Franklin Matters: 2016-05-08

Saturday, May 14, 2016

2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) - draft for review and comment

"Enclosed please find a copy of the Town of Franklin’s draft 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan for your review, comment. The official comment period is 5/16/16 through 6/16/16 and a public hearing on the Draft Plan has been scheduled by the Conservation Commission on May 26, 2016 at 7:20 in the Town Council Chambers.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information."

George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent

To submits comments contact the Conservation Commission at:

Town of Franklin

Attn: Conservation Commission

355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038

508-520-4929

conservation@franklin.ma.us

SECTION 1: PLAN SUMMARY

This 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is an update of the Town of Franklin’s 2001 and 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plans. The 2001 Plan was prepared for Franklin as well as two other communities, Bellingham and Blackstone, and addressed the region as well as each community. The 2008 OSRP document addressed only the open space and recreation issues and resources relevant to the Town of Franklin. The 2016 OSRP continues with a detailed a practical approach to preservation of public and privately owned open space through growth management techniques, public awareness, management of existing Town owned open space, enhancement of existing and development of new recreation resources and the continued protection of natural resources.

In fall 2015, the Franklin Conservation Commission assumed the task of overseeing and preparing the update of the OSRP. Assisted by Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development, Park and Recreation Department and Public Works Department, the Commission assessed the Town’s open space preservation and recreation needs; gathered input from residents regarding personal priorities, desires, and perceived needs; developed the OSRP’s goals, objectives, and five year action plan; and reviewed and edited draft versions of the OSRP. In addition, a re-evaluation of the accessibility of the Town's open space and recreation facilities was conducted (see Appendix C), an inventory of the Town's open space, recreation, and conservation properties (see Appendix B) was updated, and descriptions of the Town's substantial resources were compiled, updated and included in the OSRP.

Since the 2008 Plan was approved, progress has been made on the Goals and Objectives included in that Plan. Among them are:

Through a student project working with the Conservation and Engineering Departments, installed informational signage at the DelCarte Recreation Area (Goal 1, objective 1.1)
Created a map of the entire Town’s recreation and park areas. (Goal 1 objective 1.2) (Also objective 4.4a in the 2013 Master Plan)
A butterfly park was constructed in the King Street Memorial Park in 2014 as a school project and it has been well received and highly successful. (Goal 1, objective 1.2)
DCR and the Franklin Conservation Commission have permitted improvements to the SNETT trail from Prospect Street in Franklin into Bellingham. (Goal 3, objectives 3.4 & 3.5)
A major dam renovation project, canoe launches, a boardwalk over portions of a pond and a 5-12 age appropriate playground were completed in the DelCarte Recreation area all of which increase access to all sections of the area. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
Developed a 2-12 age appropriate playground at Fletcher Field (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
Developed an ADA compliant sculpture park, with walking areas and benches adjacent to the Franklin Police station (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
Erected a bridge via an Eagle Scout Project in conjunction with the Town Conservation and Engineering Departments over a stream crossing in the Town’s disk gold course. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
Developed a dog park at the Dacey Recreation Area. (Goal 3, objective 3.2)

The 2016 OSRP includes numerous goals, objectives and proposed actions that were the result of input from a large number of Town residents. This input was provided at two public hearings, during regular committee meetings, in letters and emails, during meetings with Town personnel and non-profit organizations, and through two citizen participation questionnaires (see Appendix F). Based on this input, it was determined that there is a desire to develop additional passive recreation areas within the Town and to improve existing recreational facilities. Specifically, Franklin’s residents’ wish for the Town to provide new bike trails, obtain and increase management of conservation lands, and provide community based areas such as bike trails, hiking trails, a youth center and swimming pools.

The open space and recreation planning process resulted in four main goals and related objectives and a five-year action plan that outlines specific tasks to meet the Town's open space and recreation goals. The goals within the updated 2016 OSRP were developed based on public input and the Conservation Commission believes these goals reflect the priorities of the Town’s residents. In general, the goals of the community should be to obtain (as needed), improve, and make fully accessible, the proper balance of active and passive recreational and conservation resources, while maintaining the community as a suburban center with a rural quality. The Town’s primary open space and recreation goals are as follows:

GOAL 1: Increase public awareness of open space and recreation opportunities in Franklin
GOAL 2: Preserve and enhance existing Town open space resources.
GOAL 3: Maximize recreational opportunities to meet the community’s evolving needs by maintaining current inventory of facilities and programs and by providing new facilities and programs for both active and passive recreation.
GOAL 4: Protect natural, historical and cultural resources and maintain Franklin's New England character.
GOAL 5: Preserve and Protect the Town’s Water Resources.

The OSRP’s implementation, and achievement of the above goals, will require the
commitment of a broad variety of organizations and individuals, including non-profit
organizations, state agencies, resident volunteers, and Town departments, boards,
commissions, and committees. Through the combined efforts of all parties mentioned
above the Town feels confident that the OSRP can be implemented to meet the prescribed goals over the five-year planning period.

overflow parking lot at Wachusetts St for Fletcher Field

The full report can be found here or on the Town of Franklin webpage

FHS softball and girls lacrosse post wins on Friday

Baseball

Franklin @ St. Peter Marian – Postponed to 5/15 at 12:00

Softball

Milford, 4 @ Franklin, 5 – Final

– Each time that Milford made a move, Franklin seemed to have an answer on Friday. The Scarlet Hawks took a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth only for the Panthers to match it in the bottom half of the inning. Base hits from Olivia Haba and Alyssa DaSilva as well as a sacrifice fly from Julia Arms knotted the game 3-3. Milford’s Jess Tomaso (3-3) belted a solo home run in the top of the fifth but once again, Franklin had an answer. Allie Shea walked and Clara DeCarvalho’s base hit put two on. Junior Alexx Niss connected for a two run double in the inning to put the Panthers ahead 5-4. Caroline D’Aprile struck out four while scattering six hits for the Panthers. Haba came up with three catches in the final innings to help Franklin preserve the win.

Girls Lacrosse

Franklin, 12 vs. Grafton, 7 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-051316/

FHS Panthers

In the News: Senior Center expands programs, Franklin Art Center summer registration

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Town Council, at its most recent meeting, heard an update on services provided to local seniors where the subjects of mental health and substance abuse were raised.

Senior Center Director Karen Alves spoke about upcoming initiatives to address the mental health of the elderly. She said she had recently taken a course in which the subject was covered, and was surprised to learn that older people are often an under-served population.

"Primary care physicians are not necessarily primed to talk to older adults about depression and anxiety," she said.

Another concern, she said, is substance abuse among seniors, something she said is an emerging trend.

"It's called a silent epidemic because no one wants to talk about it," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160513/franklin-senior-center-to-tackle-mental-illness-substance-abuse

Franklin Senior Center

Franklin Art Center, 391 E. Central St., is now taking registrations for summer classes. Classes are available for pre-K to adults. Some new classes have been added this year. Updates will be posted on Facebook weekly over the summer.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160513/franklin-art-center-releases-summer-schedule

SUBSTANCE ABUSE in “Our Community”

Presenters:
State Representative, Jeffrey Roy
SAFE Coalition President, James Derick

Date/Time:
Monday, June 20, 2016. 7:00 pm

Location:
Dean College Campus Center, Atrium
Emmons St., Franklin, MA (Parking from 109 West St)

Agenda:

1. How did we get here? A discussion on the history of the Opioid epidemic, nationally and locally.

2. Public Health Epidemic – Discuss current trends in substance abuse. Just how bad is the problem and how is it impacting our communities?

3. Faces of the Epidemic – Hear from a person in long term recovery into and out of active addiction.

4. What defines a substance abuse disorder? What triggers addiction? How does a person recover from his or her disease?

5. Responding to the Epidemic – How has the federal and state government responded and how are community agencies responding? What role do community coalitions play?

6. How do citizens become involved in helping communities heal and in promoting change?

7. Q and A: Engage audience members in the discussion.

presented by the Franklin Odd Fellows

Winetasting Reception, Winery Tour & Entertainment

Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute
The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning

DON'T MISS OUT

REGISTER TODAY

La Cantina Winery was born out of love of traditional Italian winemaking with friends and family.

Since its inception, La Cantina Winery has become the premiere location for learning the process of winemaking.

Winetasting Reception,
Winery Tour and Entertainment
at LaCantina Winery

Friday, June 10

Dear Friends:

   The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning, in conjunction with La Cantina Winery, is pleased to invite you to join us on the evening of Friday, June 10 for an extraordinary experience.

   You will have the opportunity to sample the award-winning wines that have become a staple at La Cantina Winery in Franklin, along with various delicious cheeses and fruits.

   In addition, you will be treated to a tour of the winery AND you will be entertained by our own Brent Selby, Claflin Hill Symphony's Assistant Principal Cellist.

You won't want to miss this evening!

Friday, June 10

6:00 to 9:00 PM

$30 per person

For More Information and To Register

click here

FPS- Life Long Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with

Try it free today

Meet me at the Y for our Camp Open House on Sunday, May 22, 10:00am-1:00pm

The Hockomock Area YMCA invites residents in local communities to try out camp at our Summer Camp Open House on Sunday, May 22nd from 10:00am-1:00pm at our Bernon Family Branch (located at 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin), at our Foxboro Branch (located at 67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro), and our North Attleboro Branch (located at 300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro).

Learn why kids have the ‘Best Summer Ever’ when they attend our summer camps.

This outdoor-based family event will highlight activities such as camp crafts, music, summer games, camp themes, bounce house, and more for all to enjoy. Children will get to participate in and experience Y Camp hands-on. The open house is designed to provide prospective campers and parents with the chance to tour our camp facilities, meet camp directors and counselors, ask questions, and try out the many activities our summer camps offer. We will offer a special open house promotion to all who attend. Go to hockymca.org for more information.

At Camp Wiggi (Franklin), Camp WAPAWCA (Foxboro), and Camp Elmwood (North Attleboro) children look forward to built-in swim lessons, free swim, sports, gaga pit, arts & crafts, theatre, nature, games, music, archery, ropes team building, camper’s choice, fun weekly themes, special guests, field trips, STEM and more. Grades 2-5 go on weekly field trips to new and exciting places such as the zoo, scenic ponds and lakes, attend PawSox games, play laser tag, and much more. First graders stay on-site and are visited every Wednesday by such fun things as magicians, mad scientists, a petting zoo and more.

Our Hockomock Area YMCA camps are enriched further with reading, writing, and science programs to help close summer learning gaps between school years. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers 3, 4, and 5 day camp options, busing with multiple stops in the local community, as well as pre and post care from 7:00-9:00am and 4:00-6:00pm for parents in need.

Y summer camp photo

The YMCA is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that believes its programs and services should be available to everyone. For information about our financial assistance program, visit our website at hockymca.org. Scholarships are made available through the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth & Families Annual Campaign.

For more information about camp at the Hockomock Area YMCA, please visit hockymca.org or call the Bernon Family Branch at 508.528.8708, Invensys Foxboro Branch at 508.772.1353, or the North Attleboro Branch at 508.695.7001.

Friday, May 13, 2016

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 5/13/16 - THU 5/19/16

FRIDAY 5/13/16
9am School Committee Coffee Hour at Franklin Senior Center
6pm The Black Box Cabaret: An Unexpected Coda
6:30pm Art Night Uncorked at the Franklin Art Center

SATURDAY 5/14/16
7am-5pm Stamp Out Hunger Community Drive (leave non-perishable items by your mailbox)
9am-12pm Bottle and Can Drive at FHS parking lot (supporting the All Night Party)
10am Franklin Fives Road Race supporting the SNETT development at the Remington Middle School
12pm FPAC Open Auditions for Little Shop of Horrors (ages 15+)
2pm Encore Music Academy - Seniors Concert 2016
8pm Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Jim Kweskin and Samoa Wilson

SUNDAY 5/8/16
7am-2pm 1st Annual FPAC Yard Sale at The Black Box
8am-12pm Celebrate Spring Breakfast by Franklin Sons of Italy at the VFW Post, Pond Street.
9am-2pm Car Wash to benefit FHS Track and Field Boosters at Davis Thayer School
5pm FDP’s Progressive Dinner/Restaurant Stroll

TUESDAY 5/17/16
1:30pm Knitting Circle for Adults at Franklin Public Library (25 Kenwood Circle)
6:30pm Teen Advisory Board at the Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 5/19/16
3pm Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones at Franklin Senior Center
6-8pm Opening Door to Federal Government Contracting - free seminar at Incontro Restaurant
7pm Franklin SEPAC Workshop: Communication and the IEP presented by the Federation for Children with Special Needs.

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Healthy Kids Day - May 14

On Saturday, May 14, the Hockomock Area YMCA is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event that encourages kids to be active and provides families with options and methods for living healthier lives. The event will take place at Patriot Place in Foxborough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fun, creative, and healthy activities for children will take place at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon.

having fun at Healthy Kids Day 2015

“Our Y is excited to once again celebrate Healthy Kids Day and appreciate the support and collaboration with our good friends at Patriot Place who will host us for the fourth consecutive year,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Healthy Kids Day reinforces the importance of our Healthy Futures initiative and encourages kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active, and live healthier lifestyles.”

“We are thrilled to once again host the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day,” said Patriot Place General Manager Brian Earley. “All of us at Patriot Place are proud to partner with such an innovative, mission-driven organization on a signature event that showcases healthy lifestyles in our community.”

Healthy Kids Day will feature active play and engaging activities throughout the NRG Plaza and parking lot, including youth and family fitness challenges, Kids Zumba classes, gymnastics obstacle courses, nutrition games, STEM learning activities, an interactive photo booth, fire and police safety, caricature art, air brush tattoos, arts and crafts, garden and planting activities, dance party, food samples and more. Join Hockomock Y Summer Camp staff for some favorite camp activities including tie-dye shirts, Gaga Pit ball games, arts and crafts and more fun. Elmo, SpongeBob and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle will be making appearances during the event and prizes, coupons and goody bags will also be part of the day for all attendees.

Healthy Kids Day - May 14, 2016

Community partners include Healthy Kids Day event sponsors Norwood Hospital and Stop and Shop and the following Patriot Place businesses: 5 WITS, Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center at Patriot Place, B&W Dermatology Department & Dana Farber, B&W Rehabilitation Services, Bass Pro Shops, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt at Patriot Place, Reebok, Rev’d Indoor Cycling, and Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ and Howl at the Moon. Additional community partners include: CBS Radio 103.3 AMP Team, Chestnut Dental, Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County, Cooking Matters Massachusetts, Franklin Food Pantry, Fuel Up to Play 60, Mansfield Community Garden, Mass Safe Routes to School, Milford Regional Medical Center, Miscoe Hill & Nipmuc High Skippers, Norfolk DA Office School Programming, Pediatric Dental Healthcare, Plantation Products, RWL Weightlifting, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Way Better Snacks, and WIC Nutrition Program.

The Dana Farber Blum Family Resource Center Van will be on site to provide sun safety and skin cancer-related information and screening at no cost.

The New England Kids Triathlon will be participating with information about their annual event in New England and a triathlon demonstration.

Dorel Juvenile Group will hold car seat safety checkpoints in the parking lot outside of the plaza. Families are encouraged to bring their vehicles for a check. Speak with a technician about proper car seat installation and receive useful child passenger safety tips.

“Encouraging lifelong education and an enthusiasm for learning are key components of our Y’s youth development focus. Healthy Kids Day is another forum for our Y to provide kids and families with further opportunities to learn, grow and have fun together,” said Earley, who also serves as Chairman of the Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors.

The community is invited to participate in the Y’s Healthy Food Access Food Drive taking place now at YMCA branches in Foxborough, Franklin and North Attleboro and other community locations. Healthy Futures Franklin will be hosting a ‘Stuff a Truck Challenge’ benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. The Franklin Food Pantry will bring their mobile pantry truck to the event and challenge the community to fill it with healthier food items. For a complete listing of donation requests, visit hockymca.org.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

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

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

About Patriot Place

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 16 casual to high-end restaurants and other entertainment venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the 16,000-square-foot CBS Scene Restaurant & Bar, the award-winning Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ featuring live entertainment by Howl at the Moon, and the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel.

For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

FHS boys and girls tennis top Milford

Boys Tennis

Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final

– The Panthers picked up their third win of the week and second in as many days, sweeping Milford. Rahul Herur, Eli Brooks and Dan Barrow swept at first, second and third singles, respectively. Tom Mancini and James Johnston won at first doubles and Tyler DiPalma and Derek Wu won at second doubles for Franklin.

Girls Tennis

Milford, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-051216/

FHS Panthers

Reminder: First Annual 5k Race - May 21

Join Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC) in Norfolk as we put on our First Annual 5k Race for Hope!! Our goal is to create an environment where the church and community can join together in raising awareness and hope for those in our midst who suffer from human trafficking, drug addiction and other areas of injustice.

5K Run/Walk (rain or shine)

Date: Saturday, May 21, 2016

Time: Registration opens at 8:30am; Race begins at 9:30am

Location: Emmanuel Baptist Church (63 Rockwood Rd., Norfolk, MA) - Additional parking is a short walk away at the Freeman-Kennedy school located on 70 Boardman St. in Norfolk

Donations: Money raised will go towards supporting the Amirah House, a faith-based nonprofit organization located in the Boston area that strives “to provide a refuge for those seeking to break free from exploitation and heal in community on their journey toward lasting hope.” The Amirah House provides safe homes for those that want to break free from sexual exploitation. They believe each human life is sacred, created in God’s image, and therefore, worthy of love, mercy and justice. It’s their goal that each woman served at Amirah will be restored and empowered with a sense of her inherent value and God-given strengths.

We are asking all race participants to raise/donate a minimum of $25.00* to help cover the event costs.

How to participate:

Click "Join the Team" on the website https://www.crowdrise.com/5k-for-hope
Ask people to sponsor you. All of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Amirah House in Boston (www.amirahboston.org). Spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, everyone! Help us bring hope to victims of injustice.
Show up on race day! Come to run, walk or just spend your morning with us as we gather together as a church and a community.

Race for Hope

THE BLACK BOX Cabaret presents An Unexpected Coda

BLACK BOX Cabaret presents An Unexpected Coda, celebrating the music of artists who left us too soon. Featuring hits from pop icons of different eras, this special evening will share their stories and enduring legacy. The cabaret will be staged on Friday, May 13 at 8 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue.

Spotlighting the vocal talents of area performers, BLACK BOX Cabaret is presented in an intimate night-club atmosphere with professional accompaniment. A cash bar is available.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Tickets also may be purchased at the door.

THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street.

THE BLACK BOX

Special Memorial Day Promotion at Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center

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SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY PROMOTION

This year I wanted to do something special to honor the memory of our fallen heroes. So I've found a very special way to do that.

The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization partnering with civic groups, florists, and small business owners to put long-stemmed roses on the graves of veterans for Memorial Day. They have been doing this since 2011 in Arlington National Cemetery (last year placing 120,000 roses) and in hundreds of communities all across the country!

I made arrangements with the Foundation to have 250 roses delivered to the shop just before Memorial Day weekend. Because of this purchase, The Memorial Day Flowers Foundation will place 150 additional roses on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day.

So that we too can participate in this important celebration this Memorial Day, I'm inviting you to come to our shop on the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and take a free flower to place on the grave of a veteran in your local cemetery. If you don't have a deceased family member who is a veteran, you can still take a flower and decorate the grave of ANY veteran to remember them.

Please note that I have 250 flowers being delivered. This offer is only good while supplies last, so come in early to ensure you get a rose.

It would be great if you would take pictures of your families decorating the graves and post them on our Facebook page or send them to me via email. I'd like to make a collage of our celebrating this important holiday to remind us all of what this day is truly about.

Another exciting part of this promotion is that we will be presenting some Quilts of Valor quilts to a few recipients on Saturday . Deb Brazil will be at the shop representing the Quilts of Valor organization and will conduct the ceremony. So if you are interested in seeing real time how much the recipients appreciate receiving a special quilt, come to the shop on Saturday, May 28 . When we finalize the exact time, I will send out an email to confirm the details. So save the date!

Emma's Quilt Cupboard and Sewing Center

12 Main Street
Franklin, MA 02038
(508) 520-0234
http://www.emmasquiltcupboard.com/

Store Hours
Mon-Sat: 10 am-6 pm
Sun: 12 noon-4 pm

Thursday, May 12, 2016