Bottle and can drive - Sat, Sep 28 - 8 AM to noon

Please help support the Franklin Panthers Boys Ice Hockey team at their bottle and can drive on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM in the Pirelli Veterans Arena parking lot. Just pull up and the players will unload our car for you.

Bottle and can drive - Sat, Sep 28 - 8 AM to noon

For additional updates follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/2457698257847287/

FHS golf team tops Mansfield 156-166

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Wednesday, Sep 25, 2019

Golf = Mansfield, 166 @ Franklin, 156 – Final
– Franklin had three golfers finish under 40 to pick up a big division win over previously unbeaten Mansfield. Brian Sandham earned match medalist honors, shooting a low round of 38 while both Jack Paterson and Quinten Faro finished at 39 for the Panthers. Nolan Norton chipped in with a 40 for Franklin. Mike O’Neil led the Hornets with a 40, Jason See finished with a 41, and Nate Morreale added a 42. 


For other results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-25-19/

FHS golf team tops Mansfield 156-166

School Committee - Community coffee at the Dacey Fields - Sep 28

Members of the School Committee will be present at Dacey Field, Saturday, Sep 28 from 9 AM – 10 AM to answer questions, receive feedback and engage with the community. 

Lots of topics to discuss: school start time, homework, budget, Davis Thayer ....

What interests you?

School Committee - Community coffee at the Dacey Fields - Sep 28

For additional updates follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/494765191103719/
 

Franklin Police Assoc: 5K Foot Pursuit - Oct 26

The Franklin Police Association is once again sponsoring a 5k road race.

"A 5K Run and a free Kids Costume Run (kids 10 and under)
Registration opens at 9:30 AM at Franklin Police Department, 911 Panther Way, Franklin, MA. The 5K starts at 11:00 AM followed by the Kid's Costume Race.

Pre-registration is $20 until Sept 28, $25 thereafter, and $30 on race day. 5K runners 17 and under are $15 until Sept 28th and $20 thereafter and on race day. The Kids Costume Race is free for kids 10 and under

T-Shirts for the first 100 registered online for the 5K.
This is a fundraiser for the Franklin Police Association which in turn uses the funds to host an annual Halloween Party, No-Shave November donation, Christmas event, youth sports sponsorship, scholarships, etc."

Register online
https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Franklin/FranklinPoliceAssociation5KFootPursuit

Franklin Police Assoc: 5K Foot Pursuit - Oct 26

In the News: "We're all in big trouble"; Polar Park plans reveal a 'Worcester Wall'

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

‘We’re all in big trouble’: Climate panel sees a dire future

"Earth is in more hot water than ever before, and so are we, an expert United Nations climate panel warned in a grim new report Wednesday.

Sea levels are rising at an ever-faster rate as ice and snow shrink, and oceans are getting more acidic and losing oxygen, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said in a report issued as world leaders met at the United Nations.

It warned that if steps aren’t taken to reduce emissions and slow global warming, seas will rise 3 feet by the end of the century, with many fewer fish, less snow and ice, stronger and wetter hurricanes and other, nastier weather systems.

“The oceans and the icy parts of the world are in big trouble, and that means we’re all in big trouble, too,” said one of the report’s lead authors, Michael Oppenheimer, professor of geosciences and international affairs at Princeton University. “The changes are accelerating.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20190925/were-all-in-big-trouble-climate-panel-sees-dire-future/1


Plans for Polar Park call for seating atop a ‘Worcester Wall’

"Much-anticipated plans for the Polar Park project and associated private developmen proposed for the Canal District and Kelley Square area have been filed with the Planning Board.

Five applications seeking definitive site plan approval for various aspects of the overall project have been filed by the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, which is overseeing the construction of the ballpark and a municipal parking garage, and Madison WG Holdings, LLC, which is doing the private development.

In some instances, the applications were jointly filed by the WRA and Madison WG Holdings.

All the applications are scheduled to go before the Planning Board on Oct. 9."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190925/plans-for-polar-park-call-for-seating-atop-worcester-wall

Consumer Alerts: Using Match.com? Read this

Using Match.com? Read this by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC Online dating sites are a common way people seek romance. But what if, instead of a potential match, you find a scammer?  Today, the FTC announced a lawsuit against Match.com, challenging several of Match's business practices, including ones that the FTC says exposed customers to romance scammers. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/09/using-matchcom-read?utm_source=govdelivery Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/09/using-matchcom-read?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Public Health Advisory September 24, 2019 - EEE

"As everyone is aware, the summer and early fall of 2019 has been an exceptionally severe year for mosquito-borne illness; specifically, eastern equine encephalitis. Although EEE activity is historically focused in Bristol and Plymouth counties, this dangerous virus has spread throughout the commonwealth into areas not typically impacted. A combination of wet weather and extreme heat has resulted in a high level of virus amplification in the environment. As a result, there have been 10 human cases of EEE with 3 fatalities to date.

In response, the Massachusetts department of public health began aerial spraying in Bristol and Plymouth counties in August and September. Additional aerial spraying was also conducted in Norfolk, Middlesex, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester counties in September. The town of Franklin was sprayed in its entirety on September 11, 2019. The combination of aerial and ground spraying, along with decreasing evening temperatures have reduced mosquito numbers; however, the threat will remain until the first hard frost of the season. A hard frost is defined as a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 consecutive hours, or a temperature of 28 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 consecutive hours.

Although the threat has been diminished somewhat, it is very important for residents to continue to take all steps necessary to avoid mosquito bites until the first hard frost occurs sometime in mid to late October. Please continue to use a repellent containing Deet, wear long sleeves shirts and long pants when outdoors. If possible, avoid being outside during peak mosquito biting times between dusk and dawn.

It is not unusual for areas to experience elevated EEE virus levels in consecutive years. As such, residents should be fully prepared to respond appropriately next summer as well."

David E. McKearney, R.S. 
Public Health Director 
Franklin Health Department


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/public-health-advisory-september-24-2019

There is additional spraying via helicopter scheduled for Sep 25 as announced in the file here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/norfolk_county-_aerial_larvicide_application.pdf

Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic on Franklin Common - Oct 6

Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic on Franklin Common in honor of St Francis of Assisi scheduled for October 6 from 11 AM - 1 PM

Bring your furry friend(s) for a blessing. 
Bring a dish for the potluck. 
Or just show up and meet Ben Franklin, FDP's adorable new Therapy Dog. 
Invite your friends and neighbors! 

Sponsored by St John's Episcopal Church  www.StJohnsFranklinMA.org

Pet Blessing, Outdoor Worship, and Picnic on Franklin Common - Oct 6

FHS golf, boys and girls cross country, girls soccer, and volleyball teams posts wins

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Tuesday, Sep 24, 2019

Golf = Attleboro, 180 @ Franklin, 161 – Final
– Franklin’s Jack Paterson was the lone golfer to shoot under 40 in the match, earning medalist honors with a 38 to help the Panthers earn a win. Quinten Faro and Jack MacKinnon each shot a 40 while Pat Dolan added a round of 43. Jack Handy led Attleboro with a 43 while Brian Houle added a 45.

Girls Cross Country = Mansfield, 37 @ Franklin, 21 – Final
– Mansfield had the first runner cross the line but Franklin had the next four to earn a win at home. Captains Sarah Giuliano and Sidney Hawkins took second and third, respectively for the Panthers while Caitlin Casey was fourth, Charlene Peng crossed fifth, and Lily Duffy was seventh overall. Mansfield’s Tessa Lancaster won the race in 20:38.

Results: 1. Tessa Lancaster, Mans (20:38) 2. Sarah Giuliano, Frank 3. Sidney Hawkins, Frank 4. Caitlin Casey, Frank 5. Charlene Peng, Frank 6. Emma Lamson, Mans (22:26) 7. Lily Duffy, Frank 8. Anne Riley, Mans (23:04) 10. Jess Alestock, Mans (23:26)

Boys Cross Country = Mansfield, 31 @ Franklin, 24 – Final 
– Franklin had the first two runners cross the finish line, and four of the top six, to pick up a win over visiting Mansfield. Senior Tyler Brogan won the race in 16:54 with junior Nicholas Calitri shortly behind for second place (16:59).

Results: 1. Tyler Brogan, Frank (16:54) 2. Nicholas Calitri, Frank (16:59) 5. Camden Harrington, Frank (17:37) 6. Declan Walmsley, Frank (17:56) 10. Clancy Golden, Frank (18:16).

Volleyball = North Attleboro, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final
– North Attleboro picked up a win in the third set to keep the match going but Franklin finished off the win in the fourth set to grab a 3-1 (25-15, 25-11, 20-25, 25-17) victory on the road. Allyson Bonnet-Eymard had a great game for the Panthers, slamming down 18 kills while sophomore Cailyn Mackintosh dished out 32 assists in the win. Grace Munley had seven kills for North while Eliza Dion added eight digs.

Girls Soccer = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– The Panthers made their possession count in the second half with a pair of goals to seal a league win. Erin Quaile opened the scoring midway through the second half and Sydney St. Marie added the second from the spot inside the final 10 minutes. Taunton goalie Grace Pimenta kept the Tigers in the game with numerous saves. Breanna Atwood made four saves to keep a clean sheet.

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 2 @ Taunton, 2 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Holding a two-goal lead in the second half on Tuesday afternoon’s contest on the road at Taunton, the Franklin boys soccer team came close to padding its lead and securing two points.

But the Panthers were unable to find the back of the net again, leaving the door open for the hosts.

The Taunton boys soccer team took full advantage, scoring a pair of goals in the final 20 minutes of play to steal a point in a 2-2 draw.

“This is a great tie for us,” said Taunton coach Taylor Whitters. “We’ve been struggling a little bit with some finishing and hustling, and in the second half they showed what they are capable of, and they are capable of a lot. They were great teammates today and they worked hard, and going forward that’s what we need to keep doing.”

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/taunton-boys-soccer-rallies-draw-franklin/

For a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Fall-2019/Taunton-Franklin-Boys-Soccer-09-24-19

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-24-19/

Taunton senior Alec Nunes takes a shot that found the back of the net for the Tigers’ first goal against Franklin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

MassDOT: Rt 140 Road Construction Status Update

Rt 140 Road Construction Status Update

9/24/19

The Town had received many inquiries as to when the road work will be completed on State Highway Route 140 at the Exit 17 off ramp intersection. The Town has contacted the state to receive this update.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is anticipating completion of paving Rt 140 by the end of this week or early next week, weather dependent.

The pavement will need to cure for 3 days before painting and striping. Once the pavement has been striped, paving of Apron/Entrances will commence.

The state is looking at completing the entire project within roughly two weeks. 



This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/rt-140-road-construction-status-update

Higher Education Committee Embarks on Public Campus Tours

Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) and Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, begin a mission on this week to visit all 29 public colleges and universities in the commonwealth. The tour is set for every Friday starting in North Adams on September 27 and continuing until every campus has been visited.

The Higher Education Committee will be visiting each campus to get a first-hand look at the facilities, meet with faculty and administrators, and hear from students about their experiences. The tours will include meetings with campus leaders, faculty, staff, and students at each of the institutions.

"It's ambitious, but when appointed to chair this committee, one of the very first things I did was to print out a map of the 29 public institutions in the Commonwealth to plan the trip," said Representative Roy. "We want to experience what life is like on these campuses which should provide a better context for the budget and legislative decisions we make. And the tours will provide an up close and personal view of each campus to give us a better perspective on the issues faced by those in each academic community."

Senator Gobi remarked, "I look forward to visiting each campus and having the opportunity to meet with students, faculty, and staff. I am aware that there are several deficiencies within higher education, funding being one, and I expect that these visits will help myself and the committee members to find ways that we can be most helpful and propel us forward."

The tours will also include the members of the Higher Education Committee, as well as the area legislators. The Committee will have an opportunity to see what has been done on each campus, and see what remains to be done to ensure that students have an engaging learning environment which will not only ensure their success, but wi1l contribute to the success of the Commonwealth as well.

The tentative tour schedule through the end of October is as follows: 

• FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (START: TIME 9:30 A.M.):

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts - 375 Church Street, North Adams, MA
Berkshire Community College - 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA

• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 (START TIME: 9:30 A.M.):

University of Massachusetts Amherst - 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Amherst, MA 
Greenfield Community College - One College Drive, Greenfield, MA

• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18 (START TIME: 9:30 A.M.):

Salem State University - 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA
North Shore Community College - One Femcroft Road, Danvers, MA

• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 (START TIME: 9:30 A.M.):

Fitchburg State University - 160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA
Mount Wachusett Community College - 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA


Additional info on the Joint Committee on Higher Education 
https://malegislature.gov/Committees/Detail/J29

Joint Committee on Higher Education

Charlie Baker Nine-Foot Puppet Comes To Franklin

On Thursday, September 26, at 10:00 AM, a group of climate activists and supporters from Franklin and surrounding towns, will gather at 541 West Central St. (Route 140) in front of Dunkin' Donuts with a nine-foot puppet of Governor Charlie Baker. The hour-long event is part of the Charlie's Climate Catastrophe Tour happening around the state organized by 350 Massachusetts, a statewide network of climate activists. The public is invited.

Carolyn Barthel, Coordinator of the 350 Mass Greater Franklin node, said, “Despite the disastrous Merrimack Valley explosions a year ago in which over 80 homes were damaged or destroyed and one person killed by gas line explosions, Charlie Baker continues to push new gas infrastructure in the state, including the dangerous Weymouth compressor station project. We must reduce our carbon emissions by stopping new gas infrastructure projects and transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources like solar and wind.”

The West Central location for the September 26 demonstration was chosen because it is the site of just one of 71 detected gas leaks in Franklin. Consumers pay for these gas leaks, not only monetarily in their gas bills, but in our atmosphere, adding to our growing climate crisis.

350 Mass is also sponsoring Thursday, October 17, 7:00-9:00 PM, with the Massachusetts Climate Action Network and the Franklin Democratic Town Committee a two-hour educational presentation, “Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis” at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin. It features a short video narrated by Morgan Freeman and three speakers to talk about the causes, the effects and what we can do about the climate crisis. The public is invited.

For more detailed information, go to “Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis”
at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457


Franklin alone has 71 detected gas leaks!
 

Franklin 2050:The Climate Crisis

"Gov. Baker declares 4-month ban on vaping products"

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced a four-month ban on the sale of all vaping products in Massachusetts.

Baker made the announcement at a press conference where he said he was declaring a public health emergency in connection with vaping-related lung illnesses. Hundreds of cases of the illness have been reported nationwide and Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel has already ordered all cases to be reported to the Department of Public Health for the next year.

“We as a commonwealth need to pause sales in order for our medical experts to collect more information about what is driving these life-threatening vaping-related illnesses,” Baker said.

The temporary ban will apply to flavored and non-flavored vaping products, Baker said, in retail stores and online. The ban applies to all vaping products and devices, including tobacco and marijuana. It takes effect immediately."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190924/businesses-and-users-react-after-gov-baker-declares-4-month-ban-on-vaping-products

Live reporting: Discussion Only items through to Closing

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Revised FY20 Budget
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/revised-budget

this is a tiny bit of money and not 'found money'

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 
Budget
prepared a 5 year projection for review
budget issues for community sharing

Community Relations
soccer field Sep 28 at 9:00 AM at Dacey Fields
to be where the community is on Saturday

also at the Harvest Festival Oct 5 (noon to 5:00 PM)

Oct 21 - Social Media Panel at FHS 6:30 to 8:30 PM
parents and children and impact it has on our lives
library media center at FHS

newsletter should be out next week

Policy
meeting again, Oct 24 getting to the last B policies

Public Schools Advocacy, MASC
legislative Forum next Feb, date TBD
resolutions for the MASC conference to be reviewed Oct 15

b. School Committee Liaison Reports
Joint PCC
earmarked funds from State budget to support vaping work
Gov Baker issued a 4 month ban on vaping products due to the health risks

Substance Abuse Task Force
vaping diversion developed at high school level being reworked for middle school

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]


6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
expecting to hear from advisors/students on the high school summer trip
2 year NEASC update report in progress
MASC resolutions for review


7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the September 10, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the executive session minutes from the September 10, 2019 School Committee meeting to be released as detailed.
c. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,560.50 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies as detailed.
d. Remington Middle School Trip
I recommend approval of the request to take the RMS Adventure Club to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH for a recurring field trip on October 19, 2019 as detailed.
e. Budget Transfers
I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

motion to approve, seconded. passed 7-0

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence


12. Adjournment

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 7-0

The documents released for this meeting can be found on the School District page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-24-2019-school-committee-packet  Additional documents will be added to this page post meeting (generally during the business day after the meeting)

Live reporting: Discussion/Action items

Return to open meeting from Executive Session  (8:33 PM)

motion to ratify and approve MOA with 
7-0 via roll call  

3. Discussion / Action Items

• a. Elementary School Improvement Plans

I recommend approval of the 19-20 School Improvement Plans for Davis Thayer, Jefferson, Keller, Kennedy, Oak Street and Parmenter Elementary Schools and ECDC as presented and discussed.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0 (move to action while elementary principals were still in the meeting)

• b. Policy – First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting as discussed:

• BEDB – Order of Business 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/current-bedb

• BEDH – Public Participation

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/current-bedh


motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 7-0





The documents released for this meeting can be found on the School District page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-24-2019-school-committee-packet  

Additional documents will be added to this page post meeting (generally during the business day after the meeting)