"What are you Puffing?" Vaping and Our Youth - Jan 6, 2020

FPS Parent Education Series

Please join us for a workshop on electronic vapor product (EVP) use. 

This event is open to all interested parents, community members and Middle/High School students. Younger students are welcome at parents' discretion. 

We will be providing the latest information on this issue, including resource sharing. This event is facilitated by the Massachusetts Partnership for Youth. 

Monday, Jan 6, 2020
Franklin High School Auditorium at 6:00 PM

"What are you Puffing?" Vaping and Our Youth - Jan 6, 2020

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/what-are-you-puffing-vaping-and-our-youth

Ben Franklin Autobiography Readathon 2020 - Jan 16

Ben Franklin Autobiography 

Readathon 2020!

Thursday, January 16, 2020 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In honor of the 314th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the namesake of our town and founder of our library, the Franklin Public Library will be holding its third annual "readathon" – a marathon reading of the full text of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. 

The book is considered a classic of American literature. According to the Library of Congress, "It was not only the first autobiography to achieve widespread popularity, but after two hundred years remains one of the most enduringly popular examples of the genre ever written."

Like other readathons, this one invites the public to participate! Readers are encouraged to sign up in advance for 15-minute segments. Commencing when the library opens at 9 AM on January 16 [the day before Ben's actual birthday], readers will share the words of Ben Franklin with anyone interested in dropping by for all or part of the event. 

It is expected that the reading will be completed between 6 PM and 8PM, when the library closes. Water and other refreshments will be available for readers and audience. 

To register, visit https://forms.gle/tpwzALpEb4XhzD279 .

Ben Franklin Autobiography Readathon 2020 - Jan 16

FHS girls and boys basketball, gymnastics all post victories on Friday

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Friday.

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 67 @ Mansfield, 39 – Final
– Franklin controlled the paint to earn the big road win. Ali Brigham scored 20 points to lead the way and fellow forwards Olivia Quinn (16 points) and Meghan O’Connell (11 points) also had big nights. The Panthers jumped out to a 22-3 lead after one quarter and also held the Hornets to just four points in the third, as they built a 34-point advantage heading into the fourth. Mansfield was paced by Kayla Vine’s 17 points and freshman Abby Wager’s 11. Mansfield coach Mike Redding said, “Their post players were just too much for us. They dominated the paint and got a bunch of second chance points.”

Girls Gymnastics = King Philip, 127.70 @ Franklin, 136.50 – Final

Boys Basketball = Mansfield, 45 @ Franklin, 63 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Franklin’s offense was red-hot to start the game, its defense was on point from start to finish, and the Panthers rolled to a big win over rival Mansfield.

The Panthers sank their first five three-point attempts, forced the visiting Hornets into 18 turnovers and limited Mansfield to under 30% shooting from the field to pick up a 63-45 win, snapping a four-game skid to their rivals.

“[Mansfield] is arguably one of the best teams in the state every year so we know it’s going to be a ridiculous challenge every time we play them,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “We were excited for it, we wanted to play a really good team. Being home obviously helps. Mansfield presents a huge challenge and I thought we were up for it tonight.

“We know each other so well so familiarity is pretty big, I thought our scout was pretty solid and I thought our guys did a job of really executing, especially on the defensive end of the floor. I thought we limited their best guys to some really tough shots and that’s what we wanted to do. We knew what their strengths were and we wanted to do our best to take those guys away. It’s not something you can usually do with [Sam] Stevens and [Matt] Boen especially, and [TJ] Guy is such a presence in there. And down the line, their guys know how to play off of them. I thought our guys did a good job tonight against their offense.”"

Continue reading the game recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-dominant-win-rival-mansfield/

For a photo gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Mansfield-Boys-Basketball-01-03-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-03-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

FHS has a very strong showing tonight! We defeated KP 136.5 to 127.7. Highlights to follow. I can’t tell you how proud I am we were down many girls with illness and our other coach. @Beemc78 they did you proud!! 💙🤸🏼‍♂️ @FHSSports @FranklinMatters @HockomockSports @FranklinHS

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 4, 2020

What an amazing win! Season high. 136.5! Record high for @katerudolph17_ 36.0! Write up was long but so many deserving athletes!! 💙🤸🏼‍♂️ @FHSSports @FranklinMatters @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS pic.twitter.com/ZnMdpfun2m

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 4, 2020

FHS Chris Edgehill at the free thrown line

Franklin Rod & Gun Club: all-you-can-eat breakfast - Jan 12

The Franklin Rod & Gun Club slated its all-you-can-eat breakfast events through April.

Breakfasts will be held from 8 to 11 AM Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 8, and April 5 at the Franklin Rod & Gun Club, 53 Florence St. 

The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, home fries, baked beans, coffee, tea, orange juice and hot cocoa.

The cost is $6 per person and free for children ages 4 and younger.

For information, visit https://franklinrodandgun.org or call 508-528-2573.

Franklin Rod & Gun Club: all-you-can-eat breakfast - Jan 12

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': new PFAS regulations from MA DEP

As we enter 2020, there are several issue that I will be keeping an eye out for. In no particular priority order, this first one carries over from 2019. The proposed MA DEP regulations are open for review. Public hearings are scheduled throughout the State during January to review the proposed regulations. You can find the schedule at the end of the MMA article linked to and quoted below. Alternatively:

"Public comments on the draft regulations will be accepted by email to program.director-dwp@mass.gov through Feb. 28"

From the Mass Municipal Association (MMA):

"On Dec. 13, the Baker-Polito administration and the Department of Environmental Protection announced their intent to file two regulations related to PFAS, a class of manmade chemical compounds considered hazardous to public and environmental health. 

While many chemicals have been identified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, the MassDEP regulations pertain to six targeted PFAS compounds. 

The first regulation, filed by MassDEP, mandates cleanup by parties found responsible for groundwater contamination of 20 parts per trillion (ppt) or more of the sum of the six PFAS compounds. The cleanup rule also establishes PFAS limits specifically for soil contamination. Massachusetts is one of only a few states that have established formal PFAS cleanup standards. 

The second regulation is a draft rule that would establish a maximum contaminant level for drinking water at the same 20 ppt of the sum of the six PFAS compounds. In a press release, the MassDEP notes that the proposed maximum contaminant level for drinking water “covers a larger subgroup of compounds than any other state and provides a greater deal of protection, particularly for sensitive subgroups.”

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/state-files-regulations-regarding-pfas-contamination/

Why?

As an update to the previously shared listing on the "turf issue":

What we know:

• The prior conversations around the field replacements (completed in 2017) were centered around the crumb rubber infill. The Town spent more for an acrylic coated infill (which apparently was installed), the issue now is NOT with the infill but the with chemicals used to treat the carpet itself.
• A third party filed a complaint with DEP about the old turf stored at the Beaver St fields
• Article in TheIntercept about PFAS found in the turf itself  https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
• Article in the Boston Globe alleging potential issues with the water supply and shared via Franklin Matters  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/we-will-work-with-dep-to-resolve-matter.html
• The Franklin community on Facebook reacted in the online conversation around the article and issue
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 10/16/19 https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VSvuZvTifTbeHO4bWFtIy2YxVdjRF4O
• Updated 12/5/19 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 12/4/19 referring to the DEP letter https://drive.google.com/file/d/15WMp_zZiMXs_7MfpUQJd5hgtaVbrlkY_/view?usp=sharing
• Updated 12/13/19 - While PFAS in the water supply was tested by Town of Franklin once in 2018, is PFAS still being tested by ToF now? No, nor are they required to do so (although as the final testing standards issued 12/27/19 are evaluated, this may change).
• Updated 12/13/19 - What will the State do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)? The State just issued new testing standards to be finalized by 12/27/19  https://www.mass.gov/lists/preview-of-the-final-pfas-related-revisions-to-the-mcp-2019

What we don’t know:

• What happened to the Conservation Commission mitigation measures from when the field was first installed (in 2004?)?
• Where was the old carpet and bags of unused infill taken?
• What will the Federal agencies do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)?

Related Links

TA Statement 12/4/19 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-184-town-administrators-report-to.html

TA Statement 10/16/19 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/town-administrators-statement-on-old.html

Pantherbook article 12/11/19

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/pantherbook-toxic-turf-at-beaver-pond.html

bags of the acrylic coated infill ready for install at FHS in August 2017

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jan 3 to THU - Jan 9

Friday, January 3

10:00am

 Knitting Group

Saturday, January 4

9:30am

 St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:30am

 Baby Sensory!

3:00pm

 Teen Murder Mystery Party

4:00pm

 Electric Youth 2020

8:00pm

 Cheryl Wheeler: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

8:00pm

 Electric Youth 2020

Sunday, January 5

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

3:00pm

 Author Talk with David Farrow

Monday, January 6

10:30am

 Move Along

3:30pm

 D&D for Kids

6:00pm

 "What are you Puffing?" Vaping and Our Youth

Tuesday, January 7

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

10:30am

 Get Ready for Kindergarten

4:00pm

 Code I.T.

4:00pm

 Toe-Tapping Tuesdays!

6:30pm

 Foreign Film Night

7:00pm

 Friends of the Franklin Library Book Group

Wednesday, January 8

10:30am

 Terrific Toddlers

3:30pm

 Creation Station!

6:30pm

 Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

6:30pm

 Get Organized in 2020

6:30pm

 Teen Advisory Board

Thursday, January 9

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

10:30am

 Story Xplorers

4:00pm

 Chess Club for Kids

4:00pm

 Bookworm Bounce Storytime!

7:00pm

 Frankin Music Boosters Meeting

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jan  3 to THU - Jan 9

Still Time To Register - Exercise & Wellness Classes

Exercise & Wellness Classes

Winter / Spring

starting January 6

STILL TIME TO REGISTER

YOGA YOGA YOGA
Yoga, which has been around since the 15th century, helps to quiet the mind and improve health. Whether you are looking for Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yoga for Anyone, or Teen Yoga for Girls, you can find it here on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. Winter/spring prices vary by class.


TAI CHI
Tai Chi is an ancient martial arts practice that has its roots in health, well-being, and spirituality. The benefits of tai chi practice are numerous and life-changing.

• Winter 7 weeks - $65/person
• Spring 10 weeks - $90/person



ZUMBA MONDAY or WEDNESDAY
You don't have to know how to dance to Zumba! Zumba uses the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning, and total body toning. Join the party-like atmosphere that is less intimidating and fun!

• Winter 7 weeks - $65/person
• Spring 10 weeks - $90/person

For more class options and additional details visit:
www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

Still Time To Register - Exercise & Wellness Classes