"it’s referred to as the Fisher House"

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

"In 1750, in a backwoods edge of Wrentham, a house was erected. More than two centuries later, it is still standing in what is now part of Franklin. 

But the house, located on Lincoln Street, could be on the verge of potential destruction. 

The Franklin Historical Commission will hold a public hearing next week about the house’s potential demolition and its historic value to the town. The hearing takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. 

Amy Roberson, who owns the house, said she had not heard about the hearing, but as a history buff, she is uneasy about the house’s possible fate. The idea of the house being demolished was news to her, but she said it isn’t surprising due to the house’s condition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/house-possibly-tied-to-early-franklin-family-subject-of-demolition-hearing

Where is the Fisher house?

In the News: Project Pink Patch in Franklin; Circle of Friends Concert Oct 6

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

"Their members have an obligation to serve and protect, but caring is also big part of being on the Franklin Police force. 

For the first time, officers have the option to add a pink patch to their uniforms in order to bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A few officers are already sporting the patches, but soon all of the department’s officers will be adorned with the powerful patch. 

Project Pink Patch, according to Sgt. Brian Johnson, was started on the West Coast. 

“There are a lot of area stations that do this,” said Johnson. “They ‘Pink it out’ they call it. They change the color scheme of the badge around and some even put the pink ribbon in there.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/franklin-officers-to-wear-pink-patches-in-honor-of-breast-cancer-awareness-month

"Franklin’s Circle of Friends Coffeehouse will host a concert featuring Joe Jencks with Katherine Rondeau on Saturday, Oct. 6. 

Some highlights 

1 Franklin’s Circle of Friends Coffeehouse will host a concert featuring Joe Jencks with Katherine Rondeau on Saturday. 

2 Jencks is an international touring musician, award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist known for his performances of musical beauty, social consciousness and spiritual exploration."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/franklins-circle-of-friends-to-host-top-folk-songwriter

Attention businesses: survey "on employer-specific issues"

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

"For a sixth consecutive year, businesses throughout the MetroWest and Milford regions have been invited to weigh in on factors affecting their companies through an online survey. 

The 495/MetroWest Employer Survey and Forecast is being conducted by the 495/MetroWest Partnership, Framingham State University and the MetroWest and Milford Daily News. 

Paul Matthews, executive director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership - a Westborough-based public-private association that advocates for economic development, transportation and a skilled workforce in the region - said the survey was formed about five years ago with an initial goal of gauging employers’ confidence in the region’s business climate. 

“It was designed to be similar to AIM’s monthly survey, except to be focused on our region,” Matthews said, in reference to the statewide Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Survey, which has been conducted monthly since 1991."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/employers-we-need-your-help-to-gauge-local-business-climate

"The survey runs for roughly a month, from Oct. 1 through Nov. 3, and can be accessed through several links, including one through the the MetroWest Daily News, https://www.research.net/r/495SurveyMWDN. Respondents can expect to complete it in 5 to 7 minutes, Matthews and Harrison said.

Results will be released on Nov. 30."

https://www.495partnership.org/

Franklin Federated Church - Yard Sale - Oct 13

Franklin Federated Church 
Yard Sale

Saturday, October 13

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

We are looking for new and gently used CLEAN donations of books, toys, clothes, household items, small furniture, jewelry, unique items, and antiques.

Last day to donate is October 6  (Please do not wait to DONATE)

Regretfully, we cannot sell computers or monitors, televisions, large exercise equipment, car seats, cribs, mattresses, upholstered furniture, skis, encyclopedias, and stuffed animals.

Donations can be left outside behind the church on the right side or inside the youth room as indicated.

Please Do Not Block the Doors!

Franklin Federated Church - Yard Sale - Oct 13

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z1LpZ1dBqbKvQFypyhb1FG52ljAsWtGH/view?usp=sharing

School Committee - Sep 25, 2018

The collection of posts from the School Committee meeting held on Sep 25, 2018.


Superintendent's Report

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_september_25_2018.pdf

EdLeader 21
Dr. Edwards is not here this evening. She is off site attending a professional development conference with EdLeader 21. This group is an extension of the former Partnership for 21st Century Skills and is a big part of our district initiative on development of engaging curriculum and personalized learning. When she returns, we will be kicking off our efforts to engage with School Committee and the community in the development of Franklin’s Portrait of A Graduate, which is an exciting part of our District Strategy for Improvement.

Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium
I would like to provide a follow-up communication to the community about the Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium. Last Tuesday, during the heavy rains and flash flooding, the interior courtyard at HMMS became flooded with water due to clogged drainage. A large amount of water seeped into the school and settled in the pit of the auditorium, flooding the stage, and seeping into the entrance to the band room. Clean up services have been employed who have been spending the last week mitigating the damage, drying the spaces, and engaging in repair efforts.

The drywall in the entrance to the band room has been removed and water under the instrument storage cubbies was dried. The service company will come in and repair the sheetrock, like they did previously in Keller last year. Everything will be repaired in accordance with safe practices in the prevention of mold growth. The carpet in the auditorium has also been dried. It is a “backed” carpet, with protection on the underside, so there are no mold concerns about growth underneath. The auditorium stage is drying well. The Facilities department is optimistic that the floor can be sanded and refinished, which is a quicker fix than pulling up the boards for repair. They will reassess at the end of the week to confirm and we will keep the Committee apprised.

Franklin Cultural District Site Visit
The Franklin Public Schools participated in the Franklin Cultural District’s Site visit with the Massachusetts Cultural Council last Thursday, September 20. This site visit evaluates the district’s application towards a designation as a Cultural District. Along with other partner members, FPS attended the site visit meetings at the library and Franklin Historical Museum. 

We also hosted a brief tour at the high school. Dr. Edwards, Mr. Peri, Mr. Klements, Ms.Plouffe, Ms. Johnson, and Mr. Nayler brought them through to see the highlights of the high school and the fine and performing arts areas. We toured the TV studio, music practice spaces, art classrooms, the 3D art installation in the courtyard, the art display cases, and the auditorium. Thank you so much to our educators for showing off the investment we make in the fine and performing arts for both our students as well as the greater Franklin community.

The documents released for the meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-25-2018-packet-documents

ECDC School Improvement Plan - Update from Franklin Matters

Elementary Schools Improvement Plan - Update from Franklin Matters

The elementary school principals ready to present at the School Committee meeting

• Live reporting: Consent Agenda to Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to-closing.html
• Live reporting: Information Matters
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-information-matters.html
• Live reporting: Discussion - Action Items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html
• Live Reporting: Elementary School Improvement Plan...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-elementary-school.html
• Live Reporting: School Committee - Sep 25,2018
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-school-committee-sep.html

The agenda for the School Committee

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-sep_23.html

Town Council - Sep 26, 2018

The recap of the Town Council meeting held on Sep 26, 2018

The Council approved the Appointment of Kaye Kelly to the Franklin Cultural Council ​with a term expiration of June 30, 2021. ​Approved 9-0.

The Council approved Resolution 18-51 to renew the Verizon Cable License with the Town of Franklin with a license term of 5 years . Approved 9-0

The Council approved resolution 18-53 to amend the FY19 Library Budget from $126,519,822 to $126,618,521 by raising and appropriating funds in order to increase the FY19 Library budget from $900,301 to $999,000, ensuring for the first time in a over a decade the Town does not have to apply for a waiver of the Minimum Appropriation Requirement (MAP) with the state. Approved 9-0.

The following two actions allow the Town of Franklin to hire five police officers whose salaries would be funded from the overtime money saved by the change in hours per the memorandum. The unions did this for two reasons; one to keep some one to staff the police station when the regional dispatch operations starts in 2019 and two to add folks to the street patrol.

The Council approved resolution 18-54 to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement between the Franklin Police Association and the Town of Franklin, 4X4- Ten Hour Per Day Work Rotation. Approved 9-0.

The Council approved resolution 18-55 to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement between the Franklin Police Sergeants Union and the Town of Franklin, 4X4- Ten Hour Per Day Work Rotation. Approved 9-0.

The complete actions taken document can be found online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zQBDmJuO4X4HyNtu1j7sPWlsLaeoAgiX/view?usp=sharing


My notes reported live during the meeting:

• Live reporting: To Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-to-closing_26.html
• Live reporting: Legislation for Action
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_26.html
• Live reporting: Public Hearing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-public-hearing.html
• Live reporting: Town Council - Sep 26, 2018
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/live-reporting-town-council-sep-26-2018.html

Town Council - Sep 26, 2018

SAFE Community Forum - Weds, Oct 3 - 7:00 PM

Join the Safe Coalition on Wednesday, Oct 3 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. You can hear Shared Recovery Stories, Grandparents Role in Recovery from SUD, Outreach Talks on Alcoholism, Recovery News, and Upcoming Community Events,

SAFE Community Forum - Weds,Oct 3  7:00 PM

For more about the SAFE Coalition, visit their web page    http://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway - construction begins

On Saturday, September 29, the construction of the Franklin Veterans Memorial Walkway began with the opening of the walkway path. 

Work will continue through October in preparation of the Dedication on Veterans Day, 11 November at 1:30 PM on the Town Common.

Franklin’s Veterans Service Officer thank the DPW crew and Building Commissioner for their work to begin the construction.

preparing the walkway

digging for the foundation

done for the day

The Brick order form  https://post3402.org/documents

Make checks payable to Franklin VFW Post 3402

Community Coffee - Oct 3

The next School Committee Community Relations Coffee hour is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3 from 6:30-7:30 PM at the Franklin High School Library. 

The scheduled topic is "Homework Policy" – update on current work and forum to ask questions and provide feedback. Any topic can be added to the discussion at any of the coffee hours.

The library is located immediately to the left inside the main entrance at Franklin High School.

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Sep 26, 2018 (audio recording)

FM #147

This internet radio show or podcast is number 147 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is of the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. The meeting began at about 5:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room. The meeting opens with a round of introductions. Chief Lynch arrived just after the intro. Councilor Glenn Jones arrived just as the meeting was wrapping up.

The Joint Budget Subcommittee is comprised of representatives from the Franklin Town Council, the School Committee, and the Finance Committee along with key members of Franklin Town and School administration.

The agenda for the meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting.html

The recorded meeting runs about 45 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 and 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

“We have to play hard because we have something to prove”

Josh Perry, the Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides a good article on FHS alumni Nicole Ellin.

"Trying to balance academics and athletics is hard enough at the college level, regardless of what division you are playing at, and Bard College senior Nicole Ellin increased the difficulty level further by being a standout in two sports. Not only does she have to balance school work with practice and games, but also balance her yearlong commitments to two programs, soccer and lacrosse. 

The Franklin High grad leads the Raptors in minutes played this fall, starting all eight of Bard’s games so far this season and all but one game in four years, and is also, already, a two-time captain for the lacrosse program and played in every game over three seasons with one more spring to come. 

While Ellin admits that she had to learn how to manage her time to be fully committed to soccer, lacrosse, and her studies as a psychology major, this was exactly what she was looking for when she searched for the right school four years ago. 

“It’s hard with school work sometimes because of the workload, but it keeps me busy,” Ellin said. “It’s my last seasons for both sports so I want to be there for both lacrosse and soccer. It’s hard to be around for both sports and be part of both teams completely, which I am, but you have to separate your time.”

Continue reading about Nicole online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklins-nicole-ellin-making-double-the-impact-at-bard/

Franklin grad Nicole Ellin has played almost every game in her four years for the Bard College women’s soccer and lacrosse teams. (Bard College Athletics)

FHS Alumni: Lexi Martin

The Franklin radar picks up this profile of FHS alumni Lexi Martin now entering her senior year at Merrimack College.

"Lexi Martin is a senior guard on the Women’s Basketball team. Before coming to Merrimack, she attended Franklin High School in Franklin, Mass., where she was four-year letter winner and two-time Hockomock All-Star. Martin emerged as a contributor on the team during her first year and continued that through sophomore year. She missed the entire 2017-18 season due to an ACL injury, but looks to come back even stronger for the Warriors this season. Martin majors in International Business. 

How did you first get involved with basketball? 

My mom got me into basketball when I was little. She started training me and helped coach my travel team growing up."

Continue reading Lexi's profile at The Beacon, the Merrimack College Student Newspaper  http://merrimacknewspaper.com/index.php/2018/09/28/warrior-spotlight-lexi-martin/

Lexi Martin (Merrimack photo)

In the News: Gilberti leads the Walk to End Breast Cancer; trend shows more major hurricanes coming over time

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

"Surviving cancer is always worth celebrating, and helping to turn potential tragedy into a party is something the American Cancer Society’s Anne Gilberti has taken to be part of her job. 

In 2014, Gilberti took part in Avon 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer. She wanted to continue the effort, but did not have someone to sponsor. 

“I didn’t really have a personal connection to breast cancer - I didn’t really know anyone with breast cancer,” she said. “Fast forward to the next year when the team I was part of was doing fundraising. That very night, I was waiting on my own biopsy and I was diagnosed with breast cancer.” 

Less than a year later, she didn’t realize she would be funding her own cause, as she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. At the time of her diagnosis, she was a mother to three children, and knew she needed to be there for them."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180929/franklin-resident-takes-own-strides-for-cancer

Donate to the cause by following the link
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCCY18NER?pg=entry&fr_id=89577

Making Strides of Boston

"The Atlantic’s warmer waters triggered the unusual number of major hurricanes last year, according to a new study that predicts the region could see a couple of extra whopper storms each year by the end of the century. 

Six major hurricanes — with winds of at least 111 mph — spun around the Atlantic last year, including Harvey, Irma and Maria that hit parts of the United States and the Caribbean. Since 2000, the Atlantic has averaged three major hurricanes a year. Before that the average was closer to two. 

It may go up to five to eight major hurricanes a year around the year 2100, according to a study in this week’s journal Science. 

“We will see more active hurricane seasons like 2017 in the future,” said lead author Hiro Murakami, climate scientist and hurricane expert at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180929/why-we-can-expect-more-whopper-hurricanes-in-coming-years

Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for more info and to subscribe to weather alerts. https://www.noaa.gov/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

“The top priority ... was getting the library above the Minimum Appropriation Requirement”

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

"For the first time in a decade, staff members at the Franklin Public Library won’t have to seek a waiver from the state Library Board of Commissioners to operate under the minimum budget while maintaining certification. 

That’s because the Town Council this week gave the library budget a significant boost, voting to increase the appropriation from $900,301 to $999,000 - bringing it to a level that meets state certification standards, and ensuring the library does not have to apply for the waiver of the Minimum Appropriation Requirement (MAP) with the state. 

“It’s long overdue,” Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said of the action, noting that it “kind of goes hand in hand” with the recently completed renovation and expansion work. 

Library Director Felicia Oti said the extra money comes as good news to the library’s staff, and will mean good things for patrons as well."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180929/franklin-library-budget-gets-boost

“The top priority ... was getting the library above the Minimum Appropriation Requirement”

Lifelong Community Learning: Fascinating Workshops

One-Night & More

Lifelong Community Learning presents Fascinating Workshops  - One Night and More   Coming Soon - Still Time to Register Thursday, Oct. 11  Social Media Marketing with Facebook 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Would you like to better understand the basics of online customer acquisition? This workshop is for you! Cost:  $30 * * * * * *  Sundays, Oct. 14-Nov. 4  Mindfulness - A Four Week Series 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Curious about starting a meditation practice or struggling  to  stick with it? Then this series is for you!   Cost: $100 * * * * *  Thursday, Oct. 18 Fire Safety In and Around the Home for Families 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Know what to do before, during, and after a fire. Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have as little as two minutes to escape? Cost: $15 per family * * * * * Tuesday, Oct. 25 Introduction to Astronomy - Part 1 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Does the Cosmos fascinate you? Well, it's time to hop on board the cosmic express and take a journey from our precious planet earth to our solar system and beyond! Cost: $30 * * * * * Tuesday, Oct. 25 Medicare and You: Knowing Your Options 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Some of the benefits of becoming and staying organized are finding what you want when you need it.  Cost: $15  LCL@franklinps.net    508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Community Learning, 218 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today