Tuesday, January 7, 2014

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

The proposed regulations are set for a public hearing today at 10:00 AM.

The Board of Health’s public hearing on new tobacco regulations, written by Health Director David McKearney, is set for Tuesday. 
The three-member board will meet at 10 a.m. at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central St. 
The regulations call for raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 19 and establish a tobacco and nicotine delivery products permit, administered by the board. The town has never had a local tobacco permit, though businesses selling tobacco products must still acquire a license from the state Department of Revenue.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/blog/healthconscious/x407166500/Franklin-Board-of-Health-hearing-on-tobacco-regs-slated#ixzz2phzM2RNJ

You can read the proposed regulations here:




Or find this document on the Franklin Board of Health webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_HealthNews/01C3F009-000F8513 

(Note: The BoH revised their proposed regulations and posted the new set (1/23/14), took down the old. You'll need to figure out what the difference between the two sets are, there are no revision marking on the new document.)
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_HealthNews/01C7D47D-000F8513


Children's Center - Open House Tours - Jan 14th

The Children's Center at Dean College will be holding Open House tours on Tuesday, January 14th.

Details in the postcard shown here:

Dean College Children's Center - Open House Tours
Dean College Children's Center - Open House Tours

For more about the Children's Center you can visit their webpage here
http://www.dean.edu/pre_school.aspx

Annual Report 2013: Housing Authority


BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing Authority held on April 8, 2013.
George A. Danello, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson
Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer
Mark A. Teehan, Assistant Treasurer
John R. Padula, Commissioner

Commissioner Peter L. Brunelli and Commissioner John R. Padula have served on the Board for many years. During their service, they were instrumental in assisting the housing authority receive five ‘Outstanding Agency Awards’ from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials MassNAHRO), including the most recent for obtaining a duplex for the affordable housing of single, low-income persons in the Franklin area. Both Commissioners have been highly respected for their diligent work in providing safe and affordable housing to persons of low income.

Commissioner Brunelli left the Board after serving 18 years and Commissioner Padula left the Board after 22 years of service. Sincere thanks to both from the Franklin Housing Authority.

Diane Padula-O’Neill has been sworn in by the Town Clerk as a new commissioner for the housing authority. We look forward to working with Commissioner O’Neill in the upcoming year.

FHA STAFF
Lisa M. Audette, Executive Director
Candice Day, Administrative Assistant
Carole Blanchard, Office Assistant
Michael Gilligan, Maintenance Supervisor
Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Laborer
James Brunelli, Maintenance Groundskeeper
Anne Ayotte, Service Coordinator

Three highly regarded staff members retired from their positions in the past year. Melva Jackson worked as Office Clerk for 12 years. Diane Lamoureux worked as Office Assistant then Administrative Assistant and retired after 16 years. William Pizzi work as Maintenance Laborer for 10 years. The best of health and happiness is wished for their retirement years.

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A Contract for Funding Assistance from the Department of Housing & Community Development for the purpose of repairing components of the aged agency for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2013. Several projects were completed using this very timely and important funding including the following: 667 development - roof replacement, catch basin repairs, electric panel replacement, installation of GFCI outlets and common room furniture replacement. 200 and 705 developments – roof replacement, concrete repairs and drain repairs. 689 development received new appliances.

Also, Franklin Housing Authority was awarded $22,500 in Health & Safety funds for the placement of the community room floor, foyer floors and stair treads. The Auditor’s Office did an audit of the modernization and procurement activity since 2010. After 3 months of review, no mistakes were found.

FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low income Family Housing and an 8-unit Group Home. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a four bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited support.

Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to reside in a residential neighborhood.

Additionally, Franklin Housing Authority is hoping to develop another Chapter 689 housing facility. Chapter 689 housing is reserved for mentally challenged adults and will be overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. We have secured a suitable site for this development on Plain Street. Approval has been granted from the Town of Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals and the Design Commission. We anxiously await funding for this very important development.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation
• Rotary Club members served their annual spaghetti dinner to FHA residents and area seniors complete with all the fixings. Commissioner John Padula was the head Chef and also provided some entertainment. Rotary members cooked, served, entertained and picked up after. Rotarians always comment that the smiles and the kind words of appreciation received make their time and efforts very rewarding.
• Boy Scouts of America – Troop 126 - Eagle Scout Candidate Lucas Barrett constructed an agency sign and went on to achieve Eagle Scout status.
• Franklin Youth Hockey League – Under the supervision of Ryan Jette and parents, the Franklin Youth Hockey League raked and removed leaves from the FHA Senior property. About 60 volunteers worked to remove over 100 bags of leaves.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the following:
• The Clergy, a continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.
• Franklin Senior Association Members:
Suzanne Wade, President
Linda Doonan, Vice President
Joyce Hutchinson, Treasurer
Evelyn Pelletier, Secretary
Evelyn Mucciarone, Member at Large
This Association plans pizza parties, holiday gatherings, morning coffee and donuts, card parties and many more events for the enjoyment of all Franklin Seniors.
• Chairman Bob Vallee and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jeffrey Nutting and his staff for their continued support and assistance.
• Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and specialized services.
• Franklin Police Department, Chief Semerjian and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.
• Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief Gary McCarraher and his department are always professional and respectful.
• Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative Jeffery Roy, U.S. Congressmen Joseph Kennedy III and Senators Elizabeth Warren & Edward Markey for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our residents at heart.
• Governor Patrick for his support of Massachusetts public housing.
• Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Michael Bellotti for including FHA in their inmate community service program.
• Dean Bank for the donation to our Senior Community Hall and Senior Tenants Group.

Through the years, the community and the housing authority are finding ways to improve the quality of life for our area seniors and low-income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a great, safe and affordable community living opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa M. Audette, PHM, Executive Director

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Monday, January 6, 2014

Franklin Trash/Christmas Tree Schedule

During a holiday week, the trash pickup schedule is adjust by one day. So last week, Monday and Tuesday were normal pickups. Wednesday as the holiday (New Year's Day) was scheduled for pickup Thursday, Thursday became Friday, and so on.

However, the snow storm arrived Friday so there was no pickup for those from Thursday. They were rescheduled for Saturday. Which meant that those who normally would get picked up on Friday, didn't get picked up at all last week and should get get picked up twice this week.

Friday is scheduled for Monday
Monday - Tuesday
Tuesday - Wednesday
Wednesday - Thursday
Thursday - Friday
Friday - Saturday

This schedule assumes that there won't be another weather event this week to disturb the revised schedule.

This is also the week that Christmas trees are scheduled to be picked up on your day of pickup.




Franklin Public Library: Board of Directors Meeting - Agenda


Franklin Public Library Board of Directors Meeting
January 6, 2014
7:00 PM
Library Meeting Room


1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Minutes

4. Report of Board Members
Strategic Plan

5. Report of Library Director
One Book, One Community – Book Selection
Book Sale Revenues
Book Sale Coordinator
Renovation/Construction

6. Agenda Items February

7. Adjourn

YPO Networking - Jan 15th


The United Regional Young Professionals Organization (YPO) will be holding its first event of 2014 at Twenty8 Foods and Spirits in Foxboro located in the Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and Spa at  Patriot Place, in Foxboro on Wednesday, January 15th from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The event will be the first of 3
monthly networking events to support The Julia Cekala Charitable Foundation. Subsequent events will also be held at Twenty8 on the 3rd Wednesday of February and March from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m..
Young Professionals Organization
Young Professionals Organization 

The Julia Cekala Charitable Foundation was created by her parents to support the community through recreation, education and medical assistance. Among those efforts are making long and short term stays
more comfortable for patients and their families at both Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s
Hospital in Boston. They have created Julia’s Playground and Julia’s Garden, a memorial park in North Attleboro to provide peace and play for children and their families in the community. Their fundraising helps to support the continued expansion and maintenance of the park as well educating the community about autism and kidney donation and transplantation.

The cover charge is $5.00 with pre-registration on the YPO website or $10 at the door. Half of the event
proceeds will be donated directly to The Julia Cekala Charitable Foundation. Additional cash donations will also be accepted at the event.

Networking will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and light appetizers will be provided. Don’t miss the opportunity to make connections, build relationships and support a great local charity!

The United Regional YPO consists of a diverse group of young professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement and professional development.

You may register for this event on the YPO’s website unitedregionalypo.org or by contacting 508-488-YPO1 (9761).

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Annual Report 2013: Fire Dept


The Franklin Fire Department is divided into two divisions: Operations and Maintenance, which is the largest and responsible for dispatch, emergency medical services, fire suppression and hazardous materials response. Administration and Support Services is responsible for personnel, budget and finance, training, code compliance and coordinating the Town’s emergency preparedness.

Our Mission

The mission of the Franklin Fire Department is to: Have a positive impact in the lives of citizens and visitors of Franklin in their time of crisis by providing compassionate, contemporary, community driven services.

Safeguard human life from the perils of fire, sudden illness, injury or other emergency medical condition, natural and man-made disasters as well as preserve the environment and property from ensuing destruction.

Be responsible for a safe, productive and pleasant work environment for our employees, and provide them opportunities to gain new skills and advance their personal career goals.

Operational Objectives

  • Initiating advanced life support to patients within 8 minutes of receiving the telephone call at our communications center.
  • To access, extricate, treat and transport and transport trauma patients to a level one trauma medical facility within one hour of the occurrence of the injury.
  • Interrupt the progression of fires in structures within 8 minutes of open flame ignition.
  • To insure response readiness remains greater than 70%.
  • Provide safety and survival skills for all school students in grade K through 5 consistent with the Student Awareness Fire Education (SAFE) initiative of the Commonwealth.
  • Provide educational opportunities for department members to insure optimal performance and safety.
  • To develop and maintain “best practice” to insure personnel and citizen safety.
  • Insure fire safety through timely, consistent code compliance services to all external customers.
  • Provide all department services in a manner that satisfies the needs of our customers.


Message from the Fire Chief

Fiscal Year 2013 has been a very difficult year in maintaining a high level of emergency services for the
community. Reductions in authorized staffing levels experienced in Fiscal Year 2009 have reached their
natural and predicted impact. During the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2013, the department suffered a number
of duty related injuries and extended injuries. (We believe there is a causal relationship between years of
diminished staffing levels and increases duty related injuries.) As a result, we were unable to sustain, either
financially or by staffing, sufficient minimum daily staffing levels (10 personnel) to provide the level of
emergency services the community had previously enjoyed. In November of 2012, we these conditions
forced the department to reduce minimum daily staffing to 9 personnel. The effect on service level has
been negative, with a decrease in response time in the King Street District by 5%, increase in on-scene times
by over 50% and an increase in overall time of incident, department-wide by 9%.

This challenged the safety level for our citizens and firefighter alike. In terms of positive outcomes for medical related emergencies, we know that a one minute increase in response time can increase patient morbidity by 13% one year after the incidents. Additionally, I believe the reduced staffing has had a negative impact on our employees. The department’s loss time accident rate has increased by 40% since down staffing occurred in 2009. In addition to the rate increase, loss time has increase 5 fold, to nearly 3,400 work hours lost in Fiscal Year 2013 due to duty related injury.

This year the department also marked a milestone with the retirement of Lieutenant Paul Beach. Lieutenant Beach began his employment with the department in 1983 as a Call Firefighter and was appointed as a Career Firefighter in 1985. During his nearly 27 years of service to the Town, Paul served in many capacities, serving his last 15 years as the Department’s Technology Officer, leading the department’s transition from paper to the digital age. We wish him and his wife Jean a long, happy and healthy retirement.

This year the department responded to more than 3,400 emergency responses – an overall increase of less than 1% from last year. This modest increase reflected no major increase in any call type category from Fiscal Year 2012.

In addition to emergency response, the department also continued to try to expand its fire prevention education activities, providing safety and survival education to the most vulnerable population to fire – our children and seniors. Through the dedicated efforts of SAFE Officer Robert Donovan, the department continued to educate over 100 children per month as well as attend various activities at the Senior Center. Lieutenant Tom Carlucci with Firefighter Keith Darling and Doug Perro provide dedicated assistance in completing this important service to our citizens.

Our employees continue to be the chief reason for maintaining our current the level of success and level of services we provide our citizens. They continue to work tirelessly to protect life and property within Franklin. In addition to their on-duty responses, our employees commit countless hours in continuing education and training targeted to maintain and improved upon their emergency skills.

Additionally, they continue to press forward in attempt to provide the highest level of service to the
community based upon advancement in the fire-rescue field and advancements in technology. These efforts
have yielded significant and broad insight into the requirements necessary to maintain and improve upon
the services we provide to the citizens of Franklin.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gary B. McCarraher, Fire Chief

Franklin Fire Dept - Tower 1 unit at the downtown fire station
Franklin Fire Dept - Tower 1 unit at the downtown fire station


The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Fallen Hero: John Emidio Pasquantonio


Lance Corporal John Emidio Pasquantonio was born in Franklin on March 14, 1949, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carlo Pasquantonio. John lived with his parents and 3 sisters on Grove St. while attending the Franklin Schools. John enlisted in the Marines, at age 17. 
John was married to the former Jacqueline Mucciarone of Franklin and he left a son, John Carlo, who currently lives here in Franklin. 
Corporal Pasquantonio, assigned to the USS Iwo Jima, had been sent ashore as a forward observer for the Navy guns on the coast of Vietnam, in Quang Tri province, when he was struck by a mortar shell and killed instantly on April 30, 1968. Prior to his death, John had repeatedly volunteered for this hazardous duty landing on the coast by helicopter. Cpl. Pasquantonio was award the Cross of Gallantry Medal, which compares with America's bronze star award, by the South Vietnam government. 
Lance Corporal John E. Pasquantonio was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.








Note: as I was updating links I realized that I had skipped this one when I was putting the series together in November.  The full set of Fallen Heroes from the Vietnam War have been added to the Fallen Hero collection.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Helen Owens Fitness - Open House - Jan 11


My name is Helen Owens and I am a Fitness Instructor. I am a resident of Franklin and I just recently started my own little business, Helen Owens Fitness, teaching fitness classes here in Franklin. I rent the studio space located at 835 W. Central St. #3, right next to Kingdom Cuts and behind the 99 Restaurant.

My friend subscribes to your newsletter/blog and suggested that I reach out to you in hopes that you might consider my new, small business interesting or useful enough for Franklin residents to take advantage of, to include in your postings.
Helen Owens Fitness

I offer Zumba, dance-FIT, and Total Body Conditioning classes. I welcome people of all fitness levels! My objective is to show that fitness can be FUN and doesn't have to be dreaded. So I try to provide a FUN, FRIENDLY and WELCOMING fitness experience for all!

Classes are pay-as-you-go, so no contracts or monthly fees. Your 1st class is FREE. After that, drop in any class, any time for $10. Or you can get discounted class packages (6x classes for $50; 10x classes for $75).

I am also having an OPEN HOUSE party on Saturday, January 11, starting 9am. I am offering a FREE 1-hour Zumba/dance-FIT combo class. There will also be chances to WIN raffle prizes with purchase of a class package. It's a good opportunity for people to come meet me, try a class, and have some fun!

I've attached information about my classes for you to review and share, if you choose. I will be running my first ad in THE SHOPPER next week, which will hit households in Franklin, Bellingham, Wrentham and Norfolk!





Helen Owens Fitness
LIKE my Facebook page: facebook.com/helenowensfitness


In the News: grease fire, train accident, local author

Grease fire guts kitchen in Franklin restaurant

Firefighters were called to a Franklin restaurant Saturday afternoon after grease in a deep fryer ignited, causing some smoke damage to the building.
The Guru Bar and Grill


Man’s leg pinned under train in Franklin

A man was taken to Rhode Island Hospital on Friday with serious but non-life threatening injuries after one of his legs was caught under a train when he fell onto the tracks at the Forge Park station, according to an MBTA spokeswoman.



Franklin author Laura Spinella
To those unfamiliar with the literary business, her career might appear to be stumbling. In fact, the Franklin mother of three has had her share of success, even as she humbly acknowledges to being "a little fish in a big pond." 
Spinella’s first novel, "Beautiful Disaster," a story set in the Deep South about two former lovers reconnected, was nominated in the "Best First Book" category at the 2012 RITA Awards, which recognize the top authors and novels in the popular romance genre. 
And in November, Spinella published her sophomore novel, "Perfect Timing," named by the Open Book Society, an online discussion group of readers throughout the state, as one of the "best reads of 2013."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x407166377/Franklin-author-finds-success#ixzz2pWdnpdAh

Laura's website  http://lauraspinella.net/

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Annual Report 2013: Finance Committee


Thomas Jefferson wrote, "There is a debt of service due from every man to his country, proportioned to the
bounties which nature and fortune have measured to him." With this in mind I reflect on this past year, as well as my past eleven years of service on Finance Committee.

Franklin continues to be a great place to live. Witnessed by so many people who are willing to step up in public service and give back to the community. Over my tenure I have directly served with thirty-six different
FinCom members. For most of my time, FinCom was a one year appointment. Yet the average tenure of these 36 is just over 3 years, while the average of the longest serving five members is just over seven years.

In the democratic process, change happens incrementally. Therefore it is important to maintain some institutional knowledge to maintain consistency of direction. Due to the many public servants in Franklin,
be they volunteers on various committees and projects or paid employees, we do a great job maintaining the
consistency needed for this well run town. Kudos to all.

Our fiscal year, which started July 1, 2012, began with one of our seven year tenured member & long time Clerk, Phyllis Messere choosing not to be renewed. Let me be the first to thank her for years of service. Once again great citizens stepped forward to volunteer and we added Paul Aparo to the committee.

It was a very busy year for FinCom, although somewhat quiet relative to financial issues. During the year the
committee met nine times. Four of those meetings were focused on the Fiscal 2014 budget process.
Additionally, several members participated in the annual meeting of the Association of Town Finance
Committees held at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. We also continued the efforts to
maintain departmental communication with an active joint budget subcommittee meetings attended by
Councilors, School Committee Members and FinCom members.

Incremental Progress
Our accomplishments over the years were many. And while towns must proceed amidst a cacophony of
Federal, State & local laws, rules & regulations continued focus and public debate enables improvements to occur. Some change impacts few, such as the merging of school and town financial systems or an improved budget presentation. Some change is more visible and impact all, such as capital improvements. We can be inspired by the people who are willing to be involved in the public discourse as it is open for all to have their say. And I am proud of all the improvements to our town.

My farewell
As many know by now, the Finance Committee will have a new Chair this upcoming year. After 11 years on
the committee, six as Chair, I have decided not to seek reappointment. I leave knowing there were good people on the committee before me, good people remain and good people will continue to step up. I thank all who have served, all who have helped me serve better and all who will step up in the future. Trust that your service does make a difference.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jim Roche
Chairman, Franklin Finance Committee

Chris Quinn, Vice Chair
Susan Dewsnap, Clerk
Paul Aparo
Michael Dufour
Brett Feldman
Pat Goldsmith
Linda Poole Huempfner
Tim Smith

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2013report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/



Healthy eating out? There is an app for that!

Eating healthy with home cooked meals is one thing. Trying to eat healthy when eating out can be something quite challenging. Fortunately, there is an app for that. If you have a smart phone, you can use this new app to help make healthy choices.
Launched in the early 1990s, Healthy Dining began as a book publisher of healthful menu options offered at restaurants in the Southern California region. Today, the company operates a website, Health Dining Finder, that allows users to search for nearby restaurants and view a list of dietitian-approved menu options with nutrition information and a selection of kid-friendly items backed by the National Restaurant Association's Kids LiveWell program. And as of late November, the "Healthy Dining Finder" app is available in a GPS-enabled mobile format, delivering access to better-for-you food at 60,000 full-serve and quick-serve restaurant locations. Users can filter results by price and distance, as well as alphabetically.

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/archive/x1275651259/Nutrition-News-Healthy-eating-app#ixzz2pKw0RWjr

The app webpage can be found here  http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/

They provide assistance to restaurants in menu preparation to provide healthy choices
http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/restaurant-partners/our-expertise

Their "Road to Health' blog offers good articles in this space
http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/blogs-recipes-more/Road-to-Health


Wicked Local - Storify on Hercules

Storify is a cool tool that will allow someone (in this case WickedLocal) to put together a story combining tweets around a particular hashtag. As the Twitter users make their posts including the hashtag #Hercules, WickedLocal then sorted to get the Eastern MA users to put together this "story"

One of my personal tweets showed the back deck and the wooden furniture covered with snow, though not covered as much as in past years. What caught my eye to take the photo was the holes in the snow where it was able to fall through the boards of the decking.

You can scroll along almost to the end to find my posting/picture and see a sample of what everyone else was doing yesterday.

Enjoy!

"I’m keeping an open mind"

Wicked Local reports on Representative Jeff Roy's efforts to learn all he can about the issues around licencing of firearms.
According to Roy, the Sandy Hook shooting served as a catalyst. Leaving the University of Massachusetts after a training session for newly elected lawmakers, Roy said he heard the first reports from Newtown, Conn. 
"It chilled me and gave me a real sense of the work I was going to undertake on Jan. 2," Roy said, referring to his swearing-in date. "I knew gun violence was going to be an important topic in the Legislature." 
The Legislature’s work on new state gun proposals will ramp up with the release of the gun violence task force’s anticipated report. Appointed last year by House Speaker Robert DeLeo, the group has been meeting with mental health experts, researchers, school officials and police chiefs, Roy said. 
The report, he said, will touch on school safety, mental health and gun licensing.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x407166258/Roy-prepping-for-debate-on-gun-laws#ixzz2pQje5aR5

Friday, January 3, 2014

Trash Pickup Delay Explanation


Good morning, once again.  A follow up message from the DPW.  To clarify, this weeks' trash pickup has been delayed due to New Year's AND the storm.  Thursday pickup will be tomorrow, today's will be Monday, and ALL of next week will be delayed by one day due to logistics (Monday will be Tuesday, Tuesday will be Wednesday, etc).  Next week is also Christmas tree pickup; just put them out with your trash.  Thank you for your understanding.  Good bye.
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Trash Pickup Delayed



Good Morning.  This is a message from DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi.  Due to the storm, trash and recycling pickup will be delayed one day. 


This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.


#Hercules

Hercules!

yes, #Hercules is here... hunker down, stay warm...

a nice snow covered street in Franklin
a nice snow covered street in Franklin

The plows have been by but are due back when the snow ends to clean up

Stay warm!

Annual Report 2013: Community Garden Committee


As we enter our third season at the King Street Community Garden, we are proud to report that we are
continuing to provide the citizens of Franklin with a place to meet, learn, and grow. Experienced and novice gardeners of all ages are taking advantage of our commitment to a healthy space in which we can share the joy of growing organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Partnering with the Town of Franklin, the Recreation Department and the nonprofit Friends of Franklin
Community Gardens, Your Community Garden Committee:
  • Identifies appropriate locations
  • Coordinates design and construction of new gardens
  • Develops and enforces rules and regulations for the gardens
  • Oversees the plot lottery, gardener registration and plot distribution
We pledge to continue:
  • Supporting our community in growing local food
  • Providing locally harvested food to those in need
  • Promoting increased social interaction through gardening within our community
  • Developing an educational garden for all ages
In 2013, we increased our available garden space by eight beds, following the move downtown of the four
beds formerly reserved for growing produce for the Franklin Food Pantry and the building of four brand new
beds. Even with the expanded space, we have many aspiring gardeners still on the wait list for a bed!

This season, we've introduced some new systems to help our garden run more smoothly, including a
biweekly work day to allow all gardeners the chance to help out with general maintenance and a flag system
to alert gardeners to potential trouble spots. It’s not all work though – we've also introduced a monthly award for the best garden.

Our garden shed has also seen a few upgrades, including additional interior shelving, a rainwater collection system, and a bulletin board for gardeners to communicate with each other and learn about garden events.

We look forward to many more harvests to come! If you would like to join us for the 2014 season, please
visit the Franklin Recreation Department in person or online and select “register for activities” then select
“community garden.”



The Community Garden Committee meets the First Monday of the month at Town Hall. Check the Town of Franklin Meeting Calendar for details.

If you are interested in serving on the committee, please contact any committee member or visit the Town Clerk’s office.
Amy Acevedo, Chair
Christopher Clay, Vice-Chair
Kiernan Reed, Secretary
Rich Clauser, Member
Bonnie Kaiden, Associate Member

Respectfully Submitted,
Kiernan Reed

See "Hansel and Gretel" Sunday, Jan 5th




Sunday, Jan.5, 2014
Performances at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Attleboro High School Auditorium
100 Rathbun Willard Dr.
Attleboro, MA 02703

Free Admission
Sponsored by: The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
42 Union Street
Attleboro, Massachusetts 02703
508-222-0801


The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Six One Seven Studio - Open House - Jan 9th; 4:30pm to 7:00pm


Hello!
 
Just a reminder that the team at Six One Seven Studios would like to cordially invite you to our first open house event on January 9th at 4:30 PM. We are a new Franklin based video production company and would like to celebrate our arrival in Franklin with you, and many other Franklin based businesses.  
Stop by any time between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM. We are located at 25 Kenwood Circle,  Franklin, MA.  
Please check out our brand new studio, and meet our team of video professionals.  
We hope to see you there and look forward to meeting you! Please spread the word!  
Check out the studio here: www.vimeo.com/82308994 
Please check out our website www.sixonesevenstudios.com were you can view some of our previous work, and see what we're all about. 
Please RSVP by emailing Linda Conley at HMEA lconley@hmea.org 
Or feel free to contact me directly with any questions.

Bryan Roberts
Creative Director | Executive Producer
857-202-7690 25 Kenwood Circle Franklin, MA 02038
www.sixonesevenstudios.com
TELLING YOUR STORY

In the News: FPSA auditions

FSPA slates auditions for ‘Technicolor Dreamcoat’

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold auditions for the children’s ensemble of an all-student production of the hit family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Monday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m. (ages 6-9) and 7:45 (ages 10-11) at 38 Main St. in downtown Franklin.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Recycling Center Closure


Good Evening.  This is a message from DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi.  Due to the snow storm, the recycling center will be CLOSED tomorrow, January 3rd, re-opening Saturday January 4th.
This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Schools Closed Friday, January 3, 2014


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Afternoon
This is a message from the office of the Superintendent of Schools.  Based on inclement weather conditions, all Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 3rd.

Stay safe.


This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

When are the Christmas trees going to be picked up?


According to the most recent recycling newsletter, the trees are scheduled for pickup during the week of Jan 6th. Like prior years, I would expect it to be scheduled for the day of your normal trash pickup.

Page 2 of the flyer attached here has the calendar with the week of Jan 6th marked for the special collection of Christmas trees





You can also find the flyer on the Franklin webpage here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/WM_00218_Franklin%206pg_rWEB.PDF

Planning for 2014

Milford Daily News takes a look at what the local communities are planning for in 2014.
In Franklin, the new Franklin High School is set to be completed in the summer and open in the fall, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 
The town will be reimbursed 59 percent from the MSBA for the $103.5 million, 300,000-square-foot high school. 
Also, a nearly $7 million project is planned for downtown funded with state aid and a federal grant. The project calls for repaving and widening roads and sidewalks and installing new traffic lights and signs.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915456701/Looking-ahead-towns-2014-goals#ixzz2pEkq05XQ

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year - welcome 2014!


2014 is upon us. 2013 is no longer. What did we learn to help us prepare?

There are changes taking place all the time. Some are more obvious than others. Artistry Kitchen is continuing their preparations to open downtown.

Artistry Kitchens
The commuters from the Franklin/Dean College station would have noticed that the coffee shop operated by the Cake Bar has closed.

coffee shop at Depot Station has closed; The Cake Bar remains open on East Central St

The challenges around us can be better met with coordination, collaboration and communication.


The answer to Tuesday's "Where in Franklin?" photo was provided by: Jamie Barrett

The tree is the large one on the Dean College campus in front of their dorm building on Main St, next to the Library.

answer to Where in Franklin 2013 08


This will be the only post today. Enjoy the time with your family and friends.

If you really need something to read you dig into the archives. for example, pick a day, any day and then see what was posted on that date in 2013. Then go to the same date in 2012, and so forth back to 2008.

thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the holiday decorations
thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership for the holiday decorations


If you like what you read here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like what you read here, please tell me!