Attention: Solutions Job Postings

Solutions is the before and after school program operated by the Franklin School Department. There are some key positions open for those interested.

• Solutions Assistant Site Director Job Posting

https://www.schoolspring.com/job.cfm?jid=2987431

• Solutions Site Assistant Job Posting

https://www.schoolspring.com/job.cfm?jid=2987429

• Solutions Site Director Job Posting

https://www.schoolspring.com/job.cfm?jid=2987430



Thanks,

Jennifer Maitland
Associate Director
Solutions Extended Day/Enrichment Program
Franklin Public Schools
(508) 613-1772
http://franklinlifelonglearning.com/solutions_program/index.php

Attention: Solutions Job Postings

What is the Lifelong Learning Institute?

"The Lifelong Learning Institute is the community education branch of the Franklin Public Schools. Lifelong Learning provides educational experiences for Franklin residents (and those from surrounding towns) from pre-school through retirement and beyond. This all-encompassing mission is accomplished through the efforts of dedicated employees of the Franklin Public Schools, and is supplemented with the talents of a number of our “friends in education” who partner and collaborate with us. The Lifelong Learning Institute is a fully functioning part of the Franklin Public Schools and has been in existence since the fall of 1998. 

Two existing, stand alone programs, Adult Education and Summer School, were tapped to provide the foundation for the Lifelong Learning Institute. Adult Education has grown significantly and is now known as Adult Education and Community Learning. Summer School is now referred to as The Summer Program and enjoys enrollments of 2000 students annually. 

Schools are among the greatest resources a community has to offer its residents. In Franklin, the Lifelong Learning Institute provides opportunities for Town residents (and those from surrounding towns), who may or may not have school-aged children, to access a level of educational support, a sense of belonging and a feeling of ownership, while simultaneously enjoying a quality learning experience."

FTC Alert: Promoter pitches “secrets” to big bucks on Amazon

Promoter pitches "secrets" to big bucks on Amazon by Lesley Fair Senior Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Online ads and in-person workshops for Sellers Playbook claim to offer "secrets" to making big money on Amazon. But like a lot of namedroppers, the truth doesn't live up to the hype. That's what the FTC and the Minnesota Attorney General allege in a lawsuit they filed. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/promoter-pitches-secrets-big-bucks-amazon?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Feast of St. Rocco Festival - Through the years

The Feast of St. Rocco Festival began in 1978 as the brainchild of Father Michael Guarino. He sought to create a religious, social and cultural event in Franklin that followed the format of traditional Italian festivals. On a visit to what were once the grounds of the St. Mary School convent, Fr. Guarino found a statue of St. Rocco and his idea found a saint to celebrate in such a festival. 

St Rocco, the patron saint of healing, was born in the 13th century to a wealth family in France but gave away his inheritance and set out as a pilgrim who ministered to the sick, especially those suffering from plague. Having healed many people through intercessory prayer without contracting the disease itself, he finally succumbed to illness and in his great suffering, went away to a small hut the woods, so as not to be a burden on others. He was ministered to be a dog who brought him bread daily, and a spring miraculously appeared near the hut providing him with water.

Ironically, with the feast focused on healing, accessibility is a major challenge for many parishioners. Change is taking place not only with the evolution of the festival, but also within the physical building of St. Mary’s church itself. During the Festival Finale, construction will be in full swing for an addition to the church that will include an accessible entrance, indoor elevator, restrooms on both levels and a food service area. This addition to the church will also feature a permanent location for the statue of St. Rocco to reside, where people can visit with the saint and pray year-round in good weather and bad.

Since its inception, the festival has always included three separate Masses. Kicking off the week of the feast is the Opening Mass at 10:30 on Sunday, August 5 at the church. This Mass is celebrated for the deceased friends and family listed in the St. Rocco program book. At this Mass, rolls that have been blessed are given out to all who attend, just as St. Rocco’s faithful dog brought him bread when he was sick, that helped him survive.

The following week on Saturday, August 11, an Anointing Mass will be held at 10:00 under the tent on the Festival Grounds behind the school across from the church. According to Paula Coughlin, long-time volunteer and Parish Administrative Assistant, “This always attracts a large, reverent crowd. There is something moving about seeing all these people attend Mass and receive an anointing for healing, even as the booth volunteers are readying their booths to serve the people coming for lunch.”

This year, the 40th and final Closing Mass for the Feast of St Rocco will be held on Sunday, August 12 at 10:30 at the church. Following Mass, a procession will carry the statue of St. Rocco from the church to the field.

As the food and festival portion of this feast comes to an end, it paves the way for new traditions and ways to celebrate faith, family and friends within the parish. 

Fr. Brian Manning, pastor of St. Mary’s explains it this way: “As we conclude the Festival of Food portion of the Feast of Saint Rocco this year, we will continue to honor in new ways the vision of faith that Fr. Michael and his many lay volunteers shared with all of us then and through all the years.” 

With changes to the church, the statue of St Rocco will be permanently housed in the new addition where people can pray at any time. And while our faith and town community may not see the food booths and rides on the fairgrounds next year, new traditions will bloom that are compatible with today’s lifestyle and culture.

Don’t miss this historic event. Come for the rides, Come for the people. Come for the healing. Just come … be a part of the St. Rocco Festival Food Finale!

Additional info can be found on the St Rocco page
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/feast-st-rocco

Photos from the St Rocco Festival in 2013

Election Information for Franklin 2018

State Primary

Tuesday, September, 4, 2018 
Franklin High School, Oak Street
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation Wednesday, August 15, till 8:00 PM 
Town Clerk’s Office or online at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/

State Election

Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Franklin High School, Oak Street 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation Wednesday, October 17, till 8:00 PM
Town Clerk’s Office or online at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/


Download a copy of 2018 election info
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdG9PWHJFTndvekV4MnVSd1hKSW1TQjRtZkNJ/view?usp=sharing

Download a copy of the Absentee ballot info
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRGIxa0EyblRYRXpNcDVwRlhILTcwYVFkQjYw/view?usp=sharing

Election Information for Franklin 2018

Remember when: Aug 8, 2014

Friday, August 8, 2014

Fieldhouse is gone

It didn't take long to demolish the field house. Half was taken down on Wednesday and at the end of the day Thursday, there remained only piles.

The remaining wall is for the small gym. It shows the arc of where the field house was

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/08/field-house-is-gone.html

Franklin Almanac - Episode 13 (video)

Catching up to post the Franklin Almanac - Episode 13 (video). Polikseni has moved on to a regular weekend position with a TV station in Vermont.


Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable last year, you can catch up to Episode 13 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

Introduction- 00:00-00:37
Unified Basketball, Coach Leighton- 00:38-08:06
Harvest Festival 2017- 08:08-14:48
Sext Ed Forum- 14:50-23:20
Final Thoughts- 23:21-24:38

https://youtu.be/XUYBnpYUcpM

Opportunity For Sponsorships: Harlem Wizards Vs. Franklin Public Schools - Nov 16

Harlem Wizards Vs. Franklin Public Schools 

(“TEAM FPS”) 

A Community Basketball Event and Fundraiser 

To Benefit Franklin Education Foundation

Opportunity For Sponsorships

WHEN: Friday, November 16, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

WHERE: Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Gymnasium, Franklin, MA

WHAT: The Harlem Wizards will bring their team to Franklin to compete against “Team FPS” for a 2-hour tournament. The Harlem Wizards brand of “Trick Hoops & Alley Oops” entertainment basketball has been packing gyms across the globe for over 50 years! Their show includes amazing slams, world-class tricks, precision teamwork and humor.

WHO: “Team FPS” will include teachers and staff from Franklin Public Schools. We sell out every year with a crowd of 1,200 students, parents and children!

WHY: FEF fundraisers have raised over $350,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF has funded over the years, visit http://www.franklined.org/grants.

OPPORTUNITY FOR SPONSORSHIPS: This is FEF’s largest and most visible fundraiser of the year. Your sponsorship will highlight that your business supports Franklin Public Schools and the larger Franklin community. We have numerous opportunities at various levels to support the fundraiser and promote your business to the Franklin community. The attached flyers provide more details about the event and sponsorship levels. Thank you for considering supporting FEF and FPS!

Sincerely,
Franklin Education Foundation


Download a copy of the sponsor info here or use the PDF shown below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczYnNMbGU2SzJZWXZvSk43SnRlRjlwbmVpWDln/view?usp=sharing

Harlem Wizards Vs. Franklin Public Schools - Nov 16

Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac and Friends - Elaine Kessler - Story Teller - Aug 8

August 8
Matt Zajac and Friends 
Elaine Kessler - Story Teller

The main program is scheduled to run on Wednesday from 6:30 PM  - 8:30 PM. The Children's Programs from 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM.

You can download a copy of the schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oG2-XOINB4ziJgVbf_4N0B6MNJCrG_SJ/view?usp=sharing

Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac and Friends -  Elaine Kessler - story Teller - Aug 8

The concerts will use the new stage. Franklin's Town Council authorized the purchase last year and it has arrived in time to be used this summer.

full stage view

Franklin Almanac - Episode 12 (video)

Catching up to post the Franklin Almanac - Episode 12 (video). Polikseni has moved on to a regular weekend position with a TV station in Vermont.


Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable last year, you can catch up to Episode 12 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

Introduction- 00:00-00:39
Susan Rosen- 00:40-08:33
FSPA- 08:34-14:20
Massachusetts Green Communities- 14:21-22:50
Berry Insurance Halloween Costume Drive- 22:51-27:40
Final Thoughts- 27:41-29:05



https://youtu.be/lLDnNegiQ3Q



Visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including the FSPA catalog, summer brochure, and fall class schedule.

Franklin School For The Performing Arts

Remember when: Aug 7, 2013

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Master Plan: Zoning

"The draft Master Plan 2013 for Franklin is chock full of great information. Zoning plans an important role in how Franklin operates and grows. Look around town, there are commercial zones and residential areas. These are all by design. The design can be changed via the zoning process and the overall guidelines to the design come from the Master Plan. The full plan document runs over 90 pages but should be required summer reading for each Franklin resident and voter.

You can participate in the Public Hearing on this draft on Saturday at the Library at 10:00 AM"

- - - 

Continue reading about the Master Plan as the review of the draft occurred during August 2013. The plan was accepted and approved by the Town Council and still provides guidance today.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-zoning.html

The 1997 and the current (as published in 2013) Master Plan documents can be found on the Town of Franklin page

http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

development of the SNETT Trail is an action item in the Master Plan

Summer Workshops at Developing Artists in Franklin

Session 5 - August 14th - 23rd 2018

A 2 Hr. Art Class (8 max) with individualized instruction, to help improve the artistic ability of anyone 8 yrs - adult. All art levels are welcome and encouraged. Free consult is available for all new students. The student can select the media: watercolor, acrylic, oil, colored pencil, pen or markers as well as the subject matter. I have photos for students to choose the one best suited to their personality. Classes are held in a home environment with air conditioning to keep everyone comfortable on those hot days. 

Calendar and Contracts are available on my website https://lisagbailey.com/developingartistsfranklin/ 

Sign the no obligation and no registration fee contract, then register for classes by email to info@lisagbailey.com. 

Include dates and times. Each class is $32 and does not include supplies. Only classes with 4 – 8 students will run. Pay only for classes that run. For more information call me at 508-553-9119.

Developing Artists Open Registration Begins

Drawing and painting classes

Art classes for students 8 yrs - adult of all abilities (8 max per group). New students get a free consultation to plan their personal needs and wants. Classes meet weekly thru the school year in a home setting. Students select from several mediums: colored pencil, watercolor, acrylic, oil and pen. Individualized instruction by Nationally awarded professional artist Lisa G Bailey. 

Classes are 1 and  1/2 hrs long and cost $24 per student. Supplies are not included. For more information call me at 508-553-9119 or visit my website https://lisagbailey.com/developingartistsfranklin

Labyrinth, my colorweave watercolor that won the first place ribbon

45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair - Nov 10

SAVE THE DATE!!!

Saturday, November 10th is the date of the 45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair. It will be held at Tri-County High School in Franklin from 9 AM to 3 PM.

We are still accepting vendor applications. Email us at franklincraftfair@gmail.com to request an application.

Proceeds benefit local charities in Franklin and the surrounding area.

45th Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair - Nov 10

Franklin Almanac - Episode 11 (video)

Catching up to post the Franklin Almanac - Episode 11 (video). Polikseni has moved on to a regular weekend position with a TV station in Vermont.


Franklin Almanac, the compendium of life in Franklin. If you missed the broadcast via cable, you can catch up to Episode 11 via the YouTube link. Polikseni Manxhari hosts segments on

Introduction- 00:00-00:40
St.Rocco's Festival- 00:41-6:25
#2069 Opioid crisis- 6:26-16:35
Thomas Angelo, Athletic Director- 16:36-25:13
Final Thoughts- 25:14-26:37

https://youtu.be/sQWmK4VklCs



Just what is #2069?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/just-what-is-2069.html

The SAFE Coalition provides support for individuals and family and friends of those suffering from substance abuse.  http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Franklin Almanac - Episode 11 (video) 

Remember when: August 6, 2012

Monday, August 6, 2012

Uncas Pond

Having heard of Uncas Pond here and here, I decided a needed to go exploring to find it. Sunday was humid. I needed a little extra incentive to run in the heat. I decided that since Uncas Pond was off Summer St, I'd go find it. Finding it would give me an excuse to stop for pictures (and rest as well).

Uncas Pond

Continue reading in the archives
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/08/uncas-pond.html

Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy as election season heats up

With election season just around the corner, environmental advocates and local leaders gathered at Franklin’s town common to share ideas for accelerating Massachusetts’ transition to 100 percent renewable energy.

The 100% Renewable Energy Agenda, developed by the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, includes more than 30 policies that the winner of this fall’s gubernatorial election can implement to reduce energy consumption and rapidly repower all sectors of the economy with clean energy.

“For decades, the Commonwealth has led the nation in preserving the environment, protecting public health, and reducing global warming pollution,” said Ben Hellerstein, State Director for the Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center. “Now more than ever, Massachusetts must lead the way. With support from our state’s top leaders, we can power our homes, our businesses, and our transportation system with clean, renewable energy.”

Advocates described how Massachusetts’ solar and wind resources, combined with emerging technologies like electric vehicles, air source heat pumps, and battery storage, will enable us to meet our energy needs with clean, renewable power at all times of the day and night.

After discussing the recommendations in the 100% Renewable Energy Agenda, local leaders discussed the ways that clean energy is supported at the local level, and what more needs to be done.

“Franklin has done a lot to ensure that our town exemplifies what a Green Community should be,” said former city councilor, and renewable energy advocate, Brett Feldman. “Our electricity load for our municipal and school buildings is 95 percent covered by our town solar farm on the Mount St. Mary’s Abbey. On top of that, we have upgraded all of our buildings to maximum efficiency, and by the end of the year will convert of our town lights to LED. We are doing all we can, and we want the state to be able to say the same.”

Speakers also pointed to the urgent need for action before the end of the legislative session.

In June, the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill that would eliminate caps on solar net metering and increase renewable energy to 50 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity consumption by 2030 and 100 percent by 2047. The House has passed a bill for 35 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Legislators must reach an agreement before July 31, or start from scratch next year.

A report by the Applied Economics Clinic found that increasing the renewable portfolio standard by 3 percent per year, along with other clean energy policies, would result in 600,000 fewer metric tons of greenhouse gases per year by 2030 (equivalent to taking 128,000 cars off the road) at little to no additional cost to the public.

Since 2007, Massachusetts has seen a 246-fold increase in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun. Wind energy generation in Massachusetts is set to increase dramatically in the coming years, with a commitment to install 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind capacity.

Massachusetts’ offshore wind potential is equivalent to more than 19 times the state’s annual electricity consumption. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, rooftop solar installations alone could provide 47 percent of Massachusetts’ electricity.

“Even beyond rooftop solar, community solar projects, like the one we installed in Holliston, expand the possibility of who can benefit from the solar boom,” said Jeff Lord, senior Vice President of Project Development at the Clean Energy Collective. “ There are dozens of community solar projects in the Commonwealth, including one in nearby Holliston, but many more are needed if we’re to truly provide equal access to the benefits of renewable energy to all of our states homes, businesses, towns, and organizations.”

Last week, 16 academics, researchers, and clean energy industry leaders sent a letter to state officials affirming that “there are no insurmountable technological or economic barriers to achieving 100 percent renewable energy.”

“Now is the time for us to go big on clean energy,” said Hellerstein. “Come January, we’re ready to work with whoever occupies the corner office on Beacon Hill to help Massachusetts go 100 percent renewable.”

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The Environment Massachusetts Research and Policy Center is dedicated to protecting Massachusetts’ air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help Bay Staters make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives.

Advocates share agenda for 100% renewable energy