Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Meet me at the Hockomock Area YMCA for Camp Open House on Saturday, May 5

The Hockomock Area YMCA invites residents in local communities to enjoy a ‘summer-like’ day filled with fun and the chance to learn what camp is all about at our free Camp Open House. The event will take place on Saturday, May 5th from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM at our Bernon Family Branch (located at 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin), at our Foxboro Branch (located at 67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro), and our North Attleboro Branch (located at 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro).

Learn why kids have the ‘Best Summer Ever’ when they attend Hockomock Area YMCA summer camps. Our Camp Open House will include face painting, camp songs, STEM, crafts, camp games, raffles and prizes, a bouncy house, and more for all to enjoy. Children of all ages will get to participate in and experience Y Camp hands-on. Parents and prospective campers will have the chance to tour our camp facilities, meet camp directors and counselors, ask questions, and try out the many activities our summer camps offer. Visit to hockymca.org/camp for more information.

At Camp Wiggi (Franklin), Camp WAPAWCA (Foxboro), and Camp Elmwood (North Attleboro) children look forward to built-in swim lessons, free swim, sports, STEM, gaga pit, arts and crafts, theatre, nature, games, music, archery, ropes team building, camper’s choice, fun weekly themes, special guests, field trips, and more. 

Grades 2-6 venture on weekly field trips to new and exciting places such as Launch Trampoline Park, museum of Science, Mystic Aquarium, Spring Lake, Breezy Acres, and so much more. On Wednesdays, special guests will visit with the first graders and junior campers. Some of those visitors may be petting zoos, frisbee catching dogs, magicians, musicians, and more.
Meet me at the Hockomock Area YMCA
hockymca.org

Hockomock Area YMCA traditional camps include STEM programs to help close summer learning gaps between school years. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers 3, 4, and 5 day camp options as well as pre and post care from 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM for parents in need. In addition, learn more about Hockomock Area YMCA specialty camps such as several sports camps, gymnastics, enrichment, dance, swim, STEM, theatre, teen camps, and Explorer Camp Adventures.

The YMCA is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that believes its programs and services should be available to everyone. For information about our financial assistance program, visit our website at hockymca.org. Scholarships are made available through the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth & Families Annual Campaign.

For more information about camp at the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit hockymca.org/camp or call the Bernon Family Branch at 508.528.8708, Invensys Foxboro Branch at 508.772.1353, or the North Attleboro Branch at 508.695.7001.


In the News: ArtWeek continues through Sunday; Downtown Partnership looking for new members

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Just like the waxing moon, Franklin waxed full of arts over the weekend, making for a successful kick-off to the town’s first ArtWeek celebration. 
An evening featuring a sampling of mini performances at the Franklin Historical Museum on Friday blossomed into a full day of creativity at various locations around town the next day, with a multi-media watercolor workshop, a chalk art event, creation of origami cranes, rendering of live performances into sketches and water color paintings, a fairy tale-based comedy, a family paint session, a dance performance and a musical theater concert. 
It all continued on Sunday afternoon, with a performance by the Prolatio Singers and a concert by classical pianist Diana Fanning.
And that was just the start. The week-long celebration of the visual and performing arts, which the Franklin Cultural Council has organized in collaboration with Boston’s annual festival, runs through this Friday.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180430/successful-kickoff-to-franklin-artweek

sidewalk chalk art at the Town Common
sidewalk chalk art at the Town Common


"The Franklin Downtown Partnership invites businesses, groups and residents to join the organization to help revitalize town center and support local Franklin businesses. 
The Partnership is well known for its popular community events, including the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Festival and the Holiday Stroll, but the non-profit group is involved in many more endeavors. 
Franklin Downtown PartnershipFor the past 16 years, the Franklin Downtown Partnership has played a significant role in the town’s revitalization projects. The FDP has assisted with design and infrastructure improvements like signage, downtown green space and patios, the Historical Museum sculpture, the Horace Mann sculpture, spring flowers, holiday decorations, and many economic development and marketing initiatives. 
“We currently have nearly 250 members and we would love for more people to join, get involved and be a part of our long-term success,” says Executive Director Lisa Piana. “We are a group of individuals focused on creating a vibrant community for our businesses, our neighbors, and our visitors. Our focus is to encourage people to shop locally and support Franklin businesses.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180430/franklin-downtown-partnership-invites-new-members


Best Buddies Fundraiser @ La Cantina Winery - May 6

"Please join us for an afternoon of wine tasting as we raise money for Best Buddies!

Stop in for as long as you like to try these amazing, award winning wines made in Franklin from grapes from Chile and California!

$30 Suggested Donation
https://www.gofundme.com/bestbuddieswinetasting

Sunday, May 6, 2018 - 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

First 25 people to sign-up will be entered into a drawing for a special prize."

Todd and Kris Sajdak


Best Buddies Fundraiser @ La Cantina Winery - May 6
Best Buddies Fundraiser @ La Cantina Winery - May 6

Follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/200495547217271/

“We control the money that’s spent at that plant”

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

"The Charles River Pollution Control Board is seeking Franklin volunteers to take the place of long-time member Eugene Guidi, who is taking his leave after 19 years. 
“We need members there,” he said. “It’s hard to get people to join.” 
The Charles River Pollution Control District includes a regional wastewater treatment plant located in Medway that treats up to 5.7 million gallons a day.
The board is designed to have three Franklin members, but hasn’t had a third member for quite some time, Guidi said. With him and his nearly two-decades experience also on the way out, the town is seeking interested volunteers in a multitude of relatable fields.
 
“People on the board have been finance people, insurance people, construction people, engineering people,” he said. “We’re really overseeing and auditing the operation of a business.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180430/franklin-residents-asked-to-help-oversee-charles-river-pollution-control-district

Posted earlier on Franklin Matters:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/04/franklin-residents-charles-river.html


VACANCY- Charles River Pollution Control District 
The Town of Franklin encourages residents who are interested in volunteering to apply now. If you have been curious or interested in giving your time, expertise or perspective on behalf of your community, now is an excellent time to get involved. 
For more information on the Charles River Pollution Control District please visit the Boards page here:  http://www.franklinma.gov/charles-river-pollution-control 
To apply please visit the Town's website and fill out the online volunteer form at: http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php


Franklin Residents: Charles River Pollution Control District - Volunteer Opportunity
Franklin Residents: Charles River Pollution Control District - Volunteer Opportunity

Paint Night with Franklin Education Foundation - May 4

Open to all students in grades 3-5 and their adult VIP.

Each adult/child pair will work together to collaboratively design and create one acrylic canvas painting. All art supplies are included. Please make sure to wear painting clothes or bring a smock.

Register here  Tickets $38
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-night-with-franklin-education-foundation-tickets-45184950403

Paint Night with Franklin Education Foundation - May 4
Paint Night with Franklin Education Foundation - May 4

"Growing Up in an Italian-American Family" - May 5


Topic: Growing Up in an Italian-American Family
Speaker: Dr. John Christoforo
When: Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 2:00 PM

Where: Franklin TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin, MA

Admission: Free and Open to the Public

Program: The presentation by Dr. Christoforo will be followed by an interactive session at which those in attendance may ask questions while enjoying light refreshments: Italian cookies and cannoli’s.



This event is part of ArtWeek, an incredible regionally and statewide celebration of the arts from April 27-May 6! We offer sincere thanks for a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, which made this event possible, as well as the cosponsorship of FranklinTV, at whose studio the event will take place.

"Growing Up in an Italian-American Family" - May 5
"Growing Up in an Italian-American Family" - May 5






Monday, April 30, 2018

Electric Youth Anti-Bullying Workshop For Children - May 3

Electric Youth (EY), the international touring ensemble of talented young singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), will host and facilitate a fun anti-bullying workshop for children this Thursday evening, May 3 at 6 p.m. The ArtWeek 2018 event will take place at FSPA, located at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. 

Partnering with Bully: The Adjective, Electric Youth will use music and drama activities to create dialogue around positivity, inclusion and the importance of valuing relationships. The interactive workshop is free and geared to children ages 8-12. The event will also introduce an ongoing EY Friendship Challenge. Come meet the members of Electric Youth as they share their personal stories about friendship. Celebrate your own stories of friendship in return and work together with EY to bring these stories to life on the stage. 

Participants are asked to register for the workshop and arrive promptly at 6 p.m. for the hour-long event. Participants will receive a special certificate for taking the Electric Youth Friendship Challenge. This ArtWeek event is supported by Music Drives Us.

Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 14 times, with performances at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. 

EY also has headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater, the United Nations and the American Embassy in Rome. Electric Youth 2018 will tour Austria and Italy this summer.

Register for the EY Friendship Challenge anti-bullying workshop via the sign-up link found on the Electric Youth website at www.electricyouth.com

For more information, call (508) 528-8668. For a complete listing of ArtWeek activities, visit www.artweekma.org.

Electric Youth Anti-Bullying Workshop For Children - May 3
Electric Youth Anti-Bullying Workshop For Children - May 3

More about Bully: The Adjective can be found on their page
http://bullytheadjective.org/

Lifelong Community Learning: Plan With Me Workshops Beginning May 8

Plan With Me Workshops Beginning May 8

Don't miss out
For Adults Tuesday, May 8
Teen Edition Tuesday, May 15

6:30 - 8:30 PM

$35 per class
Franklin High School


One-Night Workshops

Plan With Me = Jessica Instasi

Let's find your perfect Planning system.During our class we will discuss and review planner options. Some styles that will be mentioned include: Bullet Journaling, memory keeping, school agendas, planning ahead, and so much more!

Plan With Me - Teen Edition = Jessica Instasi

We will discuss and review planner options designed to address your busy schedules including after school clubs and activities, practices and games, homework and more!

Whether a beginner or a pro, there's something in this class for you.

NOTE: Have a planner? Bring it with you.



Franklin Public Schools - Lifelong Learning Institute
Lifelong Community Learning
218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038
www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com
508-613-1480

Plan With Me Workshops Beginning May 8
Plan With Me Workshops Beginning May 8

FHS Outdoor Track Teams take 1st in 4X800 relays at MSTCA Relay Meet

Both the FHS girls and boys 4x800 relay teams captured first place in the D1 MSTCA Relay meet held at Lincoln-Sudbury on Saturday. The FHS results are shown here. The link to the complete set of team results can be found at the end of this posting.


Girls 4x200 Meter Relay
===================================================================
All-Division: # 1:43.58 5/17/2008 Andover HS
Division 1: * 1:43.58 5/17/2008 Andover HS
School Finals H#
===================================================================
1 Andover 'A' 1:43.27# 7

7 Franklin 'A' 1:50.65 5

Girls 4x800 Meter Relay
===================================================================
All-Division: # 9:20.06 5/17/2008 Lincoln-Sudbury Reg. HS
Division 1: * 9:20.06 5/17/2008 Lincoln-Sudbury Reg. HS
School Finals H#
===================================================================
1 Franklin 'A' 9:33.38 2

Girls 4x1600 Meter Relay
================================================================
All-Division: # 20:28.14 5/16/2009 Newton South HS
Division 1: * 20:28.14 5/16/2009 Newton South HS
School Finals
================================================================
1 Newton North 'A' 21:27.76

12 Franklin 'A' 23:55.82

Girls 1600 Sprint Medley
===================================================================
All-Division: # 4:09.30 5/16/2009 Andover HS
Division 1: * 4:09.30 5/16/2009 Andover HS
School Finals H#
===================================================================
1 Acton-Boxborough Reg. 'A' 4:10.97 3

13 Franklin 'A' 4:43.36 2

Girls Distance Medley
================================================================
All-Division: # 11:55.70 1981 Peabody HS
(made at yards =11:53.1 at meters)
Division 1: * 11:55.70 1981 Peabody HS
(made at yards =11:53.1 at meters)
School Finals
================================================================
1 Lincoln-Sudbury Reg. 'A' 13:05.67

13 Franklin 'A' 14:19.77

Girls 4x100 Meter Shuttle Hurdle
===================================================================
All-Division: # 1:02.00 2004 Hopkinton HS
Division 1: * 1:04.00 5/16/2009 Newton North HS
School Finals H#
===================================================================
1 Newton North 'A' 1:05.77 7

10 Franklin 'A' 1:14.30 4

Girls High Jump
======================================================================
All-Division: # 4.80m 5/15/2010 Andover HS, (15' 9")
Division 1: * 4.80m 5/15/2010 Andover HS, (15' 9")
Name Year School Finals
======================================================================
1 Lincoln-Sudbury, Girls Lincoln-Sudbury 4.30m 14-01.25

8 Haverhill, Girls Haverhill 4.17m 13-08.25
8 Franklin, Girls Franklin 4.17m 13-08.25

Girls Long Jump
======================================================================
All-Division: # 16.43m 5/15/2010 Pembroke HS, (53' 11")
Division 1: * 16.11m 5/17/2008 Newton North HS, (52' 1.25")
Name Year School Finals
======================================================================
1 Lowell, Girls Lowell 14.19m 46-06.75

12 Franklin, Girls Franklin 12.88m 42-03.25


Girls Triple Jump
======================================================================
All-Division: # 33.60m 2004 Hopkinton HS, (110' 3")
Division 1: * 32.98m 4/28/2012 Newton North HS, (108' 2.5")
Name Year School Finals
======================================================================
1 Andover A, Girls Andover 29.91m 98-01.75

5 Franklin, Girls Franklin 28.83m 94-07.00


Girls Shot Put
======================================================================
All-Division: # 33.69m 1986 North Attleoboro HS, (110' 6.5")
Division 1: * 32.47m 1979 Brockton HS, (106' 6.25")
Name Year School Finals
======================================================================
1 Natick, Girls Natick 28.30m 92-10.25
2 Franklin, Girls Franklin 27.76m 91-01.00

Girls Discus Throw
======================================================================
All-Division: # 98.96m 2003 Dedham HS, (324' 8")
Division 1: * 97.20m 2007 Lowell HS, (318' 11")
Name Year School Finals
======================================================================
1 Natick, Girls Natick 91.71m 300-11
2 Newton North, Girls Newton North 85.13m 279-03
3 Franklin, Girls Franklin 73.90m 242-05

Girls Javelin Throw
======================================================================
All-Division: # 97.54m 5/15/2010 Burlington HS, (324' 02")
Division 1: * 89.17m 5/19/2014 Franklin, Franklin
Name Year School Finals
======================================================================
1 Natick, Girls Natick 92.12m* 302-03

4 Franklin, Girls Franklin 74.11m 243-02

Boys 4x800 takes first at the MSCTA state relays! All four ran a PR with a 8:08 total time
Boys 4x800 takes first at the MSCTA state relays! All four ran a PR with a 8:08 total time


School Committee Meeting Recap - April 24, 2018

The School Committee met as regularly scheduled after the presentation and discussion with the Finance Committee final session of the budget hearing. 

The superintendent's report can be found online
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/o4-24-18%20SC%20Packet/Superintendent's%20Report%20to%20School%20Committee%20April%2024,%202018.pdf

The agenda for the meeting held on April 24 was posted publicly on that day making it unavailable to be shared here before the meeting. (likely due to school vacation the week before)
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/o4-24-18%20SC%20Packet/SCAGENDA%204-24-18.pdf

An excellent recap of what Superintendent Ahern has accomplished in the time she has been here can be found in this Superintendent Evaluation document (within it contains links) to other evidence





Superintendent Sara Ahern presenting the update on the DIP plan
Superintendent Sara Ahern presenting the update on the DIP plan

My notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here

In the News: Sante Fe Burrito Grill opening Monday, April 30

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"With Acapulco’s, Chipotle and Taco Bell a short drive away, the owner of Franklin’s newest Mexican eatery, Santa Fe Burrito Grill, Hector Angel said he’s not too worried. 
The fast-casual restaurant will open in early May, taking the place of Rick’s, which closed in 2014, at 28 West Central St., next to the fire station. 
The food is locally harvested, fresh, and more authentic than competitors, he said. Also, he said, it tends to be cheaper. 
“We make everything from scratch daily here,” he said. “You can tell that the flavor is fresh. You can tell nothing is being reheated. It’s more authentic, more exciting ... And we’re below Chipotle’s price,” he laughed."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180429/santa-fe-burrito-grille-in-franklin-to-open-in-early-may

In the News: Sante Fe Burrito Grill opening Monday, April 30
In the News: Sante Fe Burrito Grill opening Monday, April 30


From the Sante Fe Burrito Grill Facebook page, they are opening Monday, April 30   https://www.facebook.com/santafeburritogrill/




Reminder: 8th Annual Franklin and Bellingham 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.


8th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Fives Road Race - May 5
8th Annual Franklin and Bellingham Fives Road Race - May 5

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/


Sunday, April 29, 2018

FM $144 - Finance Committee - Final Budget Hearing - FY 2019 (audio)

FM #144

This internet radio show or podcast is number 144 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the Finance Committee final budget hearing for the FY 2019 budget review. The meeting was held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. The meeting began at 6:00 PM.

The school budget, Police Dept, and Technology budgets were reviewed and discussed before the committee made its vote to recommend the budget as proposed to the Town Council. The Town Council budget hearings are scheduled for May 16 and 17. The budget is currently unbalanced and the Town Council will need to vote to use approx $1.4M of the debt stabilization account to balance the budget as required.

As mentioned at the beginning of the budget hearings, this is the proposed approach to address the budget shortfall this year, effectively buying some time for many new players in key roles. The FY 2020 budget will also be an issue and by this move (use of debt stabilization funds), there will need to be either an override discussion or significant cuts to the services.

The use of the revolving funds on the school budget side and the use of the debt stabilization funds on the Town side creates a hole that will require some serious discussion and action to resolve. There won’t be an opportunity to avoid the discussion next year.

The meeting itself runs about 39 minutes. My notes were captured via Twitter for this meeting and can be found at FranklinMatters.org/
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/04/finance-committee-recap-fy-2019-budget.html

Without further ado, here is the audio recording.







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


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 & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!


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

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

Finance Committee Recap - FY 2019 Budget voted on to move to Town Council







Several questions were asked on the use of the revolving funds by the schools to balance the school budget. As you listen to the questions and answers, sometimes it appears that the answer was to another point or to one of the points in the question not to another.

The revolving funds used by the school budget are similar in that to the enterprise funds used by the Town. Fees are collected for a specific purpose (busing, or lunch, on the school side vs. water and sewer on the Town side). Expenses are paid out of the fees to enable the service to be self sustaining.

The questions get at how the revolving funds had accumulated such a balance as to be used last year, and this year for the budget. If the questions were not completely answered to your satisfaction, you may have another chance during the Town Council budget hearings on May 16 and May 17.

The School Committee budget page provides a summary of the various revolving funds.
"The following pages provide an explanation and financial status of the revolving funds
maintained by the District. All balances are as of June 30th in each fiscal year with a year-to-date amount for the current year."
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/23.%20Revolving%20Accounts.pdf

Details on the school budget can be found on their budget page
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_budget/index






The discussion on the walk in traffic to the Police Station comes in the context of the new regional dispatch center coming online later this year. The dispatchers would move from the station to the regional center. However, someone will still need to remain staffing the Police station to monitor the folks held in custody as well as this walk in traffic. Discussion is still underway on how to resolve this issue. It will be simpler at the Fire Station as visitors will interact with a kiosk and talk with someone at the regional dispatch center.



The full FY 2019 budget document including the summary letter and several great supporting pieces can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/fy19_complete_budget_fincom_with_page_numbers_0.pdf

or here:



Finance Committee Recap - FY 2019 Budget voted on to move to Town Council
Finance Committee Recap - FY 2019 Budget voted on to move to Town Council

FHS baseball tops KP 14-0

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Saturday, April 28, 2018.


Baseball = Franklin, 14 @ King Philip, 0 – Final
– Franklin’s offense exploded for 14 runs to pick up a win on the road at King Philip. “It was a good team effort,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. Scott Elliott had a double, a walk, knocked in a pair of runs, and scored two runs, Jake Macchi walked twice, scored twice and had a double, and Jack Nally had a pair of hits and scored twice for the Panthers. Jason Ulrickson earned the win on the mound, allowing just two hits while striking out two in six innings of work.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-28-18/













FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers