Coach Bohane addresses his future Bulldog players.

On Saturday, May 18, Canton High School head football coach Dave Bohane held a free clinic for all kids in grades 1-8 at Memorial Field. Varsity football players helped run the clinic, and all the kids had a blast — catching like wide receivers, throwing for distance, practicing stances and tackling techniques, and ending with a great game of capture the football. Coach Bohane would like to thank CHS, Rodman Ford, and T&B Pub for their support. Save the next date for June 22 for the Olympics. Go Bulldogs!

Click here to see scenes from the clinic courtesy of Karen Hayes.

Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul

This three-day extravaganza of “all things Irish” will feature continuous live music, dance, sports, shopping, food, and demonstrations of language, arts, genealogy, and children’s activities. As the largest Irish festival on the East Coast, the weekend promises to offer something for everyone!

This year’s lineup of performances brings the festival’s musical entertainment to a new level with Eileen Ivers and her band Immigrant Soul kicking off the weekend with a Friday night concert. On Saturday evening, the Canadian band of sisters Searson, together with Black 47, a well-established Irish rock band, will entertain all night long. On Sunday afternoon, the internationally acclaimed dance phenomenon Atlantic Steps will bring their dynamic and high-kicking performance to the main stage.

With its five music stages, the festival will feature hundreds of musicians, including American Rogues, Albannach, Rakish Paddy, Devri, Ciaran Nagle, and the Rebel Kellys.

The festival will also feature a 5k road race on Sunday morning, a tug-of-war competition and Irish football games on both Saturday and Sunday, and will try to break the world record for the largest gathering of redheads on Saturday afternoon. Shopping, Irish food, children’s entertainment, and fun for the whole family will be in full swing all weekend long.

For more information, ticket prices and a complete schedule, visit www.bostonirishfestival.info or call 1-888-GO-IRISH.

CHS Principal Derek Folan provided an update for the School Committee on Thursday, May 23, noting that he is quite excited about the plan and is hoping for good weather.

Last year’s commencement was supposed to be the first to be held on the turf field after committee members voted to move the ceremony from its traditional location in front of the Rodman administration building. However, the graduation was later moved to the school gymnasium due to inclement weather, marking the third consecutive year that the event had to be held indoors.

The move to the gymnasium was also a first for the school, although Folan said this year’s ceremony would be moved back to the auditorium if necessary — citing the venue’s better sound system and air conditioning — with a limit of three tickets per graduate.

Folan said he and Athletic Director Danny Erickson have already tested the outdoor sound system and they are pleased with its overall quality. He added that seats will be created on the field for handicapped guests, and the only parking allowed in front of the field will be for emergency vehicles and handicapped parking.

Folan said he would like to have more faculty members be part of the graduation procession and the ceremony. In related news, Folan announced that more parent volunteers are needed for this year’s all-night graduation party to be held in the school cafeteria.

Also appearing before the School Committee last week were Galvin Middle School English Language Arts coordinator Jim Spillane and CHS English department chair Marilyn Roache.

Spillane provided an overview of the middle school’s summer reading plan and reported that the reading list and free choice options are now on the School Department website. GMS students are required to read two books, with writing exercises conducted within the first few weeks when students return in the fall.

Spillane said Galvin students read 1,850 books last summer and 98 percent of students participated. Students who move into the district over the summer are given extensions or alternative assignments, and students who do not read over the summer can make up the work in the fall.

Some of the required books deal with anti-bullying themes and there are choices in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, history, memoirs, science fiction, and fantasy. Students who read four or more books over the summer will be invited to a recognition celebration at the end of September. The books that are on the summer reading list are available at the Canton Public Library, GMS library, and Barnes & Noble at the Walpole Mall.

Asked by committee member Reuki Schutt what could be done to improve the reading program, Spillane suggested purchasing iPads for struggling readers. Both Schutt and Chairman Cindy Thomas felt that this could be accomplished either from within the budget or through a technology donation drive.

Roache, who is retiring in June after 14 years at CHS, highlighted some of the recent initiatives within the high school ELA department while also praising the teamwork displayed among her ELA colleagues and the coordination between the departments at the middle and high schools.

Roache said the high school now offers a reading skills class for ninth graders in need of additional support. She added that ELA teachers have emphasized argumentative writing this year and have incorporated more non-fiction books into the curriculum. She asked the committee to consider restoring a .6 position that was cut two years ago, noting that the restoration would lower class sizes and give teachers more time to work with students on writing skills. The committee thanked her for her years of service and wished her well in her retirement.

The committee also heard an update from K-12 wellness coordinator Katey Swanson, who noted a change in the puberty curriculum. She said that some students are now undergoing puberty changes at 10 years old and believes that there should be some classroom instruction in the latter stages of the fourth grade. As a result, next year’s grade 4 students will receive instruction on personal hygiene in the spring, but there will be no talk of reproductive systems. Students in grade 5 will then receive six lessons in the spring on personal hygiene, social changes, and two lessons on reproduction in classes separated by gender. Parents of fifth graders will be informed of the curriculum in the fall.

Swanson also said there will be new courses at CHS in wellness, personal fitness, and self defense.

In other news, the committee heard a proposal from Danny Erickson to work with the CHS Booster Club on a donor recognition program. Those who donate $1,000 or more would have their name printed on a placard that would be posted around the turf field, the bleachers, and the tennis courts. The committee gave Superintendent Jeff Granatino the authority to approve the signs until it adopts a formal policy. Granatino said he would inform the zoning board of the signs.

In other news:

* The committee held a moment of silence in honor of the late Marilyn Rodman, a longtime School Committee member, philanthropist and supporter of the performing arts.

* The committee began reviewing the possibility of charging a one-time extracurricular fee for students at the middle and high schools. Currently there is a $50 fee per activity for programs that require staff and supplies, with a $200 cap per family. Granatino said the average one-time fee in 32 neighboring communities is $71 and the average fee for the performing arts is $111. He said he would recommend a one-time performing arts fee of between $70 and $75. The committee is expected to discuss the fees at its next meeting.

* Granatino reported that the school start time committee, although still active, will delay any recommendations until the fall of the next school year and any changes would be implemented at the start of the 2014-15 year.

* Granatino said the annual CPS art show (May 20-23) and inaugural STEAM Expo (May 20) were a rousing success, attracting more than 1,000 attendees, including students, teachers and parents, as well as representatives from Canton companies such as Organogenesis and Reebok.

* The Norfolk County Teachers Association will present three awards this year to members of the Canton Public Schools. Maintenance worker Gene Zupkofska will receive a service award; Hansen teacher Patty Willis will receive a community service award; and CHS student Sidney Ham will receive a student award.

* The School Committee will next meet on Thursday, June 13. The committee will then shift to a summer schedule, which includes single meetings in July and August.

The Hansen Elementary School fifth grade presented “Wizard of Oz” on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, in the CHS auditorium. Above: Tin Man (Timmy Kelleher), Dorothy (Abigail Orkin), the Lion (David Walker), Scarecrow (Daniel Sweetland) and Toto (Mariella Ruggeri)

Moira Sweetland photo

Traditionally held on the last Monday in April, town meeting was pushed back by two weeks beginning this year in order to give the Finance Committee more time to collect and analyze budget information.

In past years, uncertainty surrounding the amount of state aid the town was expected to receive made it difficult to set spending levels; however, this year the budget picture seems rather clear — and promising — thanks in part to an increase in local receipts as well as “new growth” to the tax base.

The end result, according to the FinCom in its report to voters, is a recommended FY14 budget of $76.4 million that enhances current town and school services while limiting the property tax increase to 2.4 percent, which is slightly less than the maximum allowed under Proposition 2 ½.

The proposed budget calls for a 4.2 percent increase on the municipal side to $16.67 million and a 4.4 percent increase for the schools, up from $31.92 million to $33.32 million. The budget as constituted would cover all contractual increases to town employees while also restoring services and adding some new positions, including more school resource officers and teachers at all three levels.

Meanwhile, town meeting voters will also be asked to approve several big-ticket capital items, headlined by a $1.36 million transfer from the town’s free cash reserve for the purpose of “designing, permitting, constructing and equipping a Canton senior center” at the former Knights of Columbus hall on Pleasant Street.

The recommended transfer would be in addition to the $650,000 appropriated at last year’s town meeting. Since then, the estimated cost to bring the building up to code has skyrocketed to $1.76 million. However, proponents of the project, including the Board of Selectmen and the Council on Aging, still see it as a major upgrade over the existing center — with more space and parking — at a fraction of the cost of constructing a new building.

The proposal also has the unanimous backing of FinCom members, who noted in their report that the project could be paid for without threatening the town’s current AAA bond rating. However, they expressed concern with the affordability of the project and its “moving target budget,” while also warning that “anything higher will not be viewed as fiscally prudent for the town and its taxpayers.”

As municipal leaders seek additional funding for the senior center project, the school department will do the same with a pair of high-priced window replacements at both the Hansen and Galvin schools. Voters at last year’s town meeting had appropriated $754,000 for the project, but the total cost skyrocketed to $2.35 million following the recent discovery of PCBs and asbestos in the caulking around the windows at both schools.

The School Committee has since been approved for a grant from the Mass. School Building Authority that would reimburse the town for 45 percent of the project’s costs. The FinCom supports the additional appropriation, arguing that the MSBA reimbursement will “save the town considerable money” while helping to make the building “more energy efficient and comfortable.”

Other capital projects up for consideration at town meeting include $810,000 for a new ladder truck at the Ponkapoag fire station; $631,000 for replacement of 7,500 water meters and related items designed to improve efficiency and eliminate the need for estimated billing; and $245,000 for the replacement of a chiller system at Metropolis Rink. Both the municipal and school departments will also seek $443,000 each worth of cash capital items, ranging from replacement vehicles to textbooks to technology upgrades, including $23,000 for the redesign of the town website.

In addition to appropriating and borrowing money, Canton voters will also be asked to consider various zoning proposals, including a temporary moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries.

The idea behind the moratorium is to allow the town more time to study the impacts and plan for the zoning of such facilities, which were approved in the November state election. The Department of Public Health has not yet issued final regulations governing medical marijuana; however the attorney general’s office has already rejected a bid by one town to ban dispensaries outright.

The original proposal submitted on the warrant (Article 12) called for a three-year moratorium, but both the FinCom and the Planning Board have since inserted amended versions — one recommending a two-year ban and the other a one-year ban.

Another major zoning proposal, submitted by attorney Richard Staiti on behalf of Baltimore-based Brightview Senior Living, would create a new Senior Housing Overlay District (SHOD) at the site of the AA Will Sand & Gravel pit on Turnpike Street.

The proposal, as detailed in articles 16-18, would allow for the construction of 175-200 housing units for residents 62 and older, including 75-90 independent units, 30-50 assisted living units, and 30-50 memory care (Alzheimer’s) units. Staiti described it as a “special kind of housing” that is rich in services, including meals, recreation and transportation.

Claiming that it would not be economically feasible for his client to offer any type of affordable housing, Staiti has instead included a provision that would allow a developer in a SHOD district to provide a cash payment that would be earmarked to the newly formed Community Preservation Committee for the purpose of promoting affordable housing. Brightview in particular has offered to contribute $300,000, which is based on a working number of 10-12 units.

The Planning Board voted 4-0 to send a favorable recommendation to town meeting, and the Finance Committee, which had previously opposed the project 7-0, has since reversed course and voted unanimously the other way.

Other zoning amendments up for consideration at town meeting include Article 15, which would expand the authority of the Canton Center Design Review Board to include all downtown properties other than single family residences; Article 23, which would allow light manufacturing uses in a business district by way of a special permit; and Article 24, which would expand the definition of a trade shop from 5,000 square feet of work and storage area to 10,000 square feet.

Articles 19 and 20, pertaining to the Plymouth Rubber property, have been withdrawn by the developer and will be reconsidered, perhaps in a modified form, at a future special town meeting.

Other proposals of note to be discussed next week include:

* Article 7, which would transfer $6,000 from two existing accounts to the Historical Commission to support its ongoing gravestone restoration project at Canton Corner Cemetery.

* Article 27, which would extend the Community Preservation Act surcharge exemption (the first $100,000 of property value) to commercial property owners, subject to ballot approval.

* Article 31, which would end the town’s landmark restrictions on pit bull ownership (2007) in light of a new state law prohibiting breed-specific legislation.

* Article 34, which would designate 465 Turnpike Street as a priority development site under Chapter 43D (expedited permitting), giving Canton 12 such sites overall, the highest figure in the state.

* Article 37, which would restore the town’s funding of the annual July 4 celebration via a $35,000 transfer from free cash.

Little League President Louis Tarmy holds the mic while Teddy, Henry and Charlie Cohen yell, “Play ball!”

Canton Little League and Fastpitch Softball celebrated opening day on Saturday, April 27, beginning with the annual parade down Washington and Dedham streets and commencing at the Kennedy playing fields with a cookout and on-field ceremony. Hundreds turned out for the festivities, which were held under picture-perfect skies at the Crawford and Sullivan fields. Check out the photo gallery for additional Little League coverage.

This event provides an opportunity for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to participate in a morning of athletics in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

The day starts at 10 a.m. with the children’s fun run around the school building. Children ages 4-8 will participate in a half-mile course, while those ages 9-12 will run or walk a one-mile course. Every fun run finisher will receive a medal and a popsicle.

The timed 5k will start at 11 a.m. The 3.1-mile, USTAD-sanctioned course starts on Independence Street, turns down Prospect to Sherman, continues right on Washington and then around Pleasant and back to the school via Independence Street. The course ends at the school with a finish line surrounded by cheering children. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers in all age groups for the 5k.

All participants will enjoy free sandwiches, raffles, a DJ, and children’s entertainment.

“The Luce fun run is a great family event and a longstanding community tradition,” said event chair Sarah Pirrera. “The kids enjoy the fun runs and they get a medal and a popsicle at the finish line, which is always a big hit. They also love the bouncy houses and face painting afterward.

“For the adults, the 5k race is on a nice course where everyone can run at their own pace — fast or slow — it’s whatever you want to make it. The event is a great way to kick off the spring by getting out of the house and doing some exercise with your family!”

Registration fees are $28 for the 5k and $10 for the fun run. Participants can register at www.racemenu.com/Luce5k. Proceeds will benefit the Dean S. Luce School CAPT.

A group of siblings and friends held a bake sale last week to raise money for the victims of the Boston Marathon tragedy. They baked all day Thursday and sold all day Friday, raising $423. The group included Rose, Nikki and Allie Gefteas, Catherine and Lizzy Leonetti, Nikki Wright, Drew Giglio and Meghan Winkler. Others also pitched in to assist with the sale. The entire group would like to say thank you to all who donated.

Craig Bickhardt

The Open Book Coffeehouse will present singer-songwriter Craig Bickhardt on April 20 at 7:30 p.m. Bickhardt has penned over 800 songs, and at least 100 artists, including Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, have chosen his well-crafted songs to perform. Check him out at www.craigbickhardt.com. Admission to the coffeehouse is $8 and always half price for students with ID. For more information, go to www.town.canton.ma.us/library/coffeehouse, check out the Friends of the Canton Public Library on Facebook, or call 617-922-2551.

The highly anticipated Canton Writes awards night is April 23 at 7 p.m.

On April 25 at 7:30 p.m., Friends with Books will discuss Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. New members are always welcome.

Whether you want to transform your life or just improve your writing, join a series of writing workshops, Writing Saves Lives: “Writing Beyond Facebook and Way Beyond Twitter,” beginning May 1 at 7 p.m. in the Arts & Activities Room. This interactive series of workshops, offered by Tara Shuman, will explore how writing can help all of us memorialize and share our many life experiences. Shuman is the founder of Writing Saves Lives, Inc. Participants need only bring paper and a pen, or a laptop, and their open mind. There is a 25-person limit so please contact Shuman to register for this free program at tarashuman@mac.com. For more information, go to www.writingsaveslives.org.

Mark your calendar for May 9 at 7 p.m. for a discussion with a nonagenarian who will expand your mind with his presentation of How We Experience Art. Ninety-six-year-young Roy Freed invites all artists and lovers of art to discuss his unique perspective on how the minds of artists and viewers of art physically and emotionally perceive and experience art. Following a long career as a lawyer and international authority on computer law, Freed began creating sculptures from found objects and founded the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis in 1981. You can check out his blog at freedar.wordpress.com.

Speaking of artists, the Canton Art Association’s Spring Show and Reception is Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m.

Teens: Remember, it’s Game on @ the Library every other Tuesday. Enjoy Xbox Kinect, Wii, board games and refreshments in the Community Room. For more information, contact Carolyn at the library.

Children’s story times continue Tuesday and Friday mornings promptly at 10:30 for ages 2 ½ to 5 ½. No registration is required, but please avoid joining the session once it has begun. Sign-up is required for the following programs: Play ’n Learn, April 29, 1:30-2:30 p.m. for ages 3-6, and Tot Time, May 8, 10:30-11:15 a.m. for ages 9 months to 3 years. Also, on May 8 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., children in grades 1-5 can take a ride to another place and time through the Magic Carpet Book Club.