Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Live reporting: License transaction - Norfolk County Sheriff - CPA


7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 pm
Maks Roast Beef and Breakfast, Inc., New Wine and Malt License, Located at 451 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Richard Cornetta, attny for applicant
own and operate the business
general restaurant, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
glass of wine or beer to compliment the meal
not a bar operation, only sit down restaurant
would also use outdoor patio in warmer months
owned elsewhere for about 15 years (Revere) (Bellingham)


  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Office and House of Corrections Update with Sheriff McDermott Community

appointed by Gov Baker to replace Bellotti
female inmates were not being treated equitably
would encourage taking a tour of the facility
Q&A session with the inmates available
will also travel to middle/high school with program

team building program, anti-bullying
ropes challenge course
in talks with Dean College to replicate program (along with others)
Leadership academy

working to meet the needs for kids mental health, leading to experimentation with drugs
stigma on mental health
looking to produce report within 6 months across Norfolk County

inmate work crews available, municipalities and non-profits
vast majority in due to drugs and mental health
44 US Marshal inmates also inhouse now, drug gang members
an uptick in drug activity in MA

Bissanti - had visited, left knowing that you care, supporter of Gilly's House

Kelly - Franklin is not along, we are facing the same or similar situation as others are

Jones - great to have you here, good for our citizens hear about the programs you do

Chandler - are you able to help with some of the weekend folks Franklin houses? 

A - we had some internal debates about that, we are able to see an uptick in increases
limited cell space can fill up quick, we can hold them and put the police back on the streets

Hamblen - distracted driver program

A - show them before prom season, with simulator, googles to simulate driving when under the influence; putting green empty pizza box, hard to walk across the room with the googles

MCI Framingham - not a nice place to spend your time, men had a better time at county level were not getting the same choice; six week program with NE wildlife coming
equine therapy and canine therapy being explored as well


b. Preservation Act Discussion.

  • i. Town Administrator Memo & Backup Material

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/cpa_town_admin_memo_backup_material_-_web.pdf

Jamie had been in the 2001 Town Council to present the CPA as part of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs



Pellegri - I had pushed for this in 2007, this presentation is far superior than what we did back then. We need to see what money we have given in and lost (over 20 years). We could be using for historical buildings, open space, etc.  We have got to work hard, to set up coffee, teas, so we can explain

Hamblen - the match percentage changes throughout the years, back up to 24%, does it change every year/
A - it has ebbed and flowed. if you were an early adopter, it was more of a dollar for dollar match, put in two million, get two million aback, that is a good ROI. The match did slide slowly to 11% an all time low, it was adjusted to currently to the 24%, it could continue to ebb and flow

it is all in how you play it, if we can get some of the match, we can free up some money for other things within the capital budget
Boston did it for affordable housing

Chandler - it almost something for everybody,every one pays in but there is something for everybody veterans, affordable housing, open space

Bissanti - I had an opportunity to participate in another community meeting, it is a great program, the funds dwindled unfortunately. Is this an opportunity we could loose if we don't act?

A - if you look at the list of priorities, something is on the priority listing up and down where this could be used; renewed optimism to look at 

Earls - sense of long term trends on where this is going? any other local options

A - no idea where the long term trend is... our own imaginations could go wild with how to do this

Community Preservation Committee - appointments to committee with a representation from several other board/depts

database of every project done

Kelly - 5th most contribution in Norfolk County, with how close we came in 2007, it might be worthwhile to put it back, it would be good to see a veterans exemption, we'd need to lobby hard for that; this is our next step towards avoiding suburban sprawl

Jones - I am for this, anything we can do to help support open space and historical, I am for

Lisa Audette Franklin Housing Authority
renovating 40 units $2.5 million at Central Park Terrace
could have been a $650K project with CPA funding available

Jim Schultz - question on historical building criteria
Mark - national register or local historical commission, great flexibility

there may be restrictions on re-habbing an older building but not on the use restrictions

Ed Symansky
what would be the process to get it from here to the ballot

Mercer - process would start in the not to distant future, at least 60 days prior to an election

there is a lot of interest in the town to see this happen


Roberta Trahan
how did we loose all that money, we do need to educate the public
what do we need to do, we should get it on the next election

Susan Speers
we moved to Franklin 32 years ago for the schools and the Library
active with a group that does open space and environmental 
because of what they can do with their capacity
I was involved in 2007, we have to a lot of time to tell the word out and get the community a chance to get behind it this time

Mary Olsson
representative of the Historic Commission
Canton told the story of what they were able to do with their amount
it is about educating the Town, we need to campaign as if it was a candidate on the ballot
it is possible, we can get it done

Mercer - this is something from what I have heard and seen, I think I would ask the Town Administrator to begin the process, sooner rather than later is the right thing
the education piece is the biggest piece, help us to spread the word
there will be more here at Council meetings, and elsewhere
the most people who would be out to an election would be in November for the Presidential election

set up an ad-hoc committee to work on this
we need your help to let the taxpayers know why we need this


9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

  • a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
  • b. Budget Subcommittee
  • c. Economic Development Subcommittee
set priorities for near term
another lot change coming to Council
next meeting March 4


Live reporting: Town Council - Feb 5, 2020

Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent:  Dellorco

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
FHS Student - how to reduce Franklin's carbon foot print
expand community gardens, to encourage planting and enable self sufficiency
why don't we have solar panels on the roof of FHS?
per principal, it is not in our budget
we should spare the money for the place where we live
self transportation, better sidewalks, more sidewalks
encourage walking, reduce the carbon used by the autos
streets should be made for people to get around not just by cars

Teresa Burr, Town Clerk
reminders on Town census, if not received, go to Clerk or web page to print one

dog registration due before April 1
"Top Dog Drawing" 
pictures posted in lobby of Municipal Building
three levels of drawing

Presidential Primary March 3
absentee ballots available now
early voting from Feb 24 through 28
during regular office hours, can avoid election day and vote early

last day Weds Feb 12 to change party affiliation


3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 22, 2020

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0


4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
Historical Commission: Randy La Rosa

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

6. HEARINGS
None Scheduled

Enter Franklin's Top Dog Drawing

Register your dog and enter Franklin's Top Dog Drawing!


Download a copy of the Flyer:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd05sUVJiRTNLYTlWbXd1ek55Y05ZclNYMkV3/view?usp=sharing



Franklin's Top Dog Drawing entries as of 1/29/20
Franklin's Top Dog Drawing entries as of 1/29/20

Census 2020 jobs for veterans


"To Our Nation's Veterans:

Throughout our history, you have rallied time and again to protect and serve your family, neighbors and friends. Your leadership, patriotism and entrepreneurship exemplify the American spirit.

As Article I Section II of the Constitution directs, every 10 years we conduct a census to determine representation in Congress. Think of it as a national roll call. The next national roll call is coming and we must hear from you. The 2020 Census is a mission-critical opportunity to make your numbers known. This opportunity only comes once a decade, so 2020 will be the time to make sure your community is counted.

We need your help! Please get your community prepared by taking the following steps:

JOIN OUR TEAM! We want to hire veterans for temporary census jobs. Apply to work as a census taker at 2020census.gov/jobs. If you know of others who are looking for work, please spread the word."

Continue reading the notification on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/letter-veterans-us-census-bureau-1


For more info about Census 2020 jobs and to apply   2020census.gov/jobs

Census 2020 jobs for veterans
Census 2020 jobs for veterans

FHS girls basketball post win vs Mansfield

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Tuesday.

Girls Basketball = Mansfield, 41 @ Franklin, 67 – Final
– The Panthers remain unbeaten on the season and moved within one win of clinching at least a share of the Kelley-Rex division title. Olivia Quinn was the top scorer for the Panthers, finishing the night with 23 points. Ali Brigham added 14 in the win. Abby Wager led the Hornets with 12 points and Kayla Vine chipped in with eight.

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 48 @ Mansfield, 56 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the boys game recap:
"After reviewing film of the first meeting between the Franklin and Mansfield boys basketball teams, Hornet head coach Mike Vaughan came away with two main focus points for the second installment.

“Our whole game plan was to run them off the three-point line and no easy layups, and offensively, pound the ball into the post and play out of it,” Vaughan said.

It turned out to be the recipe for success for the Hornets, using the size of forwards TJ Guy (6’5) and Sam Stevens (6’4) to their advantage in the paint while halving the Panthers’ success rate from three-point range, resulting in a 56-48 win to split the season series.

The first time out, a meeting at Franklin High in early January, the Panthers shot 47% from three-point range and its defense held the Hornets under 50 points, the lone time that’s happened this season.

This time around, Mansfield’s strong closeouts saw the Panthers shoot 27% from the three-point line. And a heavy emphasis in paint touches resulted in a 50% success rate from two-point range plus more free throw attempts, where the Hornets went 13-for-17."

Continue reading the game recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/mansfield-boys-basketball-hangs-on-split-series-franklin/

For a photo gallery from this game:
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Mansfield-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-02-04-20/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-02-04-20/

FHS Chris Edgehill draws attention as he goes for a shot (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
FHS Chris Edgehill draws attention as he goes for a shot (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin Public Library: Youth Services Events for February 2020

Franklin Public Library Youth Services Events 

for February 2020

February Library Hours
The Franklin Public Library will be closed on Monday, February 17 for Presidents Day. The Library's regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Programs for Children and Teens

Mondays
Move Along. 10:30 a.m.  For ages 0 – 5 years
This thirty minute program features music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate. No registration is required! Join us immediately after for an informal playgroup with toys and books for children who are accompanied by an adult. Connect with other parents and let little ones interact with one another!

Dungeons and Dragons Club for Kids! Monday Afternoons, 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Kids ages 7-13 are invited to join us for a weekly Dungeons and Dragons Club! Dungeons and Dragons, also known as D&D, is one of the most complex tabletop games in history. The library will supply dice, rule books, and blank character sheets! We will be using the 5th edition books and rules. (Dungeon Masters must be ages 12 and up) Email mgousie@minlib.net to sign up!

Tuesdays
Cool Cruisers: a Playgroup for crawlers and early walkers! 9:30 a.m.
Babies who have graduated from tummy time and are scooting all over the place are welcome to this playgroup just for them! We recognize that fun age of exploring is very different from their first few months, so join us for a special playgroup just for this exciting time!

Get Ready for Kindergarten. 10:30 a.m. For ages 3 – 5.
This 45 minute program featuring stories, songs, activities, and crafts will help prepare your children for preschool and kindergarten.  Parents and caregivers can attend with their child if they wish.  No registration is required.

Toe-Tapping Tuesdays! 4:00 p.m. (2-4)
Let's play some music and get those little toes grooving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using basic ballet moves and props. From tip toeing, twirling and skipping to jumping and tapping, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.

Wednesdays
Terrific Toddlers. 10:30 a.m.  For ages 18 months to 3 years.
Enjoy thirty minutes of interactive stories, songs, and activities for families and children from 18mo to age 3. No registration is required. Join us immediately after for an informal playgroup with toys and books for children who are accompanied by an adult. Connect with other parents and let little ones interact with one another!

Creation Station! Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (4+)
Join us each Wednesday for an afternoon of crafting, building, and flexing our creative muscles! We'll have themed crafts and building challenges each week in this special drop-in program that combines arts and crafts, Legos, and other fun surprises! There's sure to be something for everyone!

RAD Storytellers Club! 3rd Wednesday of the month, February 19th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Join local author James Rad for a special book club and storytelling class for all ages! Young storytellers will share, learn, and create with middle-grade author James Rad and art teacher Amy Rad! Plus--pizza!

Thursdays
Baby Tummy Time! 9:30 a.m. (For pre-walkers ages 0-18 months)
Babies and caregivers: join us each Thursday morning for Tummy Time! Nurture your baby's development with gentle music, movement, and sensory play at the library! Please bring a small blanket or towel for your baby's comfort!

StoryXplorers. 10:30 a.m. For ages 0-5.
Join us for 30 minutes of themed stories, songs, and movement followed by 30 minutes of craft and sensory play!

Bookworm Bounce! 4:00-4:45 p.m. (0-5)
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to join us for an afternoon storytime full of music, movement, stories, and other interactive activities to encourage social skills and promote early literacy! Parents and caregivers are welcome and encouraged to participate! No registration required!

Chess Club for Kids! 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (8-13)
A fun and educational program for kids? What more could you ask for? Whether you are new to the game or are a more seasoned player, we invite all kids ages 8-13 to join us! 
Tales for Tails.  2nd Thursday of the Month, 6:30 p.m. (2nd grade +)
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a trained therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. SPOTS ARE LIMITED. Email bcomeau@minlib.net to sign up!

Fridays
Happy Feet! Friday, February 7th & 21st, 10:30 a.m. (2-4)
Let's play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using very basic ballet moves. We will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence. Laughter and giggles are definitely expected!

Saturdays
Baby Sensory! First Saturday of the Month, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a 45 minute baby sensory program! Watch your little one interact and engage with a variety of sensory items! Sensory play is a fantastic way to help babies explore their worlds, stimulate the senses, and create little inquisitive explorers! Babies under 2 are welcome and encouraged! (Got older siblings? They can bring along a stuffed toy or baby and play along!)

Special Programs
Storytime S.T.E.A.M.! Friday, February 7th, 1:30 p.m.
Join us for a special reading of "Hugo & Miles in I've Painted Everything" by Scott Magoon followed by a science-infused paint challenge! IDEAL FOR GRADES K-5!

Tape Town! Saturday, February 8th, 10:30 a.m.
Families! Spend an imaginative morning at the library! Bring along a small toy vehicle (or borrow one of ours) and cruise along our "roads" made of tape all through our big meeting room, and enjoy a series of interactive pretend play stations all through the town!

Baby-Wearing Dance Party! Friday, February 14th, 9:00-9:30 a.m.
Strap your little one in and join us for music and movement together! Bond with your baby in a fun, interactive way for this half-hour program!

Famous Friends Scavenger Hunt! Friday, February 14th- Sunday, February 16th
This Valentine's weekend, we're celebrating friendship with book character pairs! How many famous literary pairs can you finding hiding in the Children's and Teen Room? Stop by the library and find out!

The Amazing Race: Library Edition! February 18th-21st
Spend the week "traveling" the world with us! Each day you will have to navigate Detours and Road Blocks as you visit all 7 continents! Drop in anytime each day to complete the challenges!

  • Tuesday: Europe & Africa
  • Wednesday: Asia
  • Thursday: Australia & Antarctica
  • Friday: South America & North America


Animal World Experience! Wednesday February 19th, 10:30 a.m.
Animal World Experience provides a fun, interactive, and educational animal presentation to audiences of all ages! Come meet some fascinating creatures and learn their stories!

Read and Draw with Miss Mac! Thursday February 20th, 1:00p.m.
Meet Miss Mac! A local author specializing in creating children's books with whimsy and rhyme. Her stories and illustrations make reading fun!

Winter Beach Party! Saturday February 22nd, 10:30 a.m.
Families! Let's bring a little summer warmth to this cold month! Join us as we turn our big program room into an indoor summer oasis! Grab a cold drink and hit the play sand, enjoy beach balls, sand castles, snacks, and groovy tunes!

Leap Frog Scavenger Hunt! Friday February 28th-Sunday March 1st
The leap frogs have gotten loose and are hiding in the Children's and Teen room! Can you help us find them all!

Leap Day Family Fun! Saturday February 29th, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
We've got an extra day in the year, so let's make the most of it! Join us for leap-tastic games, crafts, and more!!

Teen Programs

Artist Amigos! First Wednesday of the Month, February 5th, 6:00-6:30PM
Join us for a monthly artsy meetup in the teen room! Bring your own art projects to work on, or get inspired by fun prompts devised by our youth services librarians! Materials and snacks will be provided!

Volunteens! 1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Calling all Tweens and Teens! Are you looking to build your resume? Have you ever been interested in volunteering at the library? Well now's your chance. Join us Thursday nights twice a month for volunteer projects! Attendance to at least one meeting a month is required.
For more information please contact Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net.

Teen Advisory Board, 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 6:30 p.m.
Join us each month for Teen Advisory Board! The Teen Advisory Board is a GREAT opportunity to get involved here at the library! You'll help plan events and programs, create displays and decorate the teen space, and help drive decisions around the kinds of materials we bring to the YA collection, from books and beyond, all while eating snacks and getting volunteer hours! It's a win-win-win!

Teens Single Pringle Mingle! Friday February 14th, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Our famous event from last year is back! Enjoy a pringles taste test, games, and a few surprises!

Girls Who Code! 2nd & 4th Saturday of the Month 1:00-3:00 p.m. (6th-8th Grade!)
Club curriculum focuses on a culminating Girls Who Code Project, where girls work in teams to use their coding skills and bravery to solve a real world problem they care about by engaging in fun and simple self-guided coding tutorials that range from beginner to advanced in Scratch, Python, JavaScript, and Thunkable. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Please email mgousie@minlib.net to join!

Franklin Public Library: Youth Services Events for February 2020
Franklin Public Library: Youth Services Events for February 2020

Franklin Cultural District Partners meeting - Feb 11

Dear Partners in Culture,

The next Franklin Cultural District Committee Partners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center.

The guest speaker will be Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian, Franklin Public Library. A meeting agenda will follow next week.

We are looking for a location for our May 11 meeting. If your business or organization would like to host the FCDC Partners meeting, please let us know.

Best regards from the Franklin Cultural District Committee,

Pandora

____________________

Pandora Carlucci, Ed.D.
Cultural District Committee Member
pcarluccifranklinculture@gmail.com

Franklin Cultural District Partners meeting - Feb 11
Franklin Cultural District Partners meeting - Feb 11

In the News: kindergarten registration for Franklin Public Schools

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Initial kindergarten registration for Franklin Public Schools will take place Tuesday, Feb. 11 and Wednesday, Feb. 12 in the third floor training room at the Franklin municipal building, 355 East Central St., Franklin.

Hours on Feb. 11 will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and on Feb. 12 they will be 1-6 p.m.

After Feb. 12, 2020, kindergarten registration will be processed at the superintendent’s office, also in the municipal building, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For a kindergarten registration packet, go to: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fps_reg._req._2020-2021.pdf

A link to the necessary documentation for registration can be found at: https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fps_reg._req._2020-2021.pdf"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200204/franklin-schools-slate-kindergarten-registration

In the News: kindergarten registration for Franklin Public Schools
In the News: kindergarten registration for Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Residents: Curbside Clothing Continues to be Huge Success

Curbside Clothing Continues to be Huge Success

We need your support

Almost 40,000 pounds of clothing was collected in November and December of 2019 alone!

We encourage everyone's support to recycle these materials in your curbside free PINK BAGS.

Need more PINK BAGS? Go to www.simplerecycling.com and order more if you are out.

When your clothing is picked up new bags are left behind.

There is an additional collection bin at the Franklin Recycling Center.



This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/news/curbside-clothing-continues-be-huge-success

Franklin Residents: Curbside Clothing Continues to be Huge Success
Franklin Residents: Curbside Clothing Continues to be Huge Success

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Franklin Voters: 2020 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY - Info

2020 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd 2020
Franklin High School: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

EARLY VOTING

FRANKLIN TOWN HALL – TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE
FEBRUARY 24 – FEBRUARY 28

*DURING REGULAR OFFICE HOURS:*
  • MONDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAY, 8 AM – 4 PM
  • WEDNESDAY, 8 AM – 6 PM, FRIDAY, 8 AM – 1 PM

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE
OR
CHANGE PARTY AFFILIATION

Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Town Clerk’s Office till 8:00 PM
Or online www.registertovotema.com


Download a copy of this as a reminder:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SS9wDi-U88EX43s0pSCgY-VQpaDq_lxp/view?usp=sharing


Franklin Voters: 2020 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY - Info
Franklin Voters: 2020 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY - Info

 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Feb 5, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room Franklin, MA
February 5, 2020 - 5:30 PM


Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video.

Discussion:

1. EDC Goals Prioritization Review.

2. Lot Line Clean up #3: Areas near Pleasant, Chestnut & Brook Streets.


Get a copy of this agenda on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-02-05_edc_agenda.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Feb 5, 2020
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Feb 5, 2020

Franklin Newcomers and Friends meeting - Feb 12

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:30 PM.

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.

 
Franklin Newcomers and Friends meeting - Feb 12
Franklin Newcomers and Friends meeting - Feb 12

Jazz Cafe - FHS cafeteria - Feb 7

Jazz Cafe
Annie Sullivan, Horace Mann and Remington Middle Schools
and
Franklin High School Jazz Bands

Franklin High School Cafeteria
Friday, February 7, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

Adults $10.00, Children/Students and Seniors $5.00
(Family of up to 5 guests - $25.00, all additional guests - $5.00)

Light refreshments will be served

Come join us for an evening of great music!

Jazz Cafe - FHS cafeteria - Feb 7
Jazz Cafe - FHS cafeteria - Feb 7

"conceived to raise awareness about the appeal of municipal jobs as a career choice for candidates of all ages"

Via the MA Municipal Association (MMA) comes this article and intro to a good resource:
"At its Annual Meeting on Jan. 24, the MMA unveiled its MassTown Careers campaign, an initiative aimed at attracting a new generation of workers to careers in the state’s 351 cities and towns.

Facing a wave of retirements and a highly competitive job market, cities and towns confront a growing challenge in filling a diverse range of jobs, including in the areas of management, finance, information technology, public works and more.

MassTown Careers was conceived to raise awareness about the appeal of municipal jobs as a career choice for candidates of all ages. The heart of the campaign is video testimonials featuring Massachusetts municipal employees highlighting the wide range of available jobs and the many rewards of working for cities and towns.

“I’m passionate about doing work that is truly important to my community, my family, and myself,” says Carolyn Kosnoff, assistant town manager for finance in Lexington, one of the municipal employees interviewed for the project.
Continue reading the MMA article
https://www.mma.org/mma-launches-masstown-careers-campaign-to-promote-municipal-jobs/

Go directly to MassTown Careers to explore the resources available
https://masstowncareers.org/

Video link - https://youtu.be/3-VO2dAR6V4



"conceived to raise awareness about the appeal of municipal jobs as a career choice for candidates of all ages"
"conceived to raise awareness about the appeal of municipal jobs as a career choice for candidates of all ages"

FM #199 - Student Services Workshop - Jan 28, 2020

FM #199

This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 199 in the series, that we are now developing in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This shares the Student Services Workshop conducted by the Franklin (MA) School Committee on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2020.

What is Student Services? 
Student services covers the special education program: what are the requirements; what is an IEP; what can be done about addressing the rising costs of special education; all these topics and more, are discussed in this workshop.

The presentation document used is linked here so you can follow along
https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/student-services-workshop-jan-28-2020



Without further ado, here is the recording for the meeting approx 55 minutes

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZrf40PX



-------------

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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FM #199 - Student Services Workshop - Jan 28, 2020
FM #199 - Student Services Workshop - Jan 28, 2020

Hockomock Area YMCA to Raise Awareness Of Heart Health in February

Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Program classes begin in March

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to announce it will be supporting Heart Health in February with blood pressure education and awareness.

These efforts will kick off on National Wear Red Day, February 7th. Launched by the American Heart Association in 2003 to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in women, National Wear Red Day is celebrated on the first Friday of February. Members, staff, volunteers are encouraged to wear red.

Many forms of heart disease, including hypertension, are highly preventable. Under new Blood Pressure Guidelines, it was announced in 2017 that that roughly 30 million more Americans than previously thought are now considered to have high blood pressure (hypertension), a leading risk factor for stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and dementia. This includes 4 out of 5 people ages 65 and older.

The Hockomock Area YMCA encourages the community to learn their risk for heart disease by getting a blood pressure reading and take action to reduce your risk throughout the month. Visit https://www.hockymca.org/heart-health-month to learn more about free blood pressure screenings as well as strategies and education about blood pressure management.

The YMCA is a provider of the Blood Pressure Self Monitoring program which supports individuals with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support. Classes will begin at the North Attleboro and Foxboro YMCAs in March.

“The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to continue to offer the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program,” Caitlin Gibbs, Senior Director of Health Innovation. “The Y is committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities by delivering new programs and initiatives.”

The North Attleboro Branch will offer the program March 3-April 28 on Tuesdays at 11:30am-12:30pm. The Foxboro Branch will run the program about both 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm on Thursdays, March 5 – April 30.

People who enroll in February for the March program will receive 50% off the program, a blood pressure monitor (valued at $40), heart healthy recipes and education. This special February offer is $80 for YMCA members and $125 for non-members.

As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will measure their blood pressure using correct techniques and tips, a minimum of eight times, record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool and meet weekly in a small group setting. A nutrition education component will encourage the participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing sodium in their diet.

The program is facilitated by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use a blood pressure cuff, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is looking for adults with high blood pressure to take part in this program. For a small investment of time and minimal fee, participants receive:
  • A simple, evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure
  • Personalized support from a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador
  • Tips for maintaining cardiovascular health
  • Easy-to-use, portable self-tracking tool
  • Heart healthy nutrition education seminars
  • Blood pressure monitoring cuff if participant does not own one
Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program:
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be diagnosed with high blood pressure
  • Must not have experienced a recent cardiac event
  • Must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
  • Must not be at risk for lymphedema
For more information or to enroll in the program, visit https://www.hockymca.org/heart-health-month, email kellyd@hockymca.org or call 508-772-1310.
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program

About Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.