Saturday, December 7, 2013

Hockomock Area YMCA: Holiday Gift Drive

holiday gift drive
Attached is an invitation to participate in the YMCA's annual giving tree program.  Sharing gifts with families in need this holiday season exemplifies the caring of our community, our staff, and our YMCA members.  On Christmas morning last year, 705 gifts found their way to the homes of 118 Y families, for which we were truly thankful to all involved.  That meant together we brightened the lives of 357 children, women, and men in our community. 
Thank you in advance for your consideration in printing the attached release to help make the holidays much brighter for those families with tags remaining on our lobby trees. 


Scholarship Fund in memory of Colleen Ritzer

From the Essex County Community Foundation website:
To carry on the legacy of our beautiful daughter and sister Colleen and her passion for teaching, we have established the Colleen Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will be awarded to students who are pursuing a degree in education so they can continue her legacy of making a difference in a student's life. 
Colleen Ritzer
The Colleen Ritzer Memorial Scholarship Fund is managed by Essex County Community Foundation. If you have any questions regarding your online donation, please contact Kathy (978) 777-8876 or k.moriconi@eccf.org. If you prefer to make a donation by mail you can make a check payable to: 
ECCF/Colleen Ritzer Fund and mail to: 
Essex County Community Foundation
175 Andover Street
Danvers, MA 01923

You can donate online via this link
https://secure.etransfer.com/ecomm/donation/donation1.cfm?d2org=EssexCCF&d2tool=ColleenRitzerMemorialFund


Who was Colleen Ritzer? An Assumption College graduate and teacher at Danvers High School.
http://www.massteacher.org/News/archive/2013/ms_ritzer_scholarship_fund.aspx


"the regulations tighten the town’s rules on smoking in public places"

The Milford Daily News reports on the public hearing being set up for Jan 7th to review proposed new tobacco regulations for Franklin.
The Board of Health will hold a public hearing next month on whether to pass comprehensive new tobacco regulations. 
The three-member board scheduled the hearing for its Jan. 7 meeting, set to begin at 10 a.m. at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central St. Health Director David McKearney wrote the proposed regulations. 
If passed, the controls would reshape how the town handles tobacco sales, raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 19 and establishing a tobacco and nicotine delivery products permit, administered by the board. Currently the town does not have a local tobacco permit for businesses, which still must acquire a license from the state Department of Revenue in order to sell cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/blog/healthconscious/x915450461/Franklin-Public-hearing-set-for-new-tobacco-regulations#ixzz2mnGuTbfg

Franklin Elks - BPOE 2136

The membership and association clubs such as the American Legion and Elks would also be included in the new regulations to ban smoking within their facilities.

I would hope that there would also be a hearing scheduled for some evening as any of the voters/residents who work during normal business hours are disenfranchised by this particular time of day for the 'public hearing.'


Friday, December 6, 2013

Weekend events in Franklin


  • The Annual Christmas Fair takes place at St John Episcopal Church on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM


  • Bubbles and Bark, wine tasting and special hot dogs to raise money for the Forever Home Rescue New England at Pour Richard's on Saturday from 1:00 Pm to 4:00 PM


What is missing from this list? Is something else happening here in Franklin this weekend?
Please leave a comment to include that item.


Updated 12/6/13 6;00 PM


Saturday, December 7th from 8am-11am,

  • Cub Scout pack 126 will be holding its Annual All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast with Santa. 

It is being held at The Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond Street , Franklin Ma.
The cost is $6 per person, with children under 3 and Pack 126 scouts in uniform free.
Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, orange juice, coffee and tea.
Santa will be available for photos for a cost of $3.
There will be a raffle to win one of our gift baskets, with tickets on sale to benefit the scouts!
Scout popcorn and candy bars will be available for purchase.
Pack 126 will also be hosting a toy drive for local children in need. You may bring to the breakfast a new unwrapped toy if desired.


  • Craft fair open house at Akin Bak Farm from 9:00 - 6:00 PM! Also selling fresh trees and wreaths


Hockomock Football awards recognize Zucco and Tighe

HockomockSports.com continues their fall award announcement with Football. Nick Zucco and Griffin Tighe represent Franklin on the 'Hock 5" for their respective positions. Nick among the quarterbacks and Griffin among the offensive line.


Read the full listing of the football awards here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/12/hockomocksportscom-2013-football-awards.html


Stories told via postcards

A regular reader shares this bit of info:
"Given the holiday season, we are striving to make more people of your towns aware of the book. Postcard History of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, makes a marvelous holiday gift and one that parents and children and other town folks would enjoy reading. The book provides unforgettable memories about each of the communities as well as serves as a reference."
The book tells stories of the towns in Norfolk County including a section on Franklin. The stories are told with post cards from each town. The picture book is a good size so it would not make a 'stocking stuffer' it would be more of a 'coffee table book'.

Part of the interest in this books comes from the story on how it was written. James and Paul Tedesco started writing it after getting the idea from a note on the back of an old postcard. James, the son, died a couple of years into the writing effort and the father Paul completed the book.

You can read the WickedLocal article on this book here
http://www.wickedlocal.com/dover/news/x511637164/Dover-resident-writes-postcard-history-of-Norfolk-County

If you want to order one, you can email Paul Tedesco at postcardbook3@aol.com


Welcome myBigY members to the New BigY.com



We're upgrading our website to bring you more of the features you've been asking for.
Welcome myBigY members
to the New BigY.com!
Hello!
We'd like to introduce all of our MyBigY members to the new bigy.com
and updated myBigY.

As a member, you know that at Big Y, the customer is Job #1 and we're upgrading our website to bring you more of the features you've been asking for this year.
• clean and bright new design
• easy to navigate
• new recipes with nutritional info
• meal planning information for healthy living
• and coming soon...
    Special offers only on bigy.com
    Special deals that load right to your Big Y Express Savings®
    or Silver Savings Club® card

In order to continue to offer you great customer service and a fast and
efficient online experience, please reset your MyBigY password in order to keep your information secure and accessible.

Simply click on the link below and continue to take advantage of great service, great sales and an easy way to get both!

UPDATE myBigY now

Thanks for being a myBigY member and for shopping Big Y,
The Big Y Web Team

©Copyright 2013, Big Y Foods, Inc., 2145 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA, (413) 784.0600

"We're growing, and that's good news"

The Milford Daily News reports on a slight reduction in the income tax rate coming Jan 1, 2014.
The Massachusetts income tax will drop slightly in the new year — to 5.20 percent from the current 5.25 percent — because of stronger-than-anticipated growth in revenues, state officials said Wednesday. 
The tax rate will automatically drop on Jan. 1, Revenue Commissioner Amy Pitter said. 
In a letter sent Wednesday to Secretary of Administration and Finance Glen Shor, Pitter said revenue growth met a number of thresholds over the past several months required to trigger the automatic reduction. Tax collections in November were 10.6 percent higher than in the same month a year ago. And through the first five months of the fiscal year, total revenue has grown $766 million, or 9.7 percent.
This is estimated to be about $39 for "a married couple filing jointly who own a home, have two children under 12 and $100,000 in income".

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1275648373/Massachusetts-income-tax-to-be-cut-a-bit-on-Jan-1#ixzz2mgthKTiW

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Holiday Stroll and News from Jane's Frames



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logo
5th Annual Holiday Stroll
Thursday, December 5th  4pm-7pm

(or perhaps we'll be singing a bit longer) 
Dear Steve,

         Join the festivities beginning with Tree Lighting and Carolers at Dean College at 4 p.m. Then head Downtown to Jane's Frames. Come by for some treats and get some unique ideas for your Holiday gift giving. Lucy Gallagher will be offering hand massages as she shares organic skin care products from Neals Yard Remedies from 4-6pm. Also from 4-6 the kiddos are invited to create their own Holiday ornament. At 6pm Jamie Barrett will be entertaining young and old with his talented singing and guitar playing. 

         We are collecting for the Franklin Food Pantry beginning on December 1st until December 12th. Please come view the community mural that was created at the Strawberry Festival and Harvest Festival this year. At an event in 2014, there will be an auction for the mural with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.
Thank you,       
Jane                 
       

 December 5st 
 4:00-7:00pm (ish)

(I expect we'll be celebrating til 8pm)
 

Treats for young and old
 Cookies, Hot Cider,
a relaxing hand massage by Lucy G,
Create your own Holiday Ornament,
Enjoy Live Entertainment by
Jamie Barrett 


Drop off your Donation for the Franklin Food Pantry

Check out the 2013
Red Sox World Series
Panoramic print   



Photo Restoration is our specialty! 
There is still time to get your antique photos restored and framed for that unique Holiday present. We specialize in creating beautifully restored photos printed on high quality artpaper. They will look just like the originals once did! When you frame them using our archival framing methods they will last through many generations.

Your "Name In the Frame" 
Name in the frame
Family name in frame  

Professional   Baseball  Football  Hockey
College Sports, Family Name, Golf, Soccer, Sports pubs
and many other choices
$40. each plus starting at $20 for framing a 14 x 11
   



Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Bubbles ‘n Bark! - Saturday, Dec 7th 1-4 PM

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits
Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits

Pour Richard’s Announces:

Bubbles ‘n Bark!

Saturday, Dec 7th 1-4 PM

Pour Richard’s 14 Grove Street Franklin, MA

To benefit Forever Home Rescue New England

Forever Home Rescue
Forever Home Rescue has saved over 900 dogs, and placed them in loving homes. Do some holiday shopping, eat delicious hot dogs, and help real live dogs, too! 
Featuring many, many delicious wines, a craft cocktail demonstration by the cocktail wizard Corey Bunnewith AND a special guest appearance of the Snappy Dog ladies, Lisa and Teresa. These are not your average hotdogs! Check out what the Boston Globe says about Snappy Dogs, below: http://www.boston.com/2013/11/04/snappy/AgoE7iI7W9nrTejGEhgh4K/story.html
$10 Suggested Donation. Pour Richard’s will also donate 20% of our profits to Forever Home Rescue


Snappy-Dogs


Hockomock Boys Soccer Awards: Kalil, d'Entermont


Joe Kalil was named to the 1st Team and given an honorable mention as Player of the Year when Hockomock Sports.com released their 2013 Boys Soccer Awards. Jesse d'Entermont was named to the 2nd Team.

Read the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/12/hockomocksportscom-2013-boys-soccer-awards.html

WMRC 1490 - Station of the Year Award - 2013


“I was absolutely stunned. This is the equivalent of winning the Super Bowl or the World Series back to back, so I was in complete shock when they announced we had won the Station of the Year Award again. I can’t say enough about my staff, our listeners, and all the local partners we’ve developed over the years” said Tom McAuliffe, owner of WMRC-First Class Radio, as he accepted The 2013 Massachusetts Broadcasters Association’s Station of the Year Award. “And to think we also won the Best Use of Digital Media Award for all of our work on the WMRC Local Music Awards. This certainly proves that our Multi-Media efforts over the past few years are resonating with our listeners and community partners. It’s not just radio anymore.” McAuliffe added.

WMRC Station of the Year Award - 2013

"The Station of the Year Award is the one award that every station strives to win. It's the most cherished station award the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association presents”, explained Jordan Walton, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association. “WMRC truly epitomizes what LOCAL radio, and service to the community is all about, and we're proud to salute them with this honor for the second straight year.”

“The Station of the Year” award, is presented annually by the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association to the most outstanding radio station in the Commonwealth, and is open to all of the more than 180 radio stations.

The “Station of the Year” award is given to the top station in Massachusetts that exemplifies overall excellence in all phases of operation. The judges, members of the Utah Broadcasters Association, cited WMRC had experienced extraordinary growth of audience, client base, and billing, but most importantly, WMRC was providing exceptional service to their listeners, community officials, and local organizations.

To put this award into perspective, the television “Station of the Year” for 2013 was WCVB, Channel 5 Boston, considered by many to be the finest TV station in the United States. You can see the prestige that this award grants WMRC-First Class Radio. This is actually the 5th Station of the Year Award for McAuliffe and WMRC as they won it on three separate occasions back in the 1990’s.

About WMRC
WMRC-First Class Radio 1490AM has been on the air since 1956, making it one of the oldest, continually locally owned and operated radio stations in Massachusetts. Tom McAuliffe II owns and operates the station with his wife Megan. While the station’s signal reaches much farther, WMRC focuses on a 14-town area serving 250,000 people surrounding Milford, MA. WMRC is a Dial Global affiliate and carries both NBC Radio News and complete coverage of the Boston Red Sox, and Boston College Football and Basketball.


In the News: Holiday Stroll

Franklin Downtown Holiday Stroll today

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will offer a treat to revelers this evening with its annual Holiday Stoll.



Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 4, 2013

Present: Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams,
Absent:  Feldman

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 16, 2013
motion to accept, seconded, 8-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
none

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
skipped right by me so I get to say something later

E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-82 : Adoption of Town Council Procedures Manual
motion to accept, second, passed 8-0

2. Resolution 13-83: 505 West Central Street – A Private Way Acceptance of Covenant with Owner
motion to accept, second, passed 8-0

Nutting - this is an agreement to not have a public way where Wendy's is located

3. Resolution 13-84: Confirmatory Order of Taking – Land at 37 Beaver Street
motion to accept, second, passed 8-0

Nutting - bought land, house will be torn down, eventually the parking lot will be expanded for the Senior Center

4. Bylaw Amendment 13-725: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic – 1st Reading
motion to move to second reading, second, passed 8-0

putting into place the bylaw to cover the two way traffic on Main St as part of the Downtown Project

5. Bylaw Amendment 13-724: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates- 2nd Reading

Nutting - this is follow up
Padula - didn't we decide 2 weeks?
Kelly - doesn't really matter 10 days of 2 weeks,
Nutting - calendar days from time of purchase

motion to amend to 14 days, seconded, passed 8-0

motion to accept, second, passed 8-0 via roll call

Citizens Comment
I mentioned The Christmas Carol performance on Dec 12
tickets $10 and available at the Food Pantry and online.
Held at the Franklin United Methodist Church, the performance benefits the Franklin Food Pantry


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 

Holiday Stroll on Dec 5th

Item on next agenda to address bylaw regarding the impervious coverage for the Cook's Farm property, and a referral to the Planning Board


L. OLD BUSINESS 
Bissanti - flag situation, spoke to Mark Ellis, Chair of the Elks
would be contact for the flags putting them up down, etc.
Butting - just come talk with me

Pfeffer - some discussion on the lighting poles regarding the flag holder
Nutting - there is the whole parking issue with downtown, my goal was to come back in Jan/Feb
I am leaning towards keeping the meters and replace them with newer meters that take credit cards
Let me layout all the options so you can make a decision

Nutting - liquor second offence coming up on the next agenda

minutes from the workshop coming 2 weeks at the latest


M. NEW BUSINESS 
Padula - preparations on bylaws for the boards and committees
Cerel - your a legislative body, they are mostly an administrative body, their biggest business is holding and conducting public hearing

Padula - can we get copies?
Cerel - largely your talking about the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Conservation Committee

Padula - if there is protocol in place, what I'd like to see is what we have in place
Cerel - Planning Board has special permit and sub-division coding

Nutting - they are separate entities, you can direct what they do
Some of them are not subject to litigation that some other Boards are, the committee chair will call us from time to time for advice. He will be doing it with the Conservation Commission and it is being scheduled.

Padula - I'll meet with them separately rather than taking more time here. I don't want to get into areas that I shouldn't or we shouldn't

Mercer - budget subcommittee had its first meeting, Jeff got us up to speed and we started the long range plan update; OPEB is the issue that we are facing and will face for some time

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS 
Bissnati - hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving
Jones - thanks to EMC for putting on a great event for economic development, lots of info to absorb; taking the info to the EDC meeting next week

Padula - thanks to the hard work for the preparation, they are great talents and good to work with

Nutting - our doors are always open

Tree lighting ceremony at Dean at 4:00 PM


P. ADJOURN 
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0



FHS Boys Basketball Preview

The Monday after Thanksgiving marks the first day high school winter sports are allowed to begin practice for their approaching season and Coach Dean O'Connor and the Franklin boy's basketball team took to the courts to prepare for their first game on December 13 at Oliver Ames.

Last season the team ended with a 16-8 overall record and 12-4 in the Hockomock League earning second place in the Kelly Rex Division. This year, O'Connor is hoping to see a league championship and a state tournament run.

The team will be led by senior captains Chris Rodgers and Pat O'Reilly. Rodgers, a 6'2 guard, is a returning all-league player who has "improved tremendously" since last season. O'Reilly, a 6'3 forward, saw a lot of court time as a junior and is coming into this year bigger, stronger and more skilled. Also watch for junior Marcus Giese. The 6'7 center was voted last season's most improved player and has worked hard to improve his play in the off season.

The players aren't the only ones working hard for the start of the season, "I prepare for the season by reviewing last season's game films, attending clinics, reading newsletter and books and talking to other coaches," says O'Connor, "The hope is to find ways in which we can improve as a team and program."

The team is faced with a 22 game schedule including two tournaments. Mansfield, Taunton, Attleboro and Sharon are expected to be tough league opponents and Catholic Memorial, Cardinal Spellman, Newton North, Brookline and Christian Brothers Academy from New Jersey will be non-league challenges. The first home game is December 17th against school rivals King Phillip. All varsity games start at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

O'Connor is in his 15th year coaching the boys basketball team at Franklin High School and is eager to get started, "I am excited about the challenge this season will bring," he says, "We have an excellent group of student-athletes who will compete very hard to represent their school and community."



Contributed by Elyse Brightman

Friends Of Franklin Library: Meeting Agenda for Wednesday December 4, 2013


FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday December 4, 2013
Meeting time: 7PM
Meeting place: Franklin Library, Community Room


• Welcome and introductions (Maria)

• Library Director’s report, and request(s) for funds (Felicia)
• Comments and updates from the Library Board of Directors
• Acceptance of minutes from last (November 6) meeting (Vidya)
• Treasurer’s report (Jan)
Vote on library funds requested, if applicable

• Publicity
• Committee updates
o Membership (Joe)
o Outreach – Facebook/Twitter (Phil)
o Downtown Partnership (Barbara)
• Continuing items
o Massachusetts Friends of Libraries (MFOL) membership (Maria)
o Memorial Scholarship
o MBLC meeting

• New Items
o FoFL Bulletin board content
o Session with MFOL representative
o Other (open forum)

Franklin Girls Soccer Team takes top 3 awards

The Franklin High School girls soccer team took the top three awards announced by HockomockSports.com.
"Franklin junior forward Taylor Cogliano has been named the second annual HockomockSports.com Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Cogliano was also voted the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches and was named an All-New England player by the Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Coaches Association. She finished the season with 10 goals and five assists for the Kelley-Rex champion Panthers." 
"Franklin sophomore midfielder Victoria Stowell has been named the second annual HockomockSports.com Girls Soccer Underclassman of the Year. The award is given out to the top freshman or sophomore player from the past season. Stowell was an integral part of the Panthers run to back-to-back Kelley-Rex division titles and consecutive Division 1 South titles". 
"Franklin head coach Tom Geysen has been selected as the 2013 HockomockSports.com Girls Soccer Coach of the Year. It's the second year in a row that Geysen has been selected for this award."



Alexis Stowell, Jane Scafati, Nicole Ellin, and Dani Lonati also received recognition for Franklin as members of the 2nd 11

You can find the full write up of the soccer awards here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/12/hockomocksportscom-2013-girls-soccer-awards.html


In the News: running mates, treasurer appointment

Polito will be Baker's running mate

Former Shrewsbury state Rep. Karyn Polito today announced her candidacy for the office of lieutenant governor and officially joined Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker's campaign as his running mate.

Milford treasurer position ratified to become appointed

The state Legislature has approved a bill that will officially allow the Milford Town Treasurer position to move from an elected to an appointed one, ratifying a decision the Town Meeting made in October.

Given that timeline, with the election results from November Franklin should hear either later this month of sometime in January (assuming the same time line would apply). If you missed it, Franklin did vote to appoint their Treasurer in the November 2013 election when only 11.5% of the voters turned out to cast their ballots.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/precinct-totals-for-nov-5th-election.html


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

FHS Hockey Season Preview

With the cold weather already here, Franklin High School is turning their attention indoors to the winter sports with teams starting practice this week in preparation for the new season.

Coach Chris Spillane and the boy's hockey team are one to watch for after coming off Hockomock League and Division 2 South championships last year. This year the team will face new challenges, "we were moved up to the Division 1 level and will be challenged in our non-league schedule," says Spillane.

Try-outs started Monday morning and after coming off a successful season and with all the new challenges they face, there will be no time to rest. Along with tryouts, the next two weeks see four scrimmages and opening night on December 18 at Canton.

 "Our coaching staff relies on the players to train pre-season and show up for tryouts ready to go," says Spillane.

Canton and Mansfield will be two league rivals to watch out for along with Malden Catholic and Springfield Cathedral on the schedule who pose "extreme challenges". Despite a tough schedule, Coach Spillane is confident in his group of returning goaltenders, who will all be playing their fourth year on the team.

Their first home game is December 20 at 5 p.m. against Malden Catholic.


Contributed by Elyse Brightman

Christmas trees at Akin-Bak

In addition to the produce and honey at the farm stand, Akin-Bak has Christmas trees! They are open from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM through Christmas Eve

Akin-Bak Christmas Trees

For additional info you can find Akin-Bak on the web at  http://www.akinbakfarmllc.com/

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AkinBakFarm


Note: the photo was 'borrowed' from the Akin-Bak Facebook page!

Hockomock Field Hockey - Hock 5

HockomockSports.com announces the Hock5 awards for Field Hockey including:

  • Maddie Bressler and Kelly Dubowski were named to the 1st Team representing Franklin's Field Hockey team.
  • Tara Doherty and Marta Vesprille were named to the 2nd Team. 
  • Lisa Cropper was named Coach ofthe Year for the 15-3-2 record, #6 seed, D1 South Quarterfinals performance.

Read the full listing for Field Hockey here


Representative Roy's December Office Hours

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced Monday that constituent office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the Month of December on the following days:

  • Medway – Thursday December 12th, 7:30-8:30AM, Medway Council on Aging, 76 Oakland Street, Medway, MA
  • Franklin – Thursday December 19th, 8:30-9:30AM, Franklin Senior Center– 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA

Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.

Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2400, stop by Room 134 in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.

In the News: blood drive, property values

Blood drive in Franklin to honor Meredith Green

In honor of Meredith Green, friends and family will host a Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Blood Drive, Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St. Meredith was a member of the Franklin High School Class of 2008.

Franklin's proposed fiscal 2014 property values released

The Board of Assessors this week released proposed property values for fiscal year 2014, showing increases for both residential and commercial properties.


Monday, December 2, 2013

Consider #GivingTuesday so the Food Pantry can provide every day!

Thanksgiving and the other end of year holidays bring many folks around a dinner table to enjoy a good meal with the family and friends. While the awareness of hunger is heightened during this time of year, the reality is such that hunger is a year round problem.


The Franklin Food Pantry looks for ways to enable a sustaining volume of donations so that those they serve can be provided for throughout the year.


For #givingTuesday, there are several ways you can help the Food Pantry.


You can help in the following ‘traditional’ ways


  • Donate food or non-food items. Why non-food items? For those on WIC or SNAP benefits, purchases of personal health care products are restricted. A person needs those just as much as healthy food to live a good life. Review the listing of non-food items for the Healthy Futures shelf.


  • Donate money through the Food Pantry website with a one time payment, or set up a recurring payment. The website allows for payments from bank accounts or credit cards.

For the holiday season you might consider


  • The Franklin Food Elves will be collecting for the Food Pantry in their annual "12 Days of Giving" campaign.  "More than 60 Food Elves will be collecting goods in neighborhoods around Franklin. If you don't have an Elf in your neighborhood, you can still participate in the food drive! Look for the red collection bins at participating Franklin Downtown Partnership member businesses. For additional information, check here.


  • Buying a ticket or two, or more for “A Christmas Carol, Times Two!” A dramatic reading of the classic story  Charles Dickens with musical accompaniment. Thursday, Dec 12th at the Franklin United Methodist Church. Tickets $10 per person. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased in advance through BrownPaperTickets.com/, either on-line or by calling their 24/7 toll-free number 1-800-838-3006  For additional details on this performance check here.


You can also help by


  • Purchasing a “Franklin Pride” bead or necklace or bracelet. These items are carefully crafted in the Franklin blue and buff colors and make great gifts throughout the year. Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day to mention just a few. A percent of the purchase price comes to the Food Pantry thanks to the collaboration with Beads for a Cause


  • Consider “Sponsoring a Shelf”. Contact Erin Lynch, Development Director to discuss how this would work for your budget. She can provide examples of items (peanut butter or toilet paper for example) that the Food Pantry uses on a regular basis. Your donation could provide the funds to keep a shelf stocked with that item for a set period of time. Your name (business or family) would be placed on the shelf to help provide recognition for your contribution.


  • Last but not least, you can find the Franklin Food Pantry on Facebook. “Like” the page and enable notifications to your timeline as the Food Pantry makes updates so you will always be “in the know”. Share items you find are worthy with your friends and neighbors so the Food Pantry can reach all of the Franklin user on Facebook!


  • If you have a Twitter account, you can also find and follow the Food Pantry



When you sit for your next meal, please give thanks for what you have. Please consider giving when you can to help the Food Pantry provide for others in Franklin throughout the year.


This was first posted on the Franklin Food Pantry website
http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org




Note: I am privileged to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Franklin Food Pantry

Santa Claus arrives in Franklin

If the rain kept you away from the Town Common Sunday afternoon, this brief video will take you there to see Santa arrive.




Thanks to the "Concerts on the Common" for putting this together. Everyone who was there had a smile on their face!

Screening of Dalai Lama interview Dec. 11 at Franklin Federated

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 PM the public is invited to a special screening of an exclusive interview with the Dalai Lama that was conducted by theologian Lloyd Geering. The recording will be shown at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street. 
The up-close and personal interview by the two spiritual scholars was the only interview given by the Dalai Lama during a 2013 visit to New Zealand. 
The showing is being cosponsored by Franklin Federated Church and the Franklin Interfaith Council. There is no charge for admission but there will be a free will offering to benefit the Interfaith Council's fuel assistance fund.
Franklin Federated Church

Tiffany Vail Miller
Communication Director
Franklin Federated Church

Hockomock Sports recognizes Irvine, McCue

Lauren Irvine represents Franklin High School on the Hock 5 Volleyball All Star First Team. Dayna McCue received Honorable Mention.

You can find the full listing of the HockomockSports.Com 2103 Volleyball awards here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/12/hockomocksportscom-2013-volleyball-awards.html


Sunday, December 1, 2013

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda, Dec 4, 2013


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 16, 2013

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS – Town Council Schedule

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-82 : Adoption of Town Council Procedures Manual
2. Resolution 13-83: 505 West Central Street – A Private Way Acceptance of Covenant with Owner
3. Resolution 13-84: Confirmatory Order of Taking – Land at 37 Beaver Street
4. Bylaw Amendment 13-725: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic – 1st Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-724: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates- 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Real Property, Fire Negotiations

P. ADJOURN

Franklin, MA: Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


The full set of documents for this meeting as released can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/120413.pdf

FY 2014 Proposed New Assessed Values

The Board of Assessors has posted the following notice on the assessed values for Fiscal year (FY) 2014. The property values are increasing which is good on two counts: 1 - a sign of the economic conditions improving (2) this should also mean that the property tax rate will go down when it is set in December.

Note as reported here annually, the rate goes up when property values go down, and the rate goes down when the property values go up. In either case, the amount of tax levy usually increases. How much we will be asked to pay individually will vary on a number of factors.






FY 2013 property tax rate info
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/tax-rate-info-for-fy-2013-updated.html

FY 2012 property tax rate info
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/11/fm-101-tax-rate-info.html

Affordable housing for sale

As posted on the Franklin webpage, there is affordable housing for sale. There are strict income requirements for this condominium in Benjamin's Landing. You also need to be a first time buyer.




Where is Benjamin's Landing Lane?



A Christmas Carol, Times Two!

"A Christmas Carol Times Two!", a dramatic reading performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" combined with traditional 19th century English Christmas carols will happen on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

"Englishman Thomas Hutchinson, Traveling Thespian" portrayed by actor Al LePage, complete with English accent and Victorian-era clothing, will give his dramatic reading performance based on Dickens' very own historic script as a one-man show using only his voice, facial expressions and gestures to create some 18 characters.

Organist and local minister Rev. Dr. Dianne Carpenter will weave organ music between various scenes to set the tone for what's to come and entertain. This is a special benefit performance hosted by the Franklin United Methodist Church with all proceeds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. Admission is $10 per person and the performance is best appreciated by both adults and children 7 years of age and older.






Tickets are on sale and can be purchased in advance through BrownPaperTickets.com/, either on-line or by calling their 24/7 toll-free number 1-800-838-3006, and if still available, at the door the day of event. 

Doors for the performance open at 6:30PM, the fun begins at 6:45PM, and seating is general admission.


Festive Fun at the Holiday Stroll December 5


Come celebrate the sights, sounds and sweet tastes of the holiday season at the Franklin Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 5, from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. The evening promises fun for the whole family, including a visit from Santa, holiday crafts, live entertainment, tempting treats and seasonal shopping deals at local businesses.
Franklin Downtown Partnership

The Stroll will begin with a traditional tree lighting, complete with carolers, gingerbread men and hot cocoa, at 4 p.m. in front of Dean Hall on the Dean College Campus. From there revelers can stroll through downtown Franklin and explore the festivities at more than 30 participating businesses. A complete listing of each location’s special offerings will be available at the tree lighting and at participating locations.

“Downtown Franklin really shines during the Holiday Stroll,” says Roberta Trahan of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and co-chair of the event. “Families can make an evening of it. They can visit Santa, do a little shopping, listen to a handbell choir, have dinner together, and explore new shops, all while staying close to home.”

Fresh from the tree lighting, visitors can stop by Dean Bank to decorate gingerbread men and hear enchanting performances by the students of the Mount St. Charles Hand Bell Choir at 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

At Santa’s Workshop next to Rockland Trust Bank, the Franklin Girl Scouts will help little ones write letters to Santa and create holiday crafts from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Santa himself will greet children at Simon’s Furniture from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Around the corner from Simon’s, new business Terry Louison Photography invites everyone to stop in for a portrait at the holiday-themed photo booth.

There will be plenty of opportunities to do some holiday shopping at participating businesses. Browse for locally made gifts, plan a holiday party, pick up a gift certificate and catch some martial arts demonstrations while staying warm at the “Holiday Bazaar” located inside the Depot Plaza building next to Acapulco’s on Main Street.

Music and entertainment will fill the downtown. Milford radio station WMRC 1490-AM will broadcast holiday music live at the event. Dean College’s costumed carolers and its a cappella group, Vocal Conviction, will sing at the tree lighting. Franklin High School groups Take 5 and The Salzillo Jazz Trio will appear at downtown locations, and the Franklin Dance Company will entertain the crowds outside Simon’s.

Other venues around town not to be missed include Jane’s Frames, where musician Jamie Barrett will perform, and the Fire Station, which will have a fire engine for the kids to climb upon.

With all of these activities, visitors will work up an appetite. Many businesses will lure shoppers through their doors with holiday treats and warm beverages, and several downtown restaurants will offer meal deals that night.

While strolling, visitors will notice red collection bins at many locations. The Franklin Food Elves, a charitable community service group, will be collecting non-perishable goods for the Franklin Food Pantry as part of the “12 Days of Donating” campaign. The food drive will run through the first two weeks of December.

“It’s important to remember that the holidays are also a time to give back, and in that vein the Franklin Downtown Partnership is working with the Food Elves to help make the ‘12 Days of Donating’ drive another big success,” says Gregg Chalk, Holiday Stroll co-chair. “Last year, due to the generosity of our community, the Food Pantry had resources that lasted into March. We are proud to work with these students and make such a difference.”

The Food Elves will have a drop-off bin placed at the tree lighting ceremony and at Partnership member businesses including Dean College, Dean Bank, DCU, Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, the Franklin Downtown Partnership office, Jane’s Frames, Murphy Business and Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits.

This year’s Holiday Stroll is made possible by Platinum Sponsor Big Y World Class Market, and by Gold Sponsors Dean Bank, Dean College, DCU and Middlesex Savings Bank. Silver Sponsors are D. G. Ranieri Real Estate, Local Town Pages Franklin and Franklin Ford, and Bronze Sponsors are the Franklin Girl Scouts of Southeastern Massachusetts and Simon’s Furniture.

For more information about the Holiday Stroll contact co-chairs Gregg Chalk, gchalk@dean.edu, or Roberta Trahan, roberta_icu1@verizon.net.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize downtown Franklin. For more information about the Partnership please go to our website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, or contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

In the News: beavers, Christmas trees

Beavers remain a pest

The flat-tailed, long-toothed rodents making dams across MetroWest are causing headaches for homeowners, even as environmentalists say beavers are a precious part of the local ecosystem.

More people buying local Christmas trees

On a cold, crisp Friday morning this past week, Eleanor Zelnick was all smiles as she took pictures of family members at Ellsworth Tree Farm.