DJ Mike to Entertain at St. John’s Summer Block Party - Aug 25

Music and Fun Maker DJ Mike will be spinning the music at St. John’s Summer Block Party set for Sunday, August 25 from 12:30-3:30. His music plays from 1:00-3:00.

The very popular DJ Mike will entertain and have your kids dancing and moving with his music and amusing challenges. DJ Mike always plays a good mix of current songs that kids and teens love.

Plus, visitors can enjoy fun games such as corn hole and spike ball in the front lawn. Snacks and drinks will be provided for adults and children. The block party is free and open to the community.

Bring your friends and neighbors. It’s the perfect way to end the summer and celebrate as the kids get ready to go back to school. See you at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant St., Franklin.

For more info or directions: Call 508-528-2387
Visit on Facebook at St John’s Episcopal Church
See the website at www.stjohnsfranklinma.org
.

DJ Mike to Entertain at  St. John’s Summer Block Party - Aug 25

The Newcomers are back! - Wednesday, September 11

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, September 11th at 7:30 PM.

The Newcomers are back!

No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP. Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community. We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). 

We run our meetings September through May. We meet at "3" Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club.

Affordable housing - What can Franklin do?

Yes, Franklin is sitting above the 40B line at 11.89% per Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. The percent has been known to vary. With additional residential building underway, the number can and will change. 

At the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday (coincidentally), a proposal for 100+ apartments was discussed for the former Keigan auto dealership with no affordable housing as part of the proposal.

Affordable housing should be part of the "What will Franklin look like in 2028?" discussion. Will today's children growing up here, be able to come back after college (assuming they choose that one of many routes), and afford to live here?

Franklin is not alone in this situation, a report in the Milford Daily News today shows the median home price across MA is now approaching $440,000.

"Massachusetts home sale agreements shot up 9% in July, compared to a year ago, and the median price of a single-family home put under agreement last month rose to almost $440,000."

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190814/median-mass-home-price-is-nearly-440k

 Maybe Franklin can begin like Salem has.

"The city of Salem has released a four-part video series to help residents better understand the housing shortage and the importance of creating affordable housing policies for the culturally and economically diverse city.

“Homes for Salem,” produced by the city with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, is a part of a larger community conversation about housing challenges and possible solutions, said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll.

“It’s making people stop and think about what is happening in the community, especially those who may not be directly impacted,” Driscoll said. “It puts a face on the housing challenge by having those affected tell their story.”

https://www.mma.org/salem-video-series-raises-housing-challenges/

Part 1 - https://youtu.be/5ikt11DXzCw
Part 2 - https://youtu.be/BH7cHgUogv8
Part 3 - https://youtu.be/KEBgh6BUleM
Part 4 -  https://youtu.be/0417u4hhqLY

FSPA Celebrates 35th Anniversary

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will celebrate its 35th Anniversary Season beginning in September. Since 1985, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA provides a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage – and for life. 

Children develop a sense of independence and accomplishment at an early age, while gaining confidence, poise, and self-esteem. The performing arts impart life skills, expanding students’ ability to communicate effectively, whether in the secondary school classroom or other public speaking opportunities. The arts also enhance creativity and imagination, developing improvisatory skills to navigate a rapidly changing world.

With a distinguished faculty of Boston-area artists, expansive roster of classes and extensive calendar of wide-ranging performance opportunities, FSPA serves students of all ages and levels of ability, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.

FSPA’s Music Department offers private voice lessons and instruction on all instruments, along with group voice classes, music theory and chamber music, jazz, and percussion ensembles. Performing opportunities for singers include the FSPA Glee Club, studio voice recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, and musical theater showcases. FSPA’s innovative Little Music School program teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano and offers creative and engaging general music classes for children ages 1-5.

The Dance Department provides programs for all ages and levels in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, commercial dance, dance for musical theater, and contemporary, and also features classes for boys, adults and beginner teens. Performance opportunities include Spring Concert, Ballet Conservatory performances, Next Step and CenterStage ensembles, and FSPA Dance Company. Many dancers are also cast, by audition, in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual holiday production of The Nutcracker, featuring professional orchestra and special guest artists.

For drama students, beginning in kindergarten, FSPA offers an extensive range of acting and musical theater classes that build performance skills and explore theater games, improvisation, character development, and scene work. Musical theater troupes for students in grades 5-12 are cast each year, with annual performance trips to Walt Disney World for select ensembles. FSPA students also perform, through audition, in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows alongside FSPA alumni, professional performers, and Broadway guests.

FSPA Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts have gone on to Broadway, national tours, extensive regional theater, professional opera, TV and feature film, professional dance companies, and more.

For more information, visit www.FSPAonline.com or call 508-528-8668. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram (@fspaonline), Twitter (@fspaonline), and YouTube.

Quick Summary: Economic Development Meeting - Aug 14, 2019

I chose to use Twitter to capture the highlights of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Assuming the audio recording works out, I'll share that later. In the meantime, the two main topics were discussed in the approx hour and 20 minute session.

I managed to grab a photo of both the draft site plan drawing and a rendition of a proposed building for the former Keigan location. Understand that both are 'draft' and may change during the life of the proposal.  

Economic development committee meeting starting #edc0814 pic.twitter.com/5NhgDeFExb

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 14, 2019

Full EDC membership for meeting with 20 plus others in attendance this evening to discuss plastic bag ban proposal. Idea of a subcommittee to look at overall solid waste issue in lieu of this proposal brought forward #edc0814

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 14, 2019

Draft proposal for former Keigan lot is a mixed use development with restaurants and apartments. Issue is with the 100+ units and it not including affordable housing puts us on the path of jeopardizing the 40B percentage we achieved #EDC0814

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 14, 2019

from the back of the Training Room, almost a full house with 20+ folks

camera snapshot of the draft plans for the former Keigan location

camera snapshot of the photo rendition shared at the meeting, the rendition may change as the proposal works its way through the process

MassBudget: Statement on Federal Public Charge Ruling

From Marie-Frances Rivera, MassBudget President

August 13, 2019 Statement on Federal Public Charge Ruling  Statement by Marie-Frances Rivera, President of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget), in response to the Department of Homeland Security's release of the finalized rule on public charge:  "President Trump's Department of Homeland Security yesterday released a rule that makes deeply troubling changes in our nation's immigration policies. The rule will make it very difficult for people who are not wealthy to receive a visa to immigrate to the U.S., become permanent residents (get a "green card"), or gain citizenship.  https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2019-17142.pdf This rule makes family income and the current and possible future use of benefits such as MassHealth (Medicaid), food stamps, or certain forms of subsidized housing grounds for being denied legal access to enter or stay in the U.S. This will push people into an impossible choice: forgoing critical supports for their families or risking the chance to remain in the U.S.  This ruling puts the health and wellbeing of our communities in jeopardy. Many immigrants who are legally in the United States may fear accessing medical care and other basic supports that they need and are eligible for under federal law.  People not directly subject to the rule may also fear that they should drop or avoid receiving those benefits. Our research indicates that such a rule change could cause as many as a half a million Massachusetts residents - including 160,000 children - to withdraw from needed benefits for fear of having an impact on a family member's immigration status. Public benefits are tightly woven into the fabric and economy of our state. If we want our communities to thrive, everyone must be able to live without fear and get the care and support they need to remain healthy and productive. To deem a person unworthy to stay in this country due to their economic status puts a price tag on who is allowed to participate and thrive in our society - it obstructs racial and economic equity in our Commonwealth. MassBudget is proud to stand with our recently emigrated neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family members who enrich our communities in countless ways. This rule, along with other harsh executive orders and actions by the Trump Administration, is part of a continued effort to provide opportunity for some, but not for all. It should be reversed as swiftly as possible." Interested in learning more about public charge? Read our report on the "chilling effect" of this rule and its impact on Massachusetts here  http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=A-Chilly-Reception-Proposed-Immigration-Rule.html The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by rwilliams@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Exploring Villa Matilde Wines - Aug 22

Exploring Villa Matilde Wines

August 22 , 7 - 9 PM

Host: Ciro Pirone

A Franklin Wine Club sit down wine tasting event held in the Franklin Liquors Wine Room.

$5 per person RSVP required

The name itself Campania felix, coined by the Romans implied the importance that this fertile land has had throughout history. Since the times of Julius Caesar the highly esteemed wines of Campania were consumed and exported to faraway lands, the Romans had already created a mapping of the most important sites for wine production and above all was the Falernum. 

After centuries of fame and success, Falernum disappears from existence due to phylloxera and it isn't till the early 1960's and the incredible dedication of the Avallone family to recover such an important piece of history, and finally Falernum (aka Falerno del Massico) relieves.

Today the Villa Matilde properties extend beyond the area of Massico, also representing the territories of Benevento where Falanghina and Aglianico thrive as well as the major appellations of Irpinia, such as Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino and Taurasi.

Come explore 7 wines with us!

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/263371469/

Exploring Villa Matilde Wines - Aug 22

Franklin Election 2019: What does a Constable do?

It was interesting to do the research on what a constable does. I know of them. There is no reference in the 2018 Annual Report. The initial search on the Town of Franklin web page turned up some weird results, but a second search did better.

From the Town of Franklin Constable page
https://www.franklinma.gov/constables

"Constables help assist various law enforcement agencies serve notices. Constables are all bonded and may serve, within the Cities or Towns in which they are appointed or elected, the following:

• All Summons and Complaints with maximum Ad Damnum allowed by law
• Writs and Trustee Process
• Real Estate Attachments
• Land Court Process
• Executions
• Supplementary Process in any Amount
• Small Claims Notices and Notices To Show Cause
• All Process under G.L. Chapter 239
• Summary Process, Ejectments, etc.
• Notices of all kinds and Demands
• Capias
• Probate Court Process, Domestic Relations
• Subpoenas, Criminal, Civil, and Federal,and other certain Writs and Papers from the District Courts, the Superior, Supreme Judicial, and the United States District Courts

Constables may be appointed to serve all process under Rule 4-c of the Federal and Mass. Rules of Civil Procedure and the appropriate motion for use in obtaining this appointment may be found at http://www.constables-mbca.org/special-process-server-appt.php"

There are three positions of Constable and all three are up for election in November

Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html 

Franklin Election 2019: What does a Constable do?

FHS Baseball Boosters - 2nd Annual Golf Tourney - Fund Raiser - Sep 15, 2019

Franklin HS Baseball Boosters are hosting it's 2nd Annual Golf Tourney-Fund Raiser on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at the New England County Club (NECC) in Bellingham.

All Information is on their site at www.franklinpanthersbaseball.com where you can register on-line as an individual or foursome.

All proceeds go back to the FHS Baseball Program. Your Panthers have had back to back Super 8 Appearances with one State Championship and one Hockomock League Title. Please visit the site for more information. 

Looking for all Alumni and Franklin Residents to come out and join in on the fun!

FHS Baseball Boosters - 2nd Annual Golf Tourney - Fund Raiser - Sep 15, 2019

 

Your Panthers have had back to back Super 8 Appearances

Harvest Festival FUNdraiser - August 25

From Pour Richard's email newsletter:

"In the depths of winter, when I'm fantasizing about summer, those fantasies break down into 2 broad categories: the beach and late-summer vegetables. The beach because that's where I wish I was, the vegetables because I wish that's what I was eating. August is when gardens and farm stands explode with deliciousness faster than you can consume it.

If you've never had cause to appreciate your 5 senses, August at a farmer's market will change all that, with sights, sounds, and-especially-smells certain to have you drooling in anticipation. Zucchini, fresh herbs, garlic, eggplant. Beans. Radishes. And best of all: sweet corn and tomatoes.

Very little can compete with a freshly picked and cooked ear of corn on the cob. Or a tomato straight from the garden, still warm from the afternoon sun. But if you're getting bored with the minimalist vibe, grill your corn and top it with cotijo cheese and hot sauce for a take on Mexican street food.

Bake the tomatoes into a tart, or stir them into olive oil, garlic, and salt for a quick pasta sauce. Make a frittata. Bruschetta. Or toss the corn and tomatoes with olive oil, basil, and a touch of hot pepper for a salad that's basically August in a bowl.

Of course, we have some definite opinions on what you should drink with all that, starting with some ripe, rich Cali Chardonnays. The Neyers Carneros is a classic, but don't overlook Fulcrum's Durell Vineyard or Byron Kosuge's Sonoma Coast Chard. Seeing red instead?

Pick up the black cherry-laden Villain & Vixen Grenache or our new favorite Avalon Cabernet. Or split the difference and go pink: Bedrock's Ode to Lulu gives you the gutsy quality of a big red with the slithery coolness of a white, all in one bottle.

And if you really like your tomatoes and corn (and zucchini and herbs and local beer, cheese, meat, bourbon, etc), then mark your calendars for our Harvest Festival FUNdraiser for the Norfolk County Farm Bureau.

Your $10 ticket is a 100% donation to the Farm Bureau and includes samples of delicious farm to table food, farm to glass cocktails, organic wines, and local beers. Sunday, August 25 from 1-4 PM. Don't miss it!"

Where: 

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits 

(508) 520-9163 | www.pourrichardswine.com

14 Grove Street  Franklin, MA 02038

some produce from my own garden

"serious outcomes ... can result from texting and driving"

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

"Following the second texting-and-driving crash in town in less than a month, police turned to social media to illustrate the dangers of distracted driving. On Facebook Monday, they posted a dramatic video of a vehicle slamming into a utility pole.

The video (below), of a July 23 crash on Central Street (Route 62), is from the dashboard camera of a vehicle traveling behind the car that crashed. The video shows a car swerving off the road, striking the pole and overturning. As the shattered pole toppled into the road, the vehicle with the video swerved to avoid the downed wires.

The driver who hit the pole was issued a citation for texting while driving, according to Berlin police."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190813/berlin-texting-and-driving-wreck-caught-on-video




Berlin Police on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/Berlinmapolice/

Original Berlin Police video link:
https://www.facebook.com/Berlinmapolice/videos/2335234413398484/?__xts__[0]=68.ARDaS8yKet31mSQCcqemrNZGh_820HV245sHVH0znM6qT9qC7rjVk426AKwLbMGOT5ZNPWE4tJURld19DfKnu2lHwnhTbhZGWSKSUiAYgMrQh74Wx7b1wCDWcoie69jEXuARR0i0RTlmTss27SAAcSBrLJoo7za8jxo72GVEGFBJLJk89Uo20tp0xUdAss8K1o3E2UC_wRWXeqiRQHv_GfKCDOXI3kYVCuhabL9RHv9UKKVr8LVcu9m3dD3Kj2KOg16R9efu3ZNM8RDmUlGw9s0D8c3M6XDMH9JDC-vjoSNuSg1fYnfwSGgzcJ-v5fmLEjrF4wx9hNKZiCEfxZ5qqQ9ykk-xBLR3xyw&__tn__=-R

"it’s something they should be aware of”

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

"When determining if a beach is safe for swimming, local health departments and state officials measure levels of the bacteria enterococcus, which typically makes its way into marine water through fecal matter. High levels of enterococci in ocean water are a red flag that the water may also contain other disease-inducing microbes, which is why it is referred to as an “indicator” bacteria.

This is why beaches are often closed after heavy rainstorms — rain that isn’t absorbed into the soil or diverted can pick up fecal matter from pets and wild animals and flow it into the ocean.

“Stormwater is a major culprit for beach closures related to fecal bacteria,” said Bethany Traverse, coordinator of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment’s beach water testing program. “In any populated area, you have roadways and other infrastructure that affect the flow of contaminated water into the surrounding water bodies. When it rains, a lot of water is diverted into storm drains and away from bathing areas. But it’s not perfect; bird and animal waste will make its way into the water and storm water helps it get there in a rapid ‘flush.’”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190813/just-how-much-waste-is-in-that-water-youre-swimming-in/1

The full Environment America report
https://environmentamerica.org/feature/ame/safe-swimming

More than half of the thousands of beach sites sampled for bacteria across the country were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day in 2018

Live reporting: to Executive Session not to return to open meeting

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen
9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas
10. Correspondence
11. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel.

motion to go to executive session, second, passed via roll call 6-0

12. Adjournment


Meeting agenda
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-8-13-19

Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-13-2019-school-committee-packet

Live reporting: Information matters - Consent agenda

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Summer Professional Development and Curriculum Update
(presentation copy to be added later, assuming it is posted to SchComm website) 

summer work funded at about 40K 
** ECDC report card development, more formal and comprehensive than prior
** elementary - integration of units, assessment timelines; Science unit plans to align with recent standard, STEMScopes
math profiles of progress, K-5 website, work on word problems
music curriculum coordination

** middle schools
illustrative math adjustments and planning

** high school
FAA projects reinvention of arts integration, alignment to new standards
capstone project to span junior/senior years
math department working on grading reform, calibrating grading
humanities course, two period, double block (English-Social Studies), funding a seed project
additional AP course development

other projects with Spanish, work by nurses, and special education

focus on cultural proficiency

approx 100 teachers overall worked on the various projects

only one person does curriculum development for the district




5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 
Budget - met last week to review the adjustment, going to Town Council Weds

Community Relations - Sch Comm at Farmers Mkt - Aug 23, 3-6 PM

Policy - meeting next week, Aug 20

b. School Committee Liaison Reports 

Joint PCC meeting when schools open in Sep
Substance Abuse Task Force
School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; 
MASC

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
DIP coming next time
new hire and new administrators, maybe some policy as well

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the July 23, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. End of Year Transfers
I recommend approval of the end-of-year budget transfers as detailed.
c. Surplus Technology Equipment
I recommend declaring the detailed list of technology equipment as surplus.
d. Athletics Donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from the Franklin Newcomers and Friends for participation fees for students who otherwise could not afford for sports, clubs, events, etc.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

Live reporting: School Committee - Aug 13, 2019

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



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
none - school vacation
 
d. Superintendent’s Report
Weds/Thu leadership retreats principals first then entire admin team
working on bias response
workshop last Sunday, building upon that momnetum 
review draft of district improvement plan

lots happening in the school buildings
very busy around the schools
lots of celebrations and orientations happening to help with the Sept
High School Experience last week for incoming 9th graders almost 300 of the incoming class participated


final hiring still in process, admins looking to close out positions
new teacher orientation next week
new hires and background in packet for mext meeting



2. Guests / Presentations
a. None

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. School Handbooks


one of the summer activities during this time was revision to the handbooks for each school
tonight's revision includes feedback from the school committee provided last week
5 policies added this year (field trip, homework, military and foster children, physical constraint policy)

attendance notification procedure
allowing principles to reach out to parents with children frequently absent

added helmet lawns and other items to the bike riding section

added language for vaping to tobacco use

elementary schools did not have language for food in classroom, updated this time

added line about school nurse requirements for field trips

section 2
clarified departure expectations for Davis Tahyer

added 5 minutes to the school day, on time arrivals for clarity

Oak St new mission and vision
Parmenter mission, vision revamped

*** middle school section
attendance and check for in Google classroom
student illness pattern noticed, cell contact and parent dismissal without seeing nurse
helmet language not in middle school section

Remington book doesn't have a Q&A section

*** high school section
added language for excessive absences, esp with hospital stay

new bell schedule for high school, reflecting added time, and some adjustments

bullying section less detailed than other grade levels, actually due to formatting it is the same for all

school council not mentioned in HS section

vaping understated? was added to sections, first offense is suspesion

I recommend approval of the Franklin Public Schools Student/Family Handbooks as discussed.

Motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

 
b. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

i. BEC – Executive Sessions

ii. BEDG – Minutes

iii. JKAA – Physical Restraint of Students

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0


c. Budget Discussion and Revised Budget
I recommend that the School Committee adopt a revised FY 20 budget of $64,702,500.
approx $500K 'extra' normally allocated later in the year - requested early for this time to use before the school year starts

eliminate the high school parking fee, administrative concern cost of implementation wanted to be avoided
added back 2 kindergarten ESP (originally 6, approved 4)

motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0