orchestras from the Annie Sullivan Middle School, Horace Mann Middle School, Remington Middle School and Franklin High School all performed this past weekend at the annual Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Festival. 
“MICCA is dedicated to the study of music through performance. Creating opportunities for evaluation and expert opinion and feedback to all our participants in a non-competitive setting is our main focus.”

Ensembles are evaluated and awarded a medal of Bronze, Silver or Gold according to the score they receive. The combined middle schools chorus received a bronze medal, while the combined Franklin Middle Schools Orchestra, Horace Mann Middle School Band, Remington Middle School Band, Annie Sullivan Middle School Band, Franklin High School Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, FHS Chorus and Select Chorus all earned Silver Medals.

The Franklin High School Symphony Orchestra and the Franklin Repertory Orchestra both brought home Gold Medals from the regional three-day festival.

The high school, under the direction of Diane Plouffe, is comprised of 72 orchestra students ranging from grades nine through twelve.
Franklin High School Symphony Orchestra
Franklin High School Symphony Orchestra

During the competition, the students performed three selections: "Symphony No. 27, Finale” by Haydn, "Make Our Garden Grow” by Bernstein and "Russian Sailor’s Dance" by Gliere.

The Franklin Repertory Orchestra, also under the direction of Plouffe, is an audition-based group comprised of 23 students from grades 8 to 12. The Repertory Orchestra is part of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Music Academy directed by Sheila Darcey.

Both orchestras will be performing in the state's Gold Medal Showcase performance on Saturday, April 8th at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. This performance is free and open to the public.

Encore Music Education Foundation has a Senior Scholarship available

The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc. has a Senior Scholarship available now! If you are a senior studying music and planning to attend a college program related to performance, music education, sound recording/ engineering, musical theatre, or music business administration, apply now! 

Our application deadline is fast approaching, you can find the application at www.wesupportmusic.org/scholarship-opportunities.

For more information please contact us at 508-533-7700, encoremusicacademy1@gmail.com, or encoremusicacademy.net.

Peter Cottontail's EGGcellent Adventure Egg Hunt - Fri, Mar 30

Peter and his friends will entertain kids with egg painting, pictures, face painting, and a huge egg hunt. 

Bring your own basket and join the fun. Bring your cameras for some great photos!

Location: FHS Gymnasium
Friday, March 30, 2018 - 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM


It wasn't in the notice I found but further checking did reveal registration is required and there is a $10 fee this link should take you directly to the Rec registration page https://www.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs 
if not go the Recreation Dept page, online registrations, children's events and Peter Cottontail should appear. You can also call the Rec Dept at 508-613-1666

Peter Cottontail's EGGcellent Adventure Egg Hunt - Fri, Mar 30
Peter Cottontail's EGGcellent Adventure Egg Hunt - Fri, Mar 30

An eggcellent event from Franklin Recreation!
http://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/events/159463

Reminder: Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic - Apr 21

The Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic has been scheduled.

When: April 21 st 2018
Where: Bellingham D.P.W. Blackstone St.· Fee: $20.00 (Cash Only)
Time: 9 AM till noon Rain or Shine

Dogs MUST be on a leash, cats MUST be in a carrier

For Info : Call 508-966-5823 or 508-520-4922

Written proof of previous rabies vaccine within the last 9 - 12 months is needed for a three year vaccine.


Bellingham-Franklin Annual Rabies Clinic - Apr 21
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/bellingham-franklin-annual-rabies-clinic-april-21st


You can download a copy of this notice from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/annual_rabies_clinic_1.pdf

In the News: School budget hearing; 65 years of Little League in Franklin; Bellingham bans recreational marijuana sales

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

"Superintendent Sara Ahern released her fiscal 2019 budget plan to the Franklin School Committee during Tuesday’s meeting. 
The overall budget indicates a proposed increase of $3 million over fiscal 2018′s budget, 85 percent of which covers salaries and employee benefits."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/franklin-school-committee-proposes-fy-19-budget






"On the sunny afternoon of May 15, 1953, the first Little League pitch in Franklin was thrown. 
Sixty-five years later, the Franklin Historical Museum is commemorating that successful first year of baseball in town. 
Resident Elaine Costello, coordinator of the exhibit, was inspired to pitch the idea after looking back at old photos and newspaper clippings she found in her house. 
“My late husband Mike was on one of the first Little League teams in Franklin in 1953,” she said. “Being the 65th year of baseball in Franklin, I thought it would be nice to have an exhibit celebrating the first year.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/remembering-franklins-first-little-league-season


"Special Town Meeting voters Wednesday night opted to ban recreational marijuana sales in town. 
The measure approved by citizens bans most kinds of recreational marijuana facilities - including not only retailers but independent testing laboratories and product manufacturers. Cultivation would be allowed in industrial zones by special permit. 
During consideration, Town Administrator Denis Fraine was asked what would happen if the article were to fail. He said, in theory, retail sales could occur anywhere traditional retail is allowed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/bellingham-bans-recreational-marijuana-sales


Reminder: 2018 Dog Registration Is Due April 1

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 ($30) 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
Reminder:  2018 Dog Registration Is Due

4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills Due May 1, 2018

4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills Due May 1, 2018
Fiscal Year 2018 4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills will be mailed out on March 30, 2018.

The due date for these bills is, May 1, 2018.

Reminders:
You can pay online at http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments

If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.

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

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA.

4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills Due May 1, 2018
4th Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills Due May 1, 2018


This was shared from
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/4th-quarter-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-due-may-1-2018

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Live Reporting: from 'Legislation for Action' to 'Closing'


. Legislation for Action
J. Legislation for Action
1. Resolution 18-16Authorization for the Town Administrator to Enter into Lease Purchase Financing Agreement to Fund New Municipal Telephone Systems (Motion to Move Resolution 18-16 - 2/3 Majority Vote (6))

motion to wave reading, seconded passed 9-0 via roll call

discussed earlier, then fell by the wayside, saves money
lease arrangement to be set up to replace old phone system

5 year warranty covers all services
don't usually extend warranties
usually pay as you go

this is the most affordable and effective way to go to replace 14 year old phones

motion to approve, seconded passed 9-0 via roll call
K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report
working on working plan for neighborhood with public safety folks
cant do signage and striping in winter time but will do so in the better weather

Police given great customer service, created a internet exchange zone at the parking lot between the police station and the Sculpture Park

snow removal cost update - basically under $1.2M currently
almost half million just for March

DPW thanks the family for the BIG Y pizzas they dropped off but ran off without giving their name

logic on shelter opening for emergency management
if there was an easy answer to give, it is a measure of impact, amount and nature of
NationalGrid was on site with the Emergency Management Team
there are a lot of factors that go into doing this
if you have questions, please call Town Administration

L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items

Earls - Franklin Focus meeting in March, looking to restart the Open Space Commission to add for future item

Pellegri - 4th of July update? on next meeting

Hamblen - would also like to see the open space committee

M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments

Hamblen - first AgComm sworn in

Dellorco - can we meet with Dean?

Padula - thanks for letting us know about the parking issue
Imogene Johnson Smith - judge at Wrentham Court

Jones - thanks for the work to keep March manageable with the storms, Dean residents, we'll get that resolved

Mercer - "All set mister Chairman"

Kelly - what can the DPW do on the trash? in May the students will be gone


N. Executive Session
N. Executive Session - Strategy for collective bargaining with Police Unions

motion to go to Executive Session, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call