In the News: Medway votes to approve bag ban; new exit numbers coming to i495/MassPike

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

"Medway voted to ban carry-out plastic bags at its Fall Town Meeting Tuesday night in an effort to reduce litter and promote environmental sustainability. 

By a show of hands, Article 5 was approved by a little over half of residents present, amending the town’s general bylaws by adding a new article called “Article XXXII Plastic Bag Reduction.” The ban targets plastic check-out bags sold or provided to customers at any town establishment, but the following are still acceptable:

• Thin plastic bags used to protect delivered newspapers
• Laundry or dry-cleaning bags
• Thin film bags, typically without handles, used to contain produce, meat or fish
• Bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended to be used for home food storage, garbage, waste, pet waste or yard waste
• Product bags (bag integrated into packaging of a product)
• Town Pay-As-You-Throw trash bags"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/medway-bans-plastic-check-out-bags

"Exit numbers on Massachusetts highways will be changing over the next two years, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. 

The state currently utilizes a sequential exit numbering method and will change to a mileage-based exit system in order to comply with a federal mandate, which was laid out in 2009. 

Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Delaware are the only three states that do not comply with the federal mandate at this time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191119/mass-pike-and-495-are-among-massachusetts-highways-that-are-getting-new-exit-numbers

"Our mission is to connect, protect and celebrate our local communities”

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

"New Media Investment Group and Gannett finalized their merger Tuesday, putting top executives in position to move ahead with plans they believe will transform the new company’s local and national news brands, including USA TODAY, into a reinvented digital media powerhouse. 

The merger creates the largest U.S. media company by print circulation and one that will vie for the nation’s biggest online news and information audience. 

The new company’s CEOs – Mike Reed, who will lead the overall public entity under the name Gannett Co., and Paul Bascobert, who will lead an operating company called Gannett Media Corp. – told USA TODAY in a joint interview that they have a compelling opportunity to reinvent the business and expand digital revenue. Both said the company will continue to focus on its journalistic mission. 

“Our mission is to connect, protect and celebrate our local communities,” Bascobert said. “Great journalism really is the core of that mission. The question really becomes, what’s the sustainable and exciting business model that powers that mission?”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20191119/ceos-of-new-gannett-pivot-needed-for-digital-transformation-as-merger-completes

Franklin dog park looking for volunteers Saturday morning, Nov 23

Hello dog lovers.

We need volunteers on November 23, Saturday at 9 AM to spreed wood chips. We need extra wheelbarrows, shovels and rakes.

Refreshments will be there for the volunteers.

Thank you,

Furry Friends of The Franklin Dog Park volunteer committee 

Franklin dog park looking for volunteers Saturday morning, Nov 23

 

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

"The Town of Franklin is seeking to fill a vacant Associate Planning Board member position.

The Planning Board, established under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 41, Section 81A, is an elected board comprised of five members, each with a four year term, and one Associate Member. The Associate Member participates in all Planning Board hearings, but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act.

Franklin Planning Board's primary responsibilities are to administer the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 and to issue certain special permits and site plan approval under the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws in order to ensure the public safety, interest and welfare of the residents of the Town.

For more information on the Planning Board please visit their page:   www.franklinma.gov/planning-board.

Please consider giving your time, expertise and perspective on behalf of your community. To apply please visit the Town's website and fill out the online volunteer form at:   http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php."

More about what the Planning Board does can be found in the Annual Report
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/franklin-election-2019-what-does.html

Vacancy - Franklin Planning Board, Associate Member

Franklin Public Schools: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) “Focus of the Month”

"Dear Franklin Families!

Franklin Public Schools (FPS) remains committed to supporting student development in the five Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competency areas: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.

To accomplish this, we are excited to roll out the Franklin Public Schools (FPS) SEL "Focus of the Month". Our goal is to provide teachers and families with strategies that support students' social and emotional learning skills development. 

November and December is Self-Awareness month, and each school is participating in this initiative. We encourage families to participate as well!

Are you ready to begin? If so, take the "Try 2" Challenge, which can be found on our website. You may notice that you already use some of the easy-to-implement strategies at home! If you have a strategy that works for you or general feedback, you can share it by using the Focus of the Month Feedback Form.

The SEL website will continue to develop as we progress through each month. Also, please be on the lookout for SEL news and information in your school newsletter!"

Shared via 
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fps_sel_focus_of_the_month-nov_dec_2019_1.pdf

New SEL web page    https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/sel/home

More about CASEL at  https://casel.org/

Franklin Public Schools: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) “Focus of the Month”

"The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day" - Dec 7

The St. Mary Women's Faith Formation Group invites all women to attend a presentation on "The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day." The presentation will be December 7 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM in the St. Mary's Parish Hall (One Church Square, Franklin). 

The talk will be given by Fr. Vincent Daily, who comes to us from St. John XXIII Seminary, and is an expert on Dorothy Day. Come join us for a unique presentation and learn about a woman who was very influential in the modern church. The talk is certain to be thought provoking and informative.

Download your copy of the flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV1JyRVhmOUVwZHc1QTdOUTRjdl9nXzgzWmFz/view?usp=sharing

"The Lived Theology of Dorothy Day" - Dec 7

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration & Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration and Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

** Kindergarten Registration Class of 2033

• February 11, 2020 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 
• February 12, 2020 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM 

Where: Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room


** Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly

• March 17, 2020 7 – 8:00 PM 

Where: Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium


Download your copy of the flyer:
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/save_the_dates_2020_1.pdf

Save The Dates - Kindergarten Registration & Leaping into Kindergarten Assembly