Sunday, August 26, 2018

Support FHS Unified Sports by buying some Franklin gear

Back to school shopping? 

Support FHS Unified Sports and look smashing in a Panthers hoodie or T-shirt

Online store starts Monday 8/27


FHS UNIFIED SPORTS

Welcome to the online store. This online store has been developed to greatly simplify the spirit wear ordering process for you. To get started, just select the appropriate sizes and quantities for the items below.

This store is open for ordering from Aug 27, 2018 12:00 AM EDT to 
Sep 09, 2018 11:59 PM EDT.

All orders are made custom especially for you, we do not accept returns on custom orders.

In case of an inventory stock-out, Tri-Valley reserves the right to substitute products of equal or greater value.


Go to the store  https://trivalley.tuosystems.com/stores/fhs-unified-sports




FSPA Academy enters third year

The FSPA Academy at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts is now entering its third year and is continuing to grow as a new method of public schooling in Franklin. The FSPA Academy model combines the flexibility of a virtual education with a motivating classroom, supportive learning coaches, and a creative, expectation-driven school environment. 

For career-bound students of the arts, FSPA Academy accommodates professional opportunities, rehearsal, and performance schedules. The Academy partners with TECCA, a virtual Massachusetts Public School. The curriculum is taught by licensed, certified teachers through a combination of Live Lessons and individual assignments.

Monday through Friday, FSPA Academy provides an academic home from 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM with a 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM additional hour option for middle and high schoolers. Students’ schedules are individually tailored to their academic and elective needs and interests. The model allows for distraction-free learning and the benefit of state testing done on site. 

TECCA offers a challenging curriculum with a variety of courses offered at every level through honors and AP with students earning a MA State Diploma. In addition to the academic courses offered by TECCA, FSPA Academy students study music theory and have the option for tutoring in math. Field trips are scheduled to enhance students’ performing arts and cultural interests.

The Academy is guided by a full-time FSPA Administrator and a team of Learning Coaches seeing to the students’ well-being, and academic and arts needs. Theresea Wickstrom, mother of FSPA Academy rising junior Susauna Wickstrom says, “It is a sigh of relief to have a designated space for my daughter. It promotes the importance of school, getting out of the home and it keeps a routine going. She’s coming to a place that’s safe, not just physically, but emotionally.”

Academy students thrive in an atmosphere of kindness, tolerance, and mutual respect. Students work independently but enjoy an easy camaraderie. They also benefit from the larger student body of FSPA and participate in social activities including student productions and the annual Prom.

There is still time to enroll at FSPA Academy. Call 508-528-8668 or email academy@fspaonline.com for more information about this exciting academic alternative.


FSPA Academy enters third year
FSPA Academy enters third year

Franklin Ag Comm Newsletters

In case you missed the Franklin Agricultural Committee Newsletters (I know I did) here is one place to find them all!

"Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read my newsletters this summer about Franklin farming. In case you missed any of them, here are the links below. Please check them out. I hope you learned something new about the agriculture here in town and get out and support our local farmers! 
Thanks!
Jennifer"

-Franklin Farming:
https://www.smore.com/y8ka3

-Franklin Agricultural Commission:
https://www.smore.com/8d2p5

-Grateful Farm:
https://www.smore.com/cragb

-Franklin Farmers' Market:
https://www.smore.com/br8zg

-Franklin Agway:
https://www.smore.com/spbc4

-Gianetti's U-Pick Blueberries:
https://www.smore.com/v7sdp

-Franklin Honey Company:
https://www.smore.com/16myv

-Hoffmann Farm:
https://www.smore.com/5x2kv

Franklin Ag Comm Newsletters
https://www.facebook.com/FrAgComMa

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Franklin Library: Claude Bourbon - Sep 11

Medieval and Spanish Blues Guitarist Claude Bourbon plays at the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, September 11, 6:30 PM


Franklin Library: Claude Bourbon - Sep 11
Franklin Library: Claude Bourbon - Sep 11

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2018/08/medieval-spanish-blues-guitarist-claude.html

For more about Claude and his music, visit his page  http://www.claudebourbon.org/




Franklin Garden Club Offers Many Programs

The Franklin Garden Club will offer an array of educational programs for the 2018-2019 season. The first meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, September 4 at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel Cahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. 

An informal social get-together will take place at from 6:30 – 7:00 PM. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member of the Garden Club.

This year’s programming schedule is: September 4: Kick-off Meeting and Perennial Swap; October 2: Climate Reality, Climate Voices; November 6: “H” is for Daylilies; December 4: Holiday Auction; February 5: Gardening for Butterflies and Other Pollinators; March 5: Hydroponic Gardening; April 2: Creating Spring Tulip Wreaths; May 7: Container Gardening: June 5 – Annual Meeting. The Club engages recognized gardening experts to present the programs.

Three field trips are planned, one to Heritage Gardens in Sandwich, MA in October, the second to the Boston Flower Show in March, and the third to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in late spring. 

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools and special projects with other community organizations.

“The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers members a wonderful opportunity to learn new information and tips from experts and fellow members related to many different aspects of gardening,” noted Janice Cederquist and Susan Childers, co-presidents. “We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.”

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

Franklin Garden Club Offers Many Programs
Franklin Garden Club Offers Many Programs

Save the Date: FPAC Gala 2018 - Oct 6

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents an evening to celebrate Family, Friendship and The Arts. Hosted by Broadway's Ben Cameron, FPAC's Annual Gala takes place on October 6th at 6 PM at THE BLACK BOX. 

The evening features fine food and drink, live and silent auctions, outstanding entertainment, live music, and dancing. Ben Cameron has appeared on Broadway in Aida and the original casts of Wicked and Footloose. He has toured with Sweet Charity, Fame, Tommy, Footloose, and State Fair and is currently the creator/host of Broadway Sessions at The Laurie Beechman Theater in New York City. 

The evening will also feature performances by FPAC favorites and a sneak preview of FPAC’s production of Disney’s Newsies choreographed by Broadway’s Clay Thomson. Tickets to the Gala fundraiser are $125 per person, with proceeds benefiting initiatives of THE BLACK BOX and FPAC.

Founded in 1991, FPAC brings together professional artists, local performers, and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment, with a special focus on youth development and a commitment to live music. 

THE BLACK BOX theater, music, and event venue is a community-oriented cultural facility providing a dynamic outlet for artistic expression, quality entertainment, arts appreciation, and learning.

For more information or to purchase FPAC Gala tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Save the Date: FPAC Gala 2018 - Oct 6
Hosted by Broadway's Ben Cameron, FPAC's Annual Gala
takes place on October 6

"results suggest that alcohol control policies might need to be revised"

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

"If you were thinking of meeting up with friends after work for happy hour, think again. 
A new global study from the British journal The Lancet found that the safest level of drinking was none. 
Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. 
The study, published Thursday, analyzed data from the 2016 Global Burden of Disease report to determine levels of alcohol use and its health effects in 195 countries for males and females ages 15 to 49 between 1990 to 2016. Researchers found alcohol use was the leading risk factor for death and disability and accounted for nearly 10 percent of annual global deaths, or about about 2.8 million annually."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180824/theres-no-safe-level-of-alcohol-consumption-study-finds

The Lancet Study says:
"Alcohol use is a leading risk factor for global disease burden and causes substantial health loss. We found that the risk of all-cause mortality, and of cancers specifically, rises with increasing levels of consumption, and the level of consumption that minimises health loss is zero. These results suggest that alcohol control policies might need to be revised worldwide, refocusing on efforts to lower overall population-level consumption."
Go to the full study directly at The Lancet
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31310-2/fulltext

The study PDF
https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2818%2931310-2

The NPR headline reads "No Amount Of Alcohol Is Good For Your Health, Global Study Says"
https://www.npr.org/2018/08/24/641618937/no-amount-of-alcohol-is-good-for-your-health-global-study-claims

While The Atlantic headline reads: "A Daily Drink Is Almost Certainly Not Going to Hurt You"
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/08/there-is-a-safe-level-of-alcohol/568531/

A new global study published in The Lancet says that no amount of alcohol is good for your overall health. Peter Forest/Getty Images for Starz
A new global study published in The Lancet says that no amount of alcohol is good for your overall health. (Peter Forest/Getty Images for Starz)

Friday, August 24, 2018

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 8/24/18 - THU 8/30/18

FRIDAY 8/24/18
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
11:30am   Lunch Special with Trivia @ Franklin Senior Center
12-6pm   Farmers Market @ Town Common
2pm   Summer Reading Wrap Up Party @ Town Common


SATURDAY 8/25/18
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library


SUNDAY 8/26/18
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open


MONDAY 8/27/18
7pm   Library Board Meeting @ Franklin Public Library


TUESDAY 8/28/18
First Day of School - Franklin Public Schools, 1st day for K is 8/29


WEDNESDAY 8/29/18
First Day K students - Franklin Public Schools
9am-6pm FSPA Open House @ FSPA


THURSDAY 8/30/18
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
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.

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

"plastic bags are the #1 cause of ruined recyclables"

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

"As Chinese government restrictions on the import of recycled paper and plastics drive up recycling processing costs in America, a new state effort is attempting to increase recycling while also educating people about what can and cannot be recycled. 
Almost 250 municipalities will share $2.6 million in state grants for programs that reduce waste and maximize reuse and recycling, part of the new “Recycle Smart” initiative launched this week by the Department of Environment Protection in partnership with recycling facilities around the state. 
The program aims to teach consumers to recycle only those materials that recycling processing plants can handle and to keep contaminants out of the recycling stream to limit costs for cities and towns. 
“Recycling the right materials while reducing how much we throw away is a priority for the Commonwealth as we update our solid waste master plan for the next decade,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton said. “The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grants will help communities build stronger recycling programs, encourage residents to keep trash out of recycling bins, and ultimately reduce waste management costs.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180823/state-redoubles-efforts-to-promote-recycling

Franklin received $14,300 in grants to help with the recycling efforts
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/08/17/smrp2018r1.pdf

The latest Solid Waste Mailer
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_2018_2019.pdf

Recycling resources can be found online
https://recycleoftenrecycleright.com/resources/for-home/

What is covered by Franklin's curbside program
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/single_stream_specifications_website.pdf

Please, No plastic wrap, bags, packaging, coverings, etc in the RECYCLING CART
Please, No plastic wrap, bags, packaging, coverings, etc in the RECYCLING CART

MBTA Advisory: Commuter Rail Track Overnight Work begins August 27

MassDOT and the MBTA are undertaking federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) infrastructure installation which will increase the safety of commuter rail customers and would like to advise the community of the of overnight work within the right-of-way along the MBTA Franklin Commuter Rail Line. This overnight work is necessary to avoid service interruptions by taking advantage of track time when the trains will not be operating. Similar overnight work took place earlier this year.

Overnight activities by the PTC Systems Integrator Ansaldo STS USA, Inc. are anticipated to resume next week August 27, 2018 along the MBTA Franklin Commuter Rail Line in Norwood, Walpole, Norfolk and Franklin. Work will occur as necessary between approximately 10 PM and 6 AM.

Due to the equipment necessary to perform this work, lights and mild to moderate noise levels can be expected. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

For further information regarding PTC please visit: mbta.com/ptc.

We appreciate your patience as the MBTA takes this important step in making the railways safer for customers with the implementation of the PTC program. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the PTC program at 617-721-7506 or PTCProgram@mbta.com.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/ptc_overnight_work_august_2018_advisory_for_franklin_line.pdf

trees and brush removed along the train tracks to enable the Positive Train Control system to be installed
trees and brush removed along the train tracks to enable the Positive Train Control system to be installed


9/11 Service Tribute Project

My daughter, Teaghan LeBlanc's Project 351, 911 Service Project:
Dedicated to all WWII Ex-Pow's currently living in MA along with the late Cpl. Robert Noble

- DONATE items for homeless vets and troops over seas.
- HONOR fallen emergency responders.
- RECOGNIZE the service of our local emergency responders.
- Write notes of gratitude to our troops overseas and our local responders. (Recognized towns are below)

Come show your support for your community on 8/29 at the Millis Public Library from 5:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Millis, Medfield, Medway, Ashland, Dover, Natick, Norfolk, Needham, Sherborn, Walpole, Holliston, Franklin, Bellingham, Westwood.

9/11 Service Tribute Project
9/11 Service Tribute Project

For updates on the project visit Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10216260551883625&set=a.10205377586816300&type=3&theater


Franklin Art Association - Sep 5, 2018 Meeting

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. 

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 PM followed by a short business meeting and a presentation by pastel and oil artist, Kim Morin Weineck

Kim is a juried member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA) and founder of the Neponset Valley Artists (NVA). Her work has won numerous awards and is held in collections in the U.S. and Europe. 

FAA meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month, September through May and are free and open to the public. www.franklin.org

Kim Morin Weineck web page
Kim Morin Weineck web page

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has elevated the risk level for West Nile Virus from low to moderate for the entire State of Massachusetts. So far this year there have been no confirmed human cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts.

It is prudent however for all individuals in Massachusetts to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitoes are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children's wading pools frequently.

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and/or EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants. More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito


Additional info on mosquitoes can be found
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/mosquitoes/

Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory
Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory


Rain Barrels for Franklin Residents!

Back by popular demand, the DPW is partnering with the Great American Rain Barrel Company (GARB) to offer residents 40% off rain barrels! 

Order through the GARB website (link below) by September 26, 2018 at midnight. 

Rain barrels can be picked up at the DPW (257 Fisher Street) on October 3 from 4-6 PM. Visit the website for additional details!

Great American Rain Barrel Community Program - Franklin MA
https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/

Interested in saving even more money? With your rain barrel purchase, you may qualify for a DPW Water Conservation rebate worth $50! 

Check out the application here
http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available


Great American Rain Barrel Community Program - Franklin MA
Great American Rain Barrel Community Program - Franklin MA

Franklin_CommGardenRainBarrels
rain barrels at the Franklin Community Garden

Franklin Police arrest two in armed robbery

On August 15th, 2018 at approximately 11 PM the Franklin Police Department received a report from two individuals who stated that they had been robbed at gunpoint outside the Glen Meadow Apartments located off E. Central Street. The two male victims reported that cash and other valuables had been taken.

An extensive investigation was begun by members of the Franklin Police Detective Unit. As a result of this investigation search warrants were issued and executed in the Towns of Franklin, and Foxboro. During these searches a .45 caliber handgun was recovered.

The Franklin Police Department extends their thanks to all the agencies that assisted in bringing this investigation to a swift and successful conclusion.

At this time charges have been filed against the following individuals:

Filed in the Wrentham District Court:
NWANKWO, Emmanuel, age 20, of Franklin, Massachusetts

265-17; Armed Robbery
265-15A; Assault and Battery by means of a Dangerous Weapon
269-10(m); Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Filed in the Dedham Juvenile Court:
JUVENILE (male), age 17, of Franklin, Massachusetts

274-2; Accessory before the Fact
274-4; Accessory after the Fact
274-7; Conspiracy (to commit Armed Robbery)

The information contained in this press release does not imply listed individuals have been convicted in a court of valid jurisdiction of the crimes for which they were arrested. All individuals are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court with proper jurisdiction over the matter(s) for which they were arrested.
This was shared from the Town of Franklin web page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2018_media_release_armed_robbery.pdf

Milford Daily News also reports on the event
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180822/police-franklin-residents-held-at-gunpoint

Franklin Police arrest two in armed robbery
Franklin Police arrest two in armed robbery


GOP primary candidates for U.S. Senate

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

"In a state where polls show Sen. Elizabeth Warren is popular and President Donald Trump is not, beating the incumbent Democrat for U.S. Senate will be a challenge. 
But three Republican candidates are nonetheless convinced toppling Warren is not only possible, but ultimately important for Massachusetts residents and Americans across the country. 
“No one contributes more to the negative dynamic in Washington than Elizabeth Warren,” said Beth Lindstrom of Groton, a small-business owner and cabinet member of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a fellow Republican. “If we want a new tone, then we are going to need a new senator.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180822/trump-warren-complicate-gop-primary-for-us-senate

Campaign pages for each of the US Senate candidates

Republican primary:




Senator Elizabeth Warren 
Senate page  https://www.warren.senate.gov/
Campaign page  https://elizabethwarren.com/

GOP primary candidates for U.S. Senate
GOP primary candidates for U.S. Senate

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Classic Stones Concert Franklin High - Nov 2

The Classic Stones are performing Live at Franklin High School Auditorium. This is the 2nd benefit concert for the school's music department. Nov. 2 at 7:30 PM at the Franklin High Auditorium.

Tickets are on sale now at www.purplepass.com and will be on sale at Shaw's Market in Franklin Sept 1. Last year's Beatlemania show sold out!

This is the complete Rolling Stones Experience. For more info 413-341-7410

The Look, The Sound, The Show!

Classic Stones Concert Franklin High - Nov 2
Classic Stones Concert Franklin High - Nov 2

Harvest Festival Registration is Open!

Registration for booth space at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 16th annual Harvest Festival is now open! The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., on Main, West Central, Dean and Depot Streets in downtown Franklin. 

The rain date is Oct. 14

Organizers expect booth space for this event to sell out. Franklin Downtown Partnership members receive a booth for free; non-members pay $125. 

Downtown businesses must send in an application to ensure store-front space. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Follow the registration link and pay online through the “Donate” button.

Harvest Festival Registration is Open!
Harvest Festival Registration is Open!


This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2018/08/harvest-festival-registration-is-open.html