Thursday, July 26, 2018

Franklin Residents: The Town Hall Elevator is currently shut down until further notice for repairs

The Town Hall Elevator is currently shut down until further notice for repairs. 

 If you need accommodations please contact the Town Administrator at 508-520-4949

Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St
Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-hall-elevator-currently-shut-down

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Concerts on the Common: Electric Youth and Ariel, Littlest Mermaid

July 25
Electric Youth
Ariel, Littlest Mermaid



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: Electric Youth  Ariel, Littlest Mermaid - July 25
Concerts on the Common: Electric Youth  Ariel, Littlest Mermaid - July 25
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
full stage view

38th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic - Sep 15

Just a reminder that on Saturday, September 15, 2018, the 38th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic 5K Road Race for the benefit of residents at Wrentham Developmental Center, Wrentham, mass. will be held. 

I hope that you and your friends can join us again to support such a worthy cause. Pre-registartion is up and running through Runreg.com
https://www.runreg.com/36th-annual-crackerbarrel-classic-5k-road-racewalk

See you soon and have a great day!

Thanks,
Rich Katno
Crackerbarrel Classic Race Director

38th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic  5K Road Race
38th Annual Crackerbarrel Classic  5K Road Race

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Live reporting: from Consent agenda to Closing

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your June 26, 2018 School Committee Meeting.
b. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $600.00 from the Franklin Cultural Council for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.
c. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from Paula Russo for supplemental supplies at Davis Thayer as detailed.
d. FHS Scholarships
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $522.00 from various donors for the Keiichi Katanosono Scholarship as detailed.
e. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.
f. Davis Thayer Donation
I recommend acceptance of a tree donated by the 5th Grade Class valued at $399.00 as detailed.
g. FHS Donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Franklin Newcomers and Friends for in-house enrichment as detailed.
h. District wide donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from Nancy and Brendon Connelly for district wide enrichment as detailed.
i. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,750.00 from the Oak St. PCC for the school Library as detailed.

motion to approve consent agenda as detailed, seconded, passed 5-0

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
they are in order

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
it is in order

10. Correspondence 
– Budget to Actual, Miriam Goodman
almost final, some transfer remain to be made at the August meeting

11. Executive Session
a. Strategy with respect to pending litigation.

12. Adjournment
motion to adjourn to go into executive session


The agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/q20182019/SCAGENDA%207-24-18docx.pdf

The documents released for this meeting 
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/j7-24-18%20SC%20Packet/


Live reporting: Information Matters


3. Discussion / Action Items
a. none

4. Discussion Only Items
a. none

5. Information Matters
a. Information Matters
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 
(e.g. Budget;

Community Relations =looking at how to do something virtual, i.e. Twitter live chat or something

Policy - met on July 18, some policies underway, looking for additional input on social media 

Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation

school committee handbook in process

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task
Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC];  all meeting in the fall

School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC] 
connected with Mashpee on a survey they used and could be also adopted here

MASC
how to define a 'critical incident' in schools
everyone in school today was here post-Columbine

Summer workshop - Aug 7 at Dean

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

school handbooks coming up next time, changes to be highlighted
they are published on the webpage all year

policy meeting on Aug 7, maybe some updates for 1st read


Live reporting: School Committee - July 24, 2018

Present: Linden, Douglas, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: Feeley, Scofield


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda

no changes

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
None

c. Superintendent’s Report
Dr Ahern

summer programs underway,extended school year and LifeLong Learning
Music ensembles performed on Friday, amazing to see them come together in so short a time
Math Academy, applied problem solving, design thinking, demoed a programmable robot; math also applied to art works they did

in process of bringing on new teachers, welcoming 6 new administrators as well; orientation held last week; administrative mentors also participated last week

MASC Executive Institute Joyce and Lucas participated, Dr Ahern was away and unable to attend. Dr Scott McLoud was one of the keynote speakers

facilities update - play grounds at Jefferson, down, construction should begin shortly, part of capital budget last year

DPW working hard on a variety of things in the buildings

concession stand underway and on schedule

Joyce to present on digital learning at a conf in Boston coming up this week
other FPS personal also scheduled to present


2. Guests / Presentations
a. Best Buddies Donation – Mr. Glynn and Tyler Glynn

presenting a donation from a concert held on July 8 in Foxboro

after some technical difficulty, a video of the concert highlights was shown

playing BBC - Franklin on Aug 2 at 8:00 PM


b. Educational Study Tour Finland/Germany – Dr. Ahern


traveled with about 30 educational leaders from around in the USA
traveled to Helsinki, Finland and Berlin, Germany

"What does educational reform look like in Finland, the top country in the World for Education?"

MA is the top state in the US, comparison of Finland with MA

Dr Ahern presenting on her trip
Dr Ahern presenting on her trip
a close up of the slide shows the details that Dr Ahern talked to

youth soccer players watching a World Cup game in an open square
youth soccer players watching a World Cup game in an open square
teacher recruitment is a key focus, they go for the top 20 percent students to get them into the teaching profession

schools are starting to see some diversity
schools are starting to see some diversity
standardized testing is more evaluation and not puntative

shortest time on learning of major countries, no correlation to PISA scores

with 30 students in class, the teach did have a co-teacher

promotion of native language through tutors or parents is a focal point

feeling validated with what they are doing and is already underway here
"feeling validated with what they are doing and is already underway here"
Tim Walker had taught in MA, moved to Finland and shared his insights on both
Tim Walker had taught in MA, moved to Finland and shared his insights on both

45:15 ratio of instruction to break time

school visit photos
school visit photos

reflections, next steps, and implications
reflections, next steps, and implications
Q - are they wrestling with substance abuse too?
A - they do have some counselors to support students, help is provided but not needed for stress; boys seemed to be disengaged from learning - they are looking to address. Drugs are present but don't seem to be in the same arena as here


Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 24, 2018

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. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Best Buddies Donation – Mr. Glynn
b. Educational Study Tour Finland/Germany – Dr. Ahern

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. none

4. Discussion Only Items
a. none

5. Information Matters
a. Information MattersSchool 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]; School Start Times Advisory
Committee [SSTAC], MASC)

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

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your June 26, 2018 School Committee Meeting.
b. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $600.00 from the Franklin Cultural Council for supplemental supplies at FHS as detailed.
c. Davis Thayer Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from Paula Russo for supplemental supplies at Davis Thayer as detailed.
d. FHS Scholarships
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $522.00 from various donors for the Keiichi Katanosono Scholarship as detailed.
e. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,500.00 from the Parmenter PCC for Supplemental Supplies as detailed.
f. Davis Thayer Donation
I recommend acceptance of a tree donated by the 5th Grade Class valued at $399.00 as detailed.
g. FHS Donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Franklin Newcomers and Friends for in-house enrichment as detailed.
h. District wide donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from Nancy and Brendon Connelly for district wide enrichment as detailed.
i. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,750.00 from the Oak St. PCC for the school Library as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence 
– Budget to Actual, Miriam Goodman

11. Executive Session
a. Strategy with respect to pending litigation.

12. Adjournment

The agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/q20182019/SCAGENDA%207-24-18docx.pdf

The documents released for this meeting 
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinCom_Packets/j7-24-18%20SC%20Packet/

https://www.bestbuddies.org/
https://www.bestbuddies.org/

"the increase will help fund ongoing infrastructure improvements"

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

"Utility bills in Franklin this quarter were mislabeled with a typo showing old rates while residents were being charged with new rates. 
The higher rate, according to Treasurer-Collector Kerri Bertone, is the correct one, and the misconception will not be a problem next pay cycle because the error has been resolved. 
The bill system was updated, but the printing company contracted by the town, Globe Direct, did not update its template to match the town’s changes. The result was a misprint on the bill, causing some confusion among residents. 
Word about the error spread through the town’s website and social media. The Water Department won’t be re-sending the bill - a situation that, Bertone said, would likely cause too much confusion."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180723/franklin-utility-bills-contain-error

"the increase will help fund ongoing infrastructure improvements"
"the increase will help fund ongoing infrastructure improvements"

"This summer’s project will use a more condensed timeline"

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

"Have any vacation time saved up? If you commute to work on the Massachusetts Turnpike, this might be a good time to use it. 
State transportation officials are warning drivers to expect significant delays in the area of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge in Boston as the state finishes the second phase of its $110 million project to replace it. 
The work, set to begin this week, will disrupt nearly all forms of travel, though for commuters in MetroWest, the worst effects will likely be felt between 9 p.m. on Friday, July 27 and 5 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 6. 
During that nine-and-a-half day stretch, the Turnpike will be reduced to a maximum of two lanes in either direction between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180723/boston-bridge-project-to-slow-mass-pike-commute

Additional details and link to MassDOT information on the project was shared in May  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/05/comm-ave-bridge-project-update-i-90.html

Comm Ave Bridge Project Update: I-90 Lane Reductions  and Ramp Closures begin July 27
Comm Ave Bridge Project Update: I-90 Lane Reductions
and Ramp Closures begin July 27

FTC Scam Alerts: Staying away from nanny and caregiving job scams



Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
by Carol Kando-Pineda
Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education


Finding a new job can be a challenge. Websites can help you find work, but scammers also use these sites to find people to rip off. Do you look for work on caregiver/nanny job sites? 

Sometimes scammers will offer a job but say you need to buy supplies or other equipment. They pressure you to act quickly, before you have time to think. They send you a check and tell you to deposit it and transfer money to their vendor to buy the supplies. 

Don't do it — scammers post fake job listings for nannies and caregivers, then make up elaborate stories to get your money. The positions seem real, but they're not — it's a scam. The check will bounce. So, the money you sent is actually your own — and it's gone.

Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/07/staying-away-nanny-and-caregiving-job-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Monday, July 23, 2018

PanMass Challenge rides through Franklin Aug 4

In the build up to the PanMass Challenge which is scheduled for Aug 4-5, the Milford Daily News will be sharing profiles of local riders.

Representative Jeff Roy appears in this issue
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180722/pan-mass-challenge-profile-state-rep-roy-rides-for-his-late-colleagues

I know of several riders from the area and my work connections who are riding in this worthy event. You can contribute to the fund raising online at

PMC.org/

PMC.org/
PMC.org/

Franklin also is a rest stop for riders on the route from Sturbridge to Provincetown. If you have a chance to get to the Remington Jefferson School complex on Saturday morning, Aug 4, the early riders usually start coming in about 7 AM and then the peak is usually between 8 and 10. It is quite an experience!


the riders arrive at Remington-Jefferson in Aug 2013
the riders arrive at Remington-Jefferson in Aug 2013
You can explore posts over the years on the PMC ride through Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/search?q=pmc%2C+remington

News on solid waste and recycling

Did you know that the Recycling Center on Beaver St now accepts latex paints?

Yes, there are a few restrictions but this is an opportunity to clear out some of those paint cans that are hanging around.

More details here  
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/paint_requirements.pdf

The solid waste flyer should have arrived in your mailbox recently. It has the schedule for which holidays will cause a delay in the normal pickup.
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_2018_2019.pdf


Julie Etter talks with Chris White to provide some good info on what can go into the curbside pickup and what can go to Beaver St (approx 4 minutes)
https://youtu.be/tZOCl_K98WE





good info on what can go into the curbside pickup and what can go to Beaver St
good info on what can go into the curbside pickup and what can go to Beaver St

Register O'Donnell Announces 36,000th Book Printed at Registry



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Announces 36,000th Book Printed at Registry
Observing an important milestone at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, Register William P. O'Donnell today announced the Registry recently completed printing its 36,000th book of recorded land documents.

Register O'Donnell noted, "The printing of our 36,000th book, which includes land documents such as deeds, mortgages, homesteads and mortgage discharges, is truly a significant development and a testament to the volume of work completed each and every business day here at the Registry of Deeds. As the Registry recently celebrated its 225th birthday celebration, the printing of Book 36,000 links us to the Registry's rich history that dates back to 1793, when George Washington was President of the United States.

"While we continue to print books, it should be noted the Registry continues to embrace and utilize cutting edge technologies allowing us to record land documents instantaneously. Documents are scanned and available for viewing within 24 business hours of recording at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

"Our computer systems are backed up on a nightly and weekly basis. This redundancy allows the Registry to maintain a permanent record of all land document recordings in the event of a disaster affecting our building at 649 High Street, Dedham. Additionally, the Registry also microfilms all recorded land documents and ships the microfilm off-site to a secure location to be retrieved in the event of a catastrophe," noted the Register.

Residents and those with an interest in Norfolk County property are encouraged to visit the Registry of Deeds. Users of the Registry have options to view land documents by whichever means they are comfortable. Either hard copy via books or on-line by one of our many computer workstations available to the public or from the convenience of their home or work computer.

Concluding his remarks, Register O'Donnell stated, "The core mission of the Registry of Deeds is to record land documents in a safe, secure and accessible manner. Part of this charge is to serve as a depository for over 6 million land documents recorded from the Registry's beginning in 1793 right up to the present day. While we have embraced the latest technologies to improve efficiencies, the printing of books allows us to keep a permanent record of each land document on-site."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Register O'Donnell Announces 36,000th Book Printed at Registry
Register O'Donnell Announces 36,000th Book Printed at Registry

Sunday, July 22, 2018

FPAC Presents 11th Annual Whatever Theater Festival - Aug 2-3

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the 11th annual Whatever Theater Festival, featuring a production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth on Thursday, August 2 and Friday, August 3 at 8 p.m. 

The production will be staged outdoors on Franklin Town Common. Performances are free of charge, with donations to FPAC gratefully accepted.

One of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, Macbeth is a psychological thriller about unchecked ambition, ruthless murder and revenge. Fueled by witches’ prophecy and a lust for power, tyrannical madman Macbeth carries out a murderous plot to take Scotland’s crown. 

With wife Lady Macbeth, the pair’s dark corruption erodes human compassion and causes devastating destruction. FPAC presents a 90-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic morality tale, as “Something wicked this way comes.”

Conceived and directed by Nick Paone, the summertime Whatever Theater Festival brings together professional artists, FPAC alumni, students and community performers in a collaborative theatrical experience. 

For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com.

An overview of Macbeth can be found online https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macbeth

FPAC Presents 11th Annual Whatever Theater Festival - Aug 2-3
FPAC Presents 11th Annual Whatever Theater Festival - Aug 2-3

Did you know Franklin has a wine club?

The next Wine Club event is July 31st at 7 PM. Join the Meetup group of wine explorers. All events are sit down educational tastings.

Exploring Michele Chiarlo Wines
Host: Adam Verona

Since 1956 Michele Chiarlo is synonym with the wines of Piemonte. At a very young age Michele started to travel to showcase with unlimited passion what Piemonte could produce. With Michele's guidance now his sons Stefano and Alberto have taken over different roles and are carrying on their father's passion. The story of Michele Chiarlo as a wine producer starts with Barbera and specifically from Asti but quickly moves to cover all the top areas of Piemonte, Gavi, Barolo, Barbaresco and more.

The philosophy at the winery is to produce classic wines of terroir with the most up to date know how and still vivid passion.

Adams Bio

As Michele Chiarlo’s North American Brand Ambassador, Adam makes regular trips to Piedmont, Italy and works closely with Michele’s sons Alberto (sales and marketing) and Stefano (winemaking and technical aspects).

Adam has had a passion for wine and food for as long as he can remember. He began his wine studies in his early twenties that included an internship on a Tuscan vineyard, gaining hands on experience in every phase of wine production.

After years of representing Chiarlo wines in wholesale, he was introduced to the Michele Chiarlo family. In 2016 he took the position with the winery and now travels the United States and Canada, proudly promoting the Chiarlo family wines. Adam lives in Charleston, South Carolina with his wife and son.

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/251988152/

Did you know Franklin has a wine club?
Did you know Franklin has a wine club?

YMCA Triathlon - Rescheduled from Jul 22 to Aug 19 (due to weather)

bike action at the 2017 triathlon
bike action at the 2017 triathlon
The YMCA Triathlon has been POSTPONED due to the anticipated bad weather and is now set for Sunday, August 19, 2018.


For additional information
https://www.hockymca.org/triathlon/

The original post on the triathlon can be found online
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/07/hockomock-area-ymca-hosts-12th-annual.html