Franklin Matters

Friday, October 11, 2019

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates for Oct/Nov 2019

Important Dates

October - November 2019

Contact Information Changes-If you need to change an email address or phone number in your student's Aspen contact information, click here to send us those changes

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Friday, October 11th-1/2 Day of School PDD Dismissal at 10:55 AM, no lunch served

Monday, October 14th-No School, Columbus Day

Tuesday, October 15th and Wednesday, October 16th- School Pictures taken by Lifetouch; click here for information

Wednesday Oct 16th and Thursday, October 17th-"Cabaret" performed in the FHS Auditorium @7:00PM

Saturday October 19th-PSAT ADMINISTRATION for Juniors-Class of 2021 @ 7:30 AM to 12 noon

Friday October 25th-Homecoming Football Game 7-9 PM @Pisini Field

Tuesday, October 29th, and Wednesday, October 30th - Parent Conferences; both days are 1/2 days of school, Dismissal at 10:55 AM, no lunch served

Tuesday, November 5th- No School PDD (Election Day - Franklin Election)

Thursday, November 7th-Panther Pride Night for all Franklin 8th graders 5:30PM-7:30 PM in the FHS Gymnasium

Thursday, November 7th Chamber Concert at FHS 7:00 PM in the Auditorium

Monday, November 11th-No School Veteran's Day

No School and Half days of school 2019-2020

Date	Event

10/11/19	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM -PDD
10/14/19	No School-Columbus Day
10/29/19	½ Day of School: Dismissal at 10:55 AM-Parent Conferences
10/30/19	½ Day of School: Dismissal at 10:55 AM-Parent Conferences
11/5/19	No School PDD Day
11/11/19	No School-Veteran's Day
11/27/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
11/28/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
11/29/19	No School-Thanksgiving Break
12/13/19	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM -PDD
12/23/19-through 1/1/2020	Holiday Break, No School
01/17/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM -PDD
01/20/20	No School- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
02/07/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM -PDD
02/17/20 through 2/21/20	Winter Break, No School
03/03/20	No School PDD Day
04/03/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM -PDD
04/10/20	No School- Good Friday
04/20/20 through 04/24/20	Spring Break-No School
05/08/20	½ Day of School; Dismissal at 10:55 AM -PDD
05/25/20	No School- Memorial Day
06/17/20	Last day of School-IF NO SNOW DAYS

Franklin Public Schools: Important Dates for Oct/Nov 2019

Thursday, October 10, 2019

“We will work with DEP to resolve the matter”

From the Boston Globe, an article on Franklin and PFAS.

"For two years, an abandoned pile of artificial turf had decomposed on a bluff here, a few feet above wetlands that are part of the suburb’s drinking water supply. Nearby, ripped bags with the infill of the turf, tiny pellets of shredded tires, littered the embankment.

Public health advocates have long raised alarms about artificial turf pellets, which simulate the give of natural grass but have been shown to contain benzene, cadmium, and other known carcinogens. Now, for the first time, a new series of tests has found that the blades, and their plastic backing, may also contain toxic chemicals.

The test results showed that the turf contained elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals known as PFAS, which have been linked to kidney cancer, low infant birth weights, and a range of diseases. The findings have raised concerns about the safety of millions of square feet of artificial turf installed in recent years on public fields and playgrounds across the country.

“This is huge. It’s the first time that PFAS chemistry used in plastic production has been found in finished consumer products,” said Jeff Gearhart, research director of the Ecology Center, a nonprofit environmental research group based in Michigan that tested the turf. “This finding is maybe the tip of the iceberg. We suspect these PFAS chemicals may be found in other plastic building and consumer products.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/10/09/toxic-chemicals-found-blades-artificial-turf/1mlVxXjzCAqRahwgXtfy6K/story.html

Kyla Bennett (left) and Tracy Stewart of Medway looked over a pile of turf in Franklin.DAVID L RYAN/GLOBE STAFF/GLOBE STAFF

For more info on PFAS from the EPA https://www.epa.gov/pfas

Download your copy of the PFAS Infographic here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11t0xrG8FCBg4-Cc2imMiTdqsPfb_REEx/view?usp=sharing

or directly from the EPA
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-03/documents/pfasv15_2pg_0.pdf

FPAC presents Matilda starring Broadway’s Sam Zeller - Oct 19-27

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical choreographed by original Broadway cast member Clay Thomson and starring Broadway’s Sam Zeller as Trunchbull October 19, 20, and 25-27 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination, and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Sam Zeller appeared in the Broadway and national tour companies of Peter Pan as well as the First National Tour of Kinky Boots (Don). Zeller has countless regional credits including Oklahoma! With Hillside Repertory Company in LA where he starred as Curly with resident FPAC Music Director Hallie Wetzell as Ado Annie.

Having just finished the run of KING KONG on Broadway, Clay Thomson started out as a competitive gymnast at the age of four, which eventually led him into the performing arts. At age twelve, Thomson joined the Cameron Mackintosh/NETworks tour of Oliver!. After completing his freshman year at Pennsylvania State University studying Musical Theatre, Thomson toured the U.S, Canada, and Japan with the Broadway First National Tour of West Side Story as A-rab.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Soon after returning from tour, he made his Broadway debut in Disney's Newsies, playing Spot Conlon. After that, he was cast in the Original Broadway cast of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. Thomson is featured in the viral YouTube video #CupsTapDance as well as his most recent appearance in The Happy Tap Dance #TAPPY.

The production stars Franklin’s Aida Ryan DiChiara in the title role. Aida is a fifth grader at Oak Street Elementary. She recently appeared as Young Anna in THE BLACK BOX Sings...Frozen. Her other FPAC credits include the Children’s Choir of Joseph...Dreamcoat, Humbug!, Seussical, and the holiday panto Alice in a Winter Wonderland. DiChiara studies singing, acting, and dancing at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts.

FPAC’s production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical will run October 19, 20, and 25-27 at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin, MA.

For tickets and more information, visit www.FPAConline.com or call 508-528-3370.

Franklin Federated - Yard Sale - Oct 19

Mark your calendars for the annual rummage sale to be held October 19 from 9 AM until 2 PM.

There will be items for the whole family including clothing, shoes, games, puzzles and toys, household items, furniture, baby things, crafts, and even an entire room dedicated to jewelry and holiday items.

Half price sale begins at 1 PM

Franklin Federated - Yard Sale - Oct 19

"Taste of the Region" - Oct 22

The "Taste of the Region" is back!

Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2018
Time: 6 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Tri-County Reg. Vocational High School.,147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Join us for this amazing celebration of delectable local foods.
Enter our fabulous silent auction and raffles throughout the evening.
Eat, drink, be merry, and be sure to vote for your favorite taste.

Tickets $20 in advance | $25 at door
Reserve Tickets (508) 316-0861

Use this link to purchase tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-the-region-tickets-72421024233

or Search for "Taste of the Region 2019" on Eventbrite

Exploring Small CA Wineries - Oct 24

A Sit down wine tasting/education held in the Franklin Liquors wine room.
We will explore three small CA wineries.

The Wineries
Mountain View
From its inception in 1978, Mountain View has produced wines of superior quality. “Mom & Pop” vineyards are chosen from various regions throughout California that offer strong varietal character. Exceptional weather/climate/soil conditions set the stage for our terroir driven Amador County Zinfandel and Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley.

Ty Caton
20 years ago Ty Caton partnered with his parents to develop a 108 acre property in the renowned Mayacamas Mountain Range. Located adjacent to some world class vineyards and with an array of various soils, elevations, and sun exposures, it is a prime location for grape growing and now has its own prestigious appellation ~ Moon Mountain District. Only 40 acres of this certified sustainably farmed vineyard are planted to grapes. Ty learned to make wine from his friends, neighbors and practice. He strives for excellence and is an exceptional blender.

Fitch Mountain
Fitch Mountain Cellars started with 1 barrel made in a garage by Mike Duffy, a UC Davis Grad, Trefethen intern, and personal friend of wine guru Andre Tchelistcheff in 1984. Still handcrafted, our Merlot comes from a tiny, 4th generation vineyard in Dry Creek. Reminiscent of the breakout style in the ’80’s, this velvety wine has layers of complexity.

About Judy Lebel
In 2010, Judy Lebel realized the best way to fulfill her passion for enjoying fine wine and great food with interesting people was to go out on her own. Best Year Ever Wine Agency specializes in small production, earth friendly, family wineries. She was trained by many of California’s winery founders and later worked for the Robert Mondavi and Beringer/Raymond families.

$5 Seating Fee AND RSVP Required

October 24; 7 - 9 PM
Exploring Small CA Wineries = A Franklin Wine Club Event

Host: Judy Lebel, Best Year Ever Wines

Sign Up https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/265343096/

Exploring Small CA Wineries - Oct 24

Reminder: Candidate Night - tonight - Oct 10 at 6:30 PM

Candidate Night

w/ Franklin Town Election Candidates

Thursday, October 10

6:30 - 7:30 PM

"Every Election is determined by those who show up"

-Larry J. Sabato,

"The Pendulum Swing"

No matter which party you support or how you feel about those currently serving in office, there is one thing none of us can ignore: our vote matters. Elected Town Officials are focused on our town whether its keeping the peace, protecting the citizens, or being catalyst for improvements. They are also the people who can help us when we are dealing with town ordinances because of work or personal reasons. The people elected in the November election will vote on issues that affect you. How do you figure out who has your same intentions in mind?

For us, the best way to understand the candidates is to get out and meet them! Tomorrow night (don't worry we'll have you home in plenty of time for the game) we are welcoming over 15 of the candidates for Franklin residents to get to mingle in an informal gathering at the store. Get to know them and let them get to know you!

We will also be providing a wine tasting and light snacks.

Small print: Gathering is free. Dog-friendly, as always. 21+ for humans. Dogs can be younger.

Thank you for trusting us with your beverage business. Please share this email with friends who are interested in delicious wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.)

Cheers!

Ann Williams

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits

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

14 Grove Street Franklin, MA 02038

Sun 12-5 Mon 12-7 Tues-Thurs 10-8 Fri-Sat 10-9

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits, 14 Grove Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by info@pourrichardswine.com in collaboration with

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Live reporting: Finance Committee - Oct 9, 2019

Present: Nicole Corbosiero, Mike Kasberg, George Conley, Mike Dufour, John Grace, fill in
Absent: to be filled in

1. Call to Order

2. Introduction of New Members Nicole Corbosiero and Mike Kasberg

3. Vote for Officers
motion to keep existing slate of officers as is
seconded, passed 6-0

4. Approval of Minutes
approval of Apr minutes, seconded, passed 6-0

5. Citizen’s Comments
none

6. Capital Appropriation of Roads: Earmarking of Hotel Excise Tax ($900K)
combined with Chap 90 would be about 2 M to work the roads this coming year FY 2020

money for crack sealing, chip sealing, sidewalks and curbing which can't be done with the water/sewer funding for the road rebuild
important to get now is good for bidding purposes

The RT 140/i495 roadwork is being done by the State
Some modifications are being done at the intersection, not all will be resolved with this work. more needs to be done to re-time the intersection

motion to approve fund transfer, seconded, passed 6-0

7. Town Administrator Supplemental Budget Message
Why are we still talking about the FY 20 budget?
the budget is actually not fully closed out until the tax rate hearing (this year on Dec 4, 2019).
The State numbers are not final in May, nor are the assessors growth numbers, local receipt expectations, etc.
hotel motel tax, meals tax, etc. are also better understood by now

8. FY20 Budget Adjustments; Schools, Facilities, Council on Aging, Veterans’ Services, Fire, Assessors, Town Administrator and Legal Services

additional $1.4M from various sources of revenue over the number used to set the initial FY 2020 budget in May/June

(see end of the memo for the summary of the increases)

this is a record year for new growth, the highest amount we seen in 20 years
not just the new buildings, it also includes all the property value increases from various improvements (additions, re-models, etc.)

cant use this as a new trend, the 10 year average will be used
propose to use all of the 'extra' new growth to put aside for the open space fund to all for purchase of open space as it becomes available

$231,500 half of the local aid number increase
approx $102K was already approved for the budget by the Town Council
took the parking fee off the high school and added the 2 aides for kindergarten to start the school year.

Supt Ahern:
2 consultants - one for enrollment projections based upon census and housing data; another around the facility adequacy study for Davis Thayer, also need to include the other buildings to see what capacity exists in the district for new demands of instruction

restoring funds previously cut from the budget in the Spring
site based supplies to be added back ($54K)
professional development ($25K)

hard to restore positions at this time as the year is underway but these would be the best additions at this time

Q - would they go so far as redistricting?
A - no they would not include transportation but the numbers they come with would be the basis for further decisions

Q - what types of supplies?
A - reading books for the classroom libraries, markers, etc. for use in the classrooms, consumable materials for the math program

Q -how many seats would we handle?
A - that is what the study should do for us? We have taken down modulars, we have special programs in place so what spaces could we legitimately handle
currently at 5080 (Oct 1 number)

Jamie
looking to get a marketing person to help with joint work on the Town and Schools stories to tell

we need to re-evaluate what we do where, this is why we are hiring
social media generates 'white noise' so it is hard to make sense of

$110K for facilities
deputy director for facilities and schools
no metric available to help substantiate this need, the demand is there, one person can not do it alone

Mike D'Angelo has been here 2 decades and has built or reworked every building we have, I am afraid it is all in his head, and we need to build some backup for that; need to get out of the ditch before we add new projects to the mix

The library had a panel door was locking on Sunday's properly, it took months working with the manufacturer's, the owner got involved before it got resolved

Q - for $110K, what is the quality of the candidate we can get?
A - fair question, Mike is probably underpaid per market, have not done a full market analysis, will be doing this sometime this year, we do expect that it will be someone will be good quality; all their licenses, ready to hit the ground running

on the Senior Center
$11,500
an unanticipated retirement
evaluated position and requirements, to get this nurse

adding a dollar to the tax work off projects

Q -what is the Senior Tax workoff?
A - typically about 100 hours, to do some clerical or other work to offset their property tax, we get way more applications than we have positions for; the Senior Center runs the program working with the departments to determine needs, etc. and then match the applications; only available to Franklin residents

propose $13K for Veterans Services
veterans assistant grant expires, this is to the cover the difference in the amount available from other funding

Dale brings in a large amount of Federal and State money that comes in for the veterans

$20,300 for Fire Dept
an unknown affiliation agreement for M&M rounds
with Milford Reg Hospital

an unforeseen promotion of an EMS lieutenant to handle the medical and ambulance accounting

this would cover classes taught by medical staff at Milford Reg 2 at the hospital, 2 elsewhere; approx 53 fire personnel required to be covered

could estimate 12-18% being left on the table from the ambulance company, we'll see what it works out to be (approx 1.2M)

$60K to hire another assessor for property appraisals
collective bargaining underway, could exceed prior years

Open Space fund $1.2M currently, would add the $900K to this
would give us some ability to evaluate a purchase of some open space
without Community Preservation Act revenue available

9. Land Acquisition Trust Fund Appropriation and Transfer
motion to approve the budget adjustments as describer, seconded, passed 6-0
motion to approve the Open Space appropriation as discussed, seconded, passed 6-0

capital program ramping up soon, due from Dept heads likely by end of month and for the FinCom at end of November

ops budgets due end of November, review FY 21 during December
we won't have a lot of numbers and assumptions until early in the new year
particularly with health care

10. Adjournment
motion to adjourn

Balances as of June 30, 2019

General Stabilization $ 6,072,943
Recreation Fields Stabilization 302,065
Traffic Stabilization 4,643
Property Acquisition Stabilization 267,228
Budget Stabilization 2,705
Fire Truck Stabilization 207,612
Open Space Acquisition Stabilization 1,107,863
OPEB Trust 5,706,986

The agenda was shared from the Town of Franklin https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_10-9-19_amended_v2.pdf

Finance Committee - October 9, 2019 - Agenda

Town of Franklin

Finance Committee Agenda (Amended)

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 @ 6:00 PM

Municipal Building - Council Chambers

355 East Central Street – 2nd Floor

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

Meetings are recorded and broadcast on Franklin TV and may be recorded by others.

1. Call to Order
2. Introduction of New Members Nicole Corbosiero and Mike Kasberg
3. Vote for Officers
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Citizen’s Comments
6. Capital Appropriation of Roads: Earmarking of Hotel Excise Tax ($900K)
7. Town Administrator Supplemental Budget Message
8. FY20 Budget Adjustments; Schools, Facilities, Council on Aging, Veterans’ Services, Fire, Assessors, Town Administrator and Legal Services
9. Land Acquisition Trust Fund Appropriation and Transfer
10. Adjournment

Balances as of June 30, 2019

General Stabilization $ 6,072,943
Recreation Fields Stabilization 302,065
Traffic Stabilization 4,643
Property Acquisition Stabilization 267,228
Budget Stabilization 2,705
Fire Truck Stabilization 207,612
Open Space Acquisition Stabilization 1,107,863
OPEB Trust 5,706,986

The agenda was shared from the Town of Franklin https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_10-9-19_amended_v2.pdf

Supporting documents released for this agenda (the before 'amended' document):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13BAc_EoO2p_A9lxwIox9fIq_UoHR7yBs/view?usp=sharing

DelCarte Open Space

Dean College presents "Radium Girls" - Oct 17-20

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform Radium Girls, beginning Thursday, October 17 through Sunday, October 20, 2019.

In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court.

Written with warmth and humor, and envisioned by guest director Aaron Andrade, Radium Girls is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece. Called a "powerful" and "engrossing" drama by critics, it offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science.

Radium Girls is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.

The Dean College production of Radium Girls will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 109 West Central Street, Franklin at 7:30 PM Thursday – Saturday and 2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

For more info about the School of Arts at Dean College
https://www.dean.edu/academics/schools/school-of-the-arts/

For tickets to the performance https://www.dean.edu/box-office/

Dean College presents "Radium Girls" - Oct 17-20

Author to visit the three Franklin Middle Schools in November

#VisitingAuthor has been announced! We are thrilled to welcome @LeslieConnor29 to ALL THREE Franklin middle schools in November! @HMMSLightning look for info flyer coming home with your student today @FranklinEdOrg @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/ZLiedLpZdo
— Crazy Reading Ladies (@allinreading) October 8, 2019

Download your copy of the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AiJPm1t1wZyOB-U07wxc3RZnsLR03Bfg/view?usp=sharing

Author to visit ALL THREE Franklin middle schools in November

Franklin Downtown Partnership: The Best Harvest Festival Yet!

Harvest Festival Wrap Up

The Franklin Downtown Partnership's 17th annual Harvest Festival was the best one yet! Perfect autumn weather, fun activities, entertainment, a beer garden and much more drew the largest crowd the Harvest Festival has ever seen! Thank you to everyone who participated!

We cannot adequately express our appreciation to the members of the Harvest Festival committee who put in countless hours preparing for this huge event. In particular, Chairman Scott Martin went above and beyond to ensure the event ran smoothly!

Thank You Harvest Festival Committee Members:

Scott Martin, chair

Pandora Carlucci

Kevin Johnson

Chris Peterson

Lisa Piana

Beth Simon

Greg Stafford

Bryan Taberner

Roberta Trahan