Franklin Federated Church - Birthday Celebration - Oct 14

On Sunday, October 14, Franklin Federated Church will host a birthday celebration commemorating the formation of the First Congregational Church of Franklin (1738), the First Baptist Church of Franklin (1868) and the subsequent federation of the two churches (1938).

Original church council ledgers dating from 1846, artifacts from the church’s historical room, a pictorial roster of ministers since 1738, and photo albums depicting church members and activities from 1938 to present will be available for perusal during the event. 

A short humorous skit, “The Music Wars”, written by Church Historian Lyn Pickhover, will be performed as part of the regular service. The skit is based on an actual event in church records from 1738, the records of which are now on permanent loan to the Congregational Library in Boston.

The Franklin Federated Church is located at 171 Main Street, Franklin, directly opposite the Common. Services are held on Sundays at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

Franklin Federated Church - Birthday Celebration - Oct 14

No school - Monday, Sep 10 - Rosh Hashanah

There is NO school for the Franklin Public Schools on Monday, Sep 10 in honor of Rosh Hashanah

No school - Monday, Sep 10 - Rosh Hashanah

Check out the newly revised Franklin Public Schools web page
https://www.franklinps.net/

A direct link to the school calendar for 2018-2019
https://www.franklinps.net/district/about-us/pages/school-calendars

A New Year, A New School for Freshman Students at Tri-County Regional

It’s been a great week at Tri-County! The first day of school for all students was on Tuesday, September 4th. Of the 1000-plus students to arrive, 280 freshman students were welcomed to their first day of high school.

Though the transition to high school can be difficult for many teens, especially when attending a new school with students coming from various towns, the shift can feel both intimidating and overwhelming, but also very exciting. A few freshman students were asked why they decided to come to Tri-County and how they liked their first week of high school.

Taylor Callahan

Taylor Callahan, a freshman from North Attleboro replied, “I came to Tri-County so I could explore careers in order to get an early start in life, and I’m so happy that I did.” Students took part in Freshman Orientation Week, helping students to get to know each other and their new school through hands-on activities, team building exercises and discussions about student goals. It’s also an opportunity for incoming freshmen students to tour the building, meet teachers, review schedules, and become acclimated to the vocational high school setting.

New freshman student, Evan Costantino from Blackstone stated, “I came here to pursue a better future, to get a fresh start and to make new friends. I was super-excited for my first day because I knew this was a lot different than a traditional high school and I was happy that I got the privilege to come here. The teachers are really friendly and I’m happy to be here.”

Fellow freshman William Bedard of North Attleboro further explained, “I’ve been interested in Culinary since I was about 8 years old. I want to be prepared for the real world. This week has been great because I really liked the teachers and was able to meet new people and be reunited with other students that I’ve known in the past.”

During the week, the freshman also attended an Ice Cream Social and Extra-Curricular Fair. Tri-County offers numerous clubs and activities like Drama Club, Ski Club, Music Club and Student Government just to name a few. Students were encouraged to talk and ask questions to upper classman about their passions and interests, further encouraging them to engage in the Tri-County community.

“The activities and discussions throughout Freshman Orientation Week are meant to create a safe place where students can talk freely with one another as they explore their new vocational environment and community,” said Scott O’Brien, Director of Guidance. “One of the greatest benefits is that students begin to build strong relationships with one another, and also embrace and embody the school culture of acceptance, respect, and support for one another in order to have a successful high school experience.”

Freshman Meghan O’Shaughnessy of Walpole smiled happily stating, “I came to Tri-County because I want to graduate from high school with certifications and licenses that I’d normally get after graduation. I’d like to get the work experience so I can graduate with a good paying job while pursuing the option of attending college. This week was nerve racking, but I’ve already made new friends super-fast.” Meghan then asked to be photographed with her new friends, Corrin Fernald of Franklin and Gabby Mousa of North Attleboro.

Meghan O’Shaughnessy, Corrin Fernald, Gabby Mousa

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

Economic Development Subcommittee meeting - 09/05/18 (audio recording)

FM #146

This internet radio show or podcast is number 146 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 5, 2018. The meeting began at about 6 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room. The meeting was delayed in starting as it was missing a quorum.

There are four Town Councilors that make up the formal voting membership: Mercer, Jones, Hamblen and Earls. Quorum for the four members requires three present. Mercer and Hamblen were on time, Jones arrived late. (Earls was out of town and participated remotely in the Town Council meeting later Wednesday evening.)

The published agenda can be found online
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/franklin-ma-economic-development.html

There were four topics covered in the meeting.

1 - The plot line and zoning changes were quickly discussed and moved to the Town Council for referral to the Planning Board.

2 - Tony Padula, Planning Board Chair, raised a discussion item on the change of a commercial zone to residential and thereby imposing some buffer requirements upon the existing abutters. After the discussion, the action was taken by Planning to come up with some wording for review at a future meeting. Targeting for next EDC meeting on Oct 3.

3 - Jeff Nutting provided an updated on prior efforts for the small lots of Town owned land that were sold via auction. Some were successfully sold, some had no bidders and Franklin retains the ownership. How much effort should be given to the sale of these is basically the question. The consensus was to include them in the next group of similar properties but not more than that as the value is negligible.

4 - Given the time left for the meeting (due to the late start), #4 was skipped and an overview on the proposed sign was provided.

The meeting itself runs about 36 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.

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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!

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

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Register O'Donnell Reports Small Increase in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Small Increase in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity A small but noticeable increase in Norfolk County residential and commercial real estate sales offset continuing challenges faced in the lending market during the month of August 2018. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "Mirroring trends seen throughout Greater Boston, a total of 1,931 residential and commercial sales transactions took place during the month of August, a 4% increase year over year. Total real estate sales volume, again both residential and commercial, came in at $920.8 million, a 6% increase compared to August 2017. There is no question the trend lines are encouraging when it comes to real estate sales in Norfolk County." While real estate sales were showing signs of improvement, the lending market was another story. "Once again," noted Register O'Donnell, "Norfolk County mortgage recordings fell year over year. A total of 2,418 mortgages were recorded compared to 2,631 the previous August, an 8% decrease. In addition, the total mortgage indebtedness figure fell 17% to $985 million. These figures tell us that Norfolk County consumers are watching interest rates closely and thinking twice before deciding to mortgage their home to invest in big ticket items such as home improvements." One piece of very sobering news was the increase in foreclosure activity seen in Norfolk County during the month of August. A total of 29 foreclosure deeds were recorded during the month compared to 20 recorded in August 2017. In addition, 63 Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, were recorded in August versus 32 recorded the previous August, a whopping 96% increase. O'Donnell stated, "There is no way to sugarcoat this very discouraging news. Clearly, there are some who are not benefiting from the overall good economic climate seen in Norfolk County specifically and eastern Massachusetts as a whole. For those facing challenges paying their mortgage, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950. These agencies are equipped to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400." On the consumer front, Homestead recordings showed a modest 3% increase year over year. A total of 1,367 Homesteads were recorded in August compared to 1,326 in August 2017. "A Homestead," stated O'Donnell, "is an important consumer protection tool that provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Like other interested real estate observers, both statewide and here in Norfolk County, I am cautiously optimistic that we are starting to see a small but noticeable improvement in the overall real estate sales market. What will sustain this good news is improvement in available real estate inventory, admittedly an open question at this point. The lending market will continue to face challenges due to the uncertainty surrounding where we are headed with interest rates." 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 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Celebrates its 225th Birthday earlier in 2018

Senator Richard Ross: Summer at the State House

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, Summer Update 2018 View this email in your browser State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, This has been a busy summer here at the State House. Upon closing out our formal session, we finalized the FY19 budget and passed important legislation regarding veterans, the opioid crisis, energy, criminal justice, and many others. However, there is still more work to be done as we enter the fall.   I suggest you review my FY19 Budget Round-Up, which includes information on funding for improvements across my district to help our towns and lessen the burden on you, the taxpayers. Within this e-newsletter, you will also find important information pertaining to proper identifications and other important pieces of legislation.  As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at (617) 722-1555 or email Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. Sincerely, ON THE HILL FY19 Budget Round-Up I am pleased that the budget signed by Governor Baker includes funding for many important programs and projects throughout my district. This funding will go a long way in improving the quality of education at our schools, providing transportation to our citizens, especially seniors, improving streets and dams, and fighting the opioid epidemic. There is more I wish we had done, as far as cost saving measures and letting taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned dollars, but our work continues. FY19 Earmarks 1. Attleboro Fire Safety – Provides $50,000 for a fire safety grant in Attleboro 2. Franklin Veterans War Memorial - Provides $50,000 for Franklin to construct a veterans memorial parkway on the town common 3.Franklin – King Street Park Improvements - Provides $200,000 for improvements to the King Street Memorial Park 4. Franklin downtown Partnership - Provides $25,000 for the Franklin Downtown Partnership 5. New England Center for Children PArtner Program - $100,000 for Parmenter Elementary School in Franklin to help children on the autism spectrum. 6. Millis Senior Transportation - Provides $50,000 for Millis to purchase a new senior van 7. Millis High School Auditorium - Provides $60,000 for Millis to renovate the High School auditorium 8. Natick Veterans Oral History Project - Provides $30,000 to the Veterans Oral History Project at Morse Library in Natick 9. Natick Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities - Provides $75,000 to Natick to support Camp Arrowhead which provides recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities statewide 10. Natick Opioid Task Force - Provides $60,000 for the Opioid Task Force in Natick 11. Natick Service Council for Veterans -Provides $25,000 for the Natick Service Council for Veterans substance abuse prevention efforts 12. Needham handicap Accessible Transport Van for Seniors - Provides $90,000 for Needham to purchase a handicap van for senior transportation 13. Needham Pedestrian Safety Improvements - Provides $200,000 for Needham to make certain public safety improvements 14. Needham Cutler Park Improvements - Provides $100,000 for maintenance and improvements to Cutler Park in Needham 15. Norfolk City Mills Dam Improvements - Provides $50,000 for Norfolk for improvements to the portion of Main Street traversing the City Mills Dam 16. North Attleboro Child Safety Grant - Provides $50,000 for the WWII Veteran Memorial Pool in North Attleboro 17. Wellesley Pedestrian Crossing Study - Provides $30,000 for Wayland to conduct a feasibility study on improving the crossing at Route 9/Worcester Street in Wellesley 18. Wellesley Protective Gear - Provides $24,000 for Wellesley to purchase personal protective gear and medical supplies for law enforcement 19. Wrentham Developmental Center Mitigations - Provides $100,000 to cities and towns hosting developmental centers or state schools 20. Tri-County Voc-Tech High School Handicap Activity Van for Disabled Students - Provides $50,000 for Tri-County to purchase a new handicap activity van 21. King Phillip Regional School Safety - Provides $100,000 to the towns of King Philip (through Wrentham) for school safety improvements Franklin Matters: The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full set of contents follow this link -> https://mailchi.mp/4ce3c36158d0/summer-at-the-state-house?e=c5417034e9

"They’re really the backbone of the electric system”

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

"Officials from Eversource are hosting an open house next week at the Franklin Senior Center to discuss and answer questions about a project the company is undergoing that is designed to provide transmission system upgrades. 

The hearing takes place from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. 

According to Eversource, the so-called Medway to Walpole Reliability Project calls for the company to separate two existing transmission lines onto new structures along an existing right of way (power line corridor). The project is expected to take about a year to complete, and runs from the West Medway Substation to the Walpole Substation. It will take place in portions of Bellingham, Franklin, Medway, Millis, Norfolk and Walpole. 

Michael Durand, a spokesman for Eversource, said the project is due to start construction in early 2020. He said that during the construction period, there should be no interruption in power in affected areas."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180909/eversource-plans-hearing-on-pole-project-on-sept-20-in-franklin

Prior post on Eversource Open House
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/medway-to-walpole-reliability-project.html

Medway to Walpole Reliability Project Open House - September 20

"it could be a fun class, it’s going to be interactive"

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

"For the uninitiated, football can look like just an epic exercise in repetition, rife with specialized jargon and crowded with on-field roles -- quarterback, cornerback, center, fullback, running back, wide receiver, left guard, right guard, defensive tackle, defensive end, linebacker, tight end. 

Players line up on each side of the ball on a giant grid. The ball is put into play. The players dive into each other. They jostle for the ball - sometimes it goes soaring, but mostly it falls, the players pile up in a cringe-worthy heap. Whistles are blown. Coaches and referees are consulted. 

And it starts again."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180909/franklin-workshop-aims-to-teach-ins-and-outs-of-football-for-spectators

"it could be a fun class, it’s going to be interactive"

For additional info on the class
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/lifelong-community-learning-news-you.html

or
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/08/football-we-hardly-know-you-lifelong.html

To register for the class
https://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0079-0003-d4d5f807dfd54164964abb2fa54868a6

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 11

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. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Middle School and High School’s School Improvement Plans
b. Lifelong Learning Presentation – Chris Nayler

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. None

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Draft School Committee Presentation Schedule

5. Information Matters
a. School 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 August 28, 2018 School Committee Meeting.
b. School Improvement Plans
I recommend adoption of the following School Improvement Plans as presented:

• Annie Sullivan Middle School
• Horace Mann Middle School
• Remington Middle School
• Franklin High School

c. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of six checks totaling $3,123.15 from Parmenter PCC as detailed:

• $390.15 Supplemental Supplies
• $150.00 Field Trip (Buses Gr. 2)
• $650.00 Field Trip (Kindergarten)
• $100.00 Field Trip (Bus Gr. 5)
• $933.00 Field Trip (2017-18)
• $900.00 Field Trip (Bus Gr. 3)

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence
– Budget to Actual – Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator

11. Executive Session
Strategy with respect to collective bargaining.

12. Adjournment

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 11

The PDF version of this agenda can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/agendas/scagenda_9-11-18.pdf

The documents released for this agenda can be found online (when released)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/2018-19-meeting-packets

9th Anniversary of LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is Sep 12

Celebrate the 9th Anniversary of Let’s Laugh Today in Franklin with laughter and milk and cookies and feel like a little kid again! Boost your joy factor, lighten up, release happy chemicals and open channels of expression and well-being to source your natural aliveness! 

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, September 12th (and every second Wednesday once a month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Laughter Yoga is a body/mind practice for well-being that involves deep breathing and a few stretches, playful laughter exercises (no jokes or comedy), clapping and deep relaxation. It can strengthen the immune system, combat the negative effects of stress, and is a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. 

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. See other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

9th Anniversary of LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is Sep 12

Dr. Matzkin at FHS on Sept 11 to talk about female athletes

"We are fortunate to have Dr. Matzkin here on Sept 11 to talk to our female athletes, families and coaches on injury prevention, bone stress injuries, Relative Energy Deficiency and sports specialization.

Free to the public!

7 PM in the Franklin High School auditorium."

We are fortunate to have Dr. Matzkin here on Sept 11 to talk to our female athletes, families & coaches on injury prevention, bone stress injuries, Relative Energy Deficiency and sports specialization. Free to the public! 7pm in the Franklin High School auditorium. https://t.co/vTj4YpmU7r

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) August 31, 2018

Elizabeth Matzkin (Twitter profile photo)

Orthopedic Surgeon and Chief of Women's Sports Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Harvard Medical School. Boston, MA
https://twitter.com/DocMatzkin

Extra! Extra! Christopher Rice to star in Newsies!

	Extra! Extra! Broadway's Christopher Rice to Star in Disney's Newsies! FPAC is thrilled to announce that Broadway's Christopher Rice (The Book of Mormon) will star as Jack Kelly in our upcoming production of Disney's Newsies!  In addition to The Book of Mormon on Broadway, Christopher Rice appeared in the national tours of West Side Story and Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Rice's viral tap dance video series #TAPPY has been seen by over 3 million people worldwide.  Learn more about Christopher by visiting his website! October 13, 14 and 19-21 at THE BLACK BOX!  Get your tickets now! Also joining the cast is New York City-based actress, and Franklin native, Ali Funkhouser who will play Katherine Plumber. She appeared in the national tours of Joseph...Dreamcoat and Evita.  Other credits include Legally Blonde at The LEX and Puccini's Suor Angelica with Chelsea Opera (NYC). Last season, she was seen on the FPAC stage as The Narrator in Joseph...Dreamcoat. Learn more about Ali by visiting her website! FPAC favorite Nick Paone joins the Newsies cast as Joseph Pulitzer. Nick  Nick's regional credits include Cabaret, Macbeth, The Wedding Singer, Little Shop of Horrors, and Pirates of Penzance. He will appear in FPAC's season opener Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? as George.  Read Nick's full bio here.  As previously announced, Broadway's Clay Thomson will choreograph! Clay has appeared on Broadway in Newsies (Spot Conlon) and Matilda the Musical.  His national tour credits include West Side Story and Wicked. He has also made numerous television appearances on shows such as Dancing with the Stars, The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Late Show with David Letterman, The View, Good Morning America, and more. He is featured in the viral YouTube videos #TAPPY. Learn more about Clay by visiting his website! Support FPAC and THE BLACK BOX      Shop Amazon Smiles! --You shop. Amazon gives. --Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. --AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service! Support Franklin Performing Arts Company and The BLACK BOX by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com and search for Franklin Performing Arts Company.  Thank you for your support!

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Franklin Performing Arts Company PO Box 48 Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.

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