Tuesday, February 7, 2017

School Superintendent Search starts again

This special School Committee meeting was called to cover the discussion and decision on the School Superintendent search process. The Committee voted 7-0 to re-open the process as the two final candidates were not a 'good fit'.



Randy from HYA talks with the School Committee
Randy from HYA talks with the School Committee


My notes during the meeting were posted via Twitter and recaptured here


Town of Franklin: Police Dept - Use of Force Data


"The Franklin Police Department believes in transparency and open information. To this extent the website will also provide information on documented use of force incidents within the agency. The Franklin Police Department has a Use of Force Policy, and a separate but equally important policy on specific incidents that require an officer to file a report when force was used. Both of these policies are available for viewing. These policies conform with State and Federal guidelines, and are reviewed annually during weapons training. They are also reviewed or revised when there is a significant Court decision that has direct bearing on the policy.

Franklin Police Use of Force Policy

Franklin Police Use of Force Reporting Policy

We will also be publishing information on our own Use of Force data. We pride ourselves on having a group of talented and professional officers. No police department can realistically expect to operate without having to ever use any amount of force. To this extent, based on the number of daily police interactions, calls for service, and custodies, we process every year, we believe these numbers reflect the strong training, and verbal control tactics employed by our officers."

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Police Dept webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/use-force-data

The Franklin Police headquarters i  located at 911 Panther Way
The Franklin Police headquarters i  located at 911 Panther Way

Both FHS basketball teams and the girls hockey team posts wins on Monday



Girls Basketball = Franklin, 49 @ Taunton, 29 – Final
– Bea Bondhus had a team-high 14 points for Franklin and freshman Ali Brigham added 11 as the Panthers made it three straight wins and seven wins in the last nine games.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 7 @ Dover-Sherborn/Hopkinton, 0 – Final

Boys basketball = Taunton, 36 @ Franklin, 78 – Final

"Before Franklin hosts Mansfield this coming Friday in a game that will likely decide the Kelley-Rex title, the Panthers had a big test against a visiting Taunton squad on Monday night. 
The Panthers passed with flying colors. 
Franklin took a two-point lead at the end of the first quarter and blew the game wide open with dominant second quarter, eventually walking away with a 78-36 win over Taunton. 
While Franklin got nearly everything it wanted inside in the first quarter (7/9 from 2PT) and put up 16 points, Taunton freshman Dante Law had 10 points to help the Tigers keep pace."

Continue reading Editor in Chief Ryan Lannigans recap of the boys basketball game
https://hockomocksports.com/macchi-franklin-boys-basketball-land-big-win-over-visiting-taunton/

For all of Monday's results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-020617/

Franklin’s Connor Peterson goes for a layup in the first half against Taunton. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin’s Connor Peterson goes for a layup in the first half against Taunton. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)


Via the Twitterverse


















"the prohibition of placing snow in any public street is still in effect"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Town Council has done away with a bylaw that required businesses to clear nearby sidewalks of snow. 
The matter was decided at the body's Feb. 1 meeting, during which councilors voted unanimously to strike the 1975 bylaw. Town officials first brought the subject to the council's attention in January, stating that its provisions - among which, that businesses clear snow within 12 hours of a storm - had perhaps outlived their usefulness. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting has said that the law was passed at a time when business was concentrated in the downtown area. 
"In 40 years, the town has expanded dramatically up and down Rte. 140 and in the industrial parks," he said, adding that he did not believe the bylaw had been enforced during his years with the town."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170206/franklin-council-strikes-snow-removal-bylaw

Related article from the first meeting on this item in January
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/felt-bylaw-as-written-was-anti-business.html

Full meeting summary of the Feb 1, 2017 Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/town-council-recap-feb-1-2017.html


evidence that the DPW does get to clear the sidewalks of snow.
evidence that the DPW does get to clear the sidewalks of snow.

Monday, February 6, 2017

MBTA: Through Tuesday, Feb 7, 2017 - Commuter Rail notice

All commuter rail passengers should anticipate crowding and delays on Tuesday morning, 2/7, due to heavy ridership for the Patriots Parade.

The commuter rail will operate on a regular weekday schedule with added coaches on key trains. Ridership will be carefully monitored with additional trains on standby to be deployed to stations and lines as needed. Commuters may consider boarding early morning trains to avoid crowds.

Parade-goers are encouraged to carpool and use high capacity parking lots like Route 128, Dedham Corp and Anderson/Woburn. Mobile tickets can be purchased in advance from the MBTA's mTicket app. All tickets should be bought and activated prior to boarding.

Last updated: Feb 06 2017 01:49 PM
Sent by the MBTA.

MBTA commuter rail train at Franklin/Dean Station
MBTA commuter rail train at Franklin/Dean Station

“I’m really excited going into our first few trials"

From Pantherbook, the FHS news site, comes this article on the Mock Trial Team
"Each year the team is assigned a “Case Packet” which consists of affidavits and other documents to make a case for both the prosecution as well as the defense. 
This year the case is based around a war veteran who comes back home, only to end up shooting and killing his/her enemy from high school. The war veteran is played by Catherine Smith who will be performing for the team on Wednesday. 
“I am very excited and anxious for our first trial on Wednesday. I can’t wait to see how all of our hard work plays out” states senior, Alexander Sinks. 
There will be six students representing Franklin High School as an attorney, and three students representing the school as a witness, while the teams Prosecution will be there to cheer the team on. 
On Wednesday February 8th, the team’s Prosecution will be performing against Bellingham High School."
Continue reading about the Mock Trial Team online
http://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2017/01/31/meet-the-mock-trial-team/

The Mock Trial Team did win their first case last week:


FHS Mock Trail Team for 2016-2017
FHS Mock Trail Team for 2016-2017 (Pantherbook photo)


Hold the date for Family Science Night - March 16

It was a wild success in 2016 making this an event not to miss this year. This event is put on by FHS National Honor Society science students for K-8 students to explore science as well as see what can be done at the High School.






This was shared from the Franklin Public Schools webpage
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/0252D561-000F8513.0/2017FamilySciNight.pdf

a snow covered view of FHS
a snow covered view of FHS


Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register of Deeds Promotes Homestead Act



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register of Deeds Promotes Homestead Act

Stating that for many people their house is the most important financial asset, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded homeowners about filing for Homestead protection.

Under Massachusetts law, a Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

"Protecting one's primary residence is a key objective for all homeowners," noted Register O'Donnell. "If you own a home and it is your principle residence, one way to protect your home's asset is to file a Homestead. The Homestead law also allows the filing of an Elderly Homestead application., defining elderly as a person who is 62 years of age or older. This protection can be increased if the elderly couple files jointly."

Register O'Donnell further stated, "One of the major changes under the 2011 Homestead Law passed by the Massachusetts Legislature is that a valid homestead cannot be terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Another clarification of the statute is that a Homestead can provide protections for a primary home kept in trust. Primary residence can also include a manufactured or mobile home."

It is important to note there are certain debts that are exempted from protection under the Homestead Act, such as federal, state and local tax liens, as well as mortgages contracted for the purchase of a primary home and nursing home liens. Most other mortgages, debts, and encumbrances existing prior to the filing of the Declaration of Homestead, along with probate court executions for spousal and child support, are also not covered under the Homestead protection statute.

Filing a homestead application at the Registry has become a popular consumer protection. "Last year," stated O'Donnell, "There were approximately 12,500 Homesteads filed at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in 2016, a 4% increase over the previous year."

Homestead recordings can be filed at the Registry of Deeds for a state imposed fee of $36.00. To find out more about the Homestead law, or to get a free application, please go online to the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org or contact the Registry's Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101.

Register O'Donnell concluded, "It is important to make clear that a Homestead protects consumers against the forced sale of their primary owned residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. While the debt is still owed, homeowners will at least have the comfort of knowing that with a Homestead filed at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy most debts."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
https://twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds/status/817425814925037569
https://twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds/status/817425814925037569

"We want to encourage people to use the trains"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Downtown business owners have reacted positively to the streetscape project that changed the traffic pattern in the area, but they added that some things need to be fixed. 
The subject arose during the Feb. 2 meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, with Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen noting the completion of the work. 
"We've received a lot of feedback that foot traffic has picked up (at downtown businesses), which is music to our ears," he said. "People are, all of a sudden, saying, 'I didn't know store X was here.' They found out because they had to stop or slow down." 
Partnership members asked if, given this additional traffic, it might make sense to limit the number of commuter spaces in the municipal parking lot. Some of those commuters, they suggested, might use the Forge Park Station."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170205/franklin-businesses-pleased-with-downtown-project


Main St at night in downtown Franklin
Main St at night in downtown Franklin

Sunday, February 5, 2017

FHS boys hockey win; girls swim 2nd in Hock Championships; wrestling 3rd in State Dual meet


Wrestling = Div. 1 State Dual Meet (Franklin)
– Franklin took home third at the D1 State Duals meet. After a bye in the first round, Franklin beat Framingham 42-16 but suffered its first in state loss of the season with a 31-24 loss to Lincoln-Sudbury in the semifinals. The Panthers won the third place match 40-22 over St. John’s Prep.

Gymnastics = Franklin, 126 @ Medway, 140 – Final


Boys Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 1 – Final


Girls Swimming = Hockomock League Championships


“She has a true competitor’s heart,” said Franklin coach Jess Pridham. “She trains like a monster. She trains five or six hours a day and she always has a smile on her face and she always wants to achieve the goals that she sets for herself. She puts her plan in and everything falls into place for her.” 
Pridham was asked if that type of work ethic can rub off on teammates. She replied, “The other girls on our team see how skilled, how talented, and how fast she is, but they also see that she puts in the time and the effort. They know the work that she puts in and some them do emulate that.”

TEAM RESULTS

1. King Philip – 317
2. Franklin – 285
3. Taunton – 282
4. North Attleboro – 202
4. Oliver Ames – 202
6. Attleboro – 199
7. Milford – 149.50
8. Mansfield – 123
9. Sharon – 106
10. Canton – 98
11. Foxboro – 77
12. Stoughton – 59.50

RACE RESULTS

200-Yard Medley Relay
1. Attleboro (Tiffany Chin, Jackie Lynch-Bartek, Corinne Perry, Elizabeth Saltz) – 1:57.86
5. Franklin (Isabel Capecci, Megan Lazarek, Lila Kaplan, Audrey Finn) – 2:07.76

200-Yard Free
1. Ashley Loomis, Franklin – 1:54.91
6. Kathryn McGuire, Franklin – 2:06.62

200-Yard IM
1. Mia Sinkiewicz, Taunton – 2:16.12
6. Megan Lazarek, Franklin – 2:30.46

50-Yard Free
1. Jennifer Prior, Mansfield – 25.91
2. Helen Huang, Franklin – 26.82

500-Yard Free
1. Ashley Loomis, Franklin – 5:10.39
3. Kathryn McGuire, Franklin – 5:35.47

200-Yard Free Relay
1. King Philip (Catherine DiGiacomo, Jessica Sullivan, Morgan Sachleben, Fahra Whichard) – 1:49.07
2. Franklin (Leah Benoit, Audrey Finn, Helen Huang, Ashley Loomis) – 1:49.45

100-Yard Breaststroke
1. Jackie Lynch-Bartek, Attleboro – 1:09.91
4. Megan Lazarek, Franklin – 1:17.72

400-Yard Free Relay
1. Oliver Ames (Mia Esterman, Aprille Gangi, Makayla Paquin, Morgan O’Hara) – 3:53.23
4. Franklin (Helen Huang, Kathryn McGuire, Leah Benoit, Ashley Loomis) – 3:55.80

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

The complete results for the girls Hockomock Championships
https://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-brings-home-hockomock-swimming-title/

For the photo gallery from the meet
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Winter-201617/Hockomock-Girls-Swim-Championships-2-4-17/

“We’re going to go for it”

From the Boston Globe High School sports section recently:

"Carmine Colace has coached the wrestling program at Franklin High with passion, persistence, and dedication for 35 years. 
This winter, his Panthers are on the prowl once again, racking up a 22-1 record (the only loss came against Marshwood, Maine). Last weekend, Franklin won its 22nd Hockomock League title: a trio of wrestlers earned individual titles, two more finished second, and four others placed in the top four. 
“We go hard every day. It doesn’t matter if we have a match the next day, we go hard anyways,” said Colace, who has a career mark of 580-78, with 11 state crowns and another 19 sectional titles. 
“We shorten the length of our practices so we can increase the intensity, which has worked really well for us for years.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/high-schools/2017/02/03/carm-colace-has-his-franklin-wrestlers-familiar-position/dJIOtR8ioNN73TwzRJwm2O/story.html

screengrab of Boston Globe image (MARK LORENZE/FOR THE GLOBE-FILE)
screengrab of Boston Globe image (MARK LORENZE/FOR THE GLOBE-FILE)


The FHS wrestling team lost their 2nd match to a MA school on Saturday, finishing 3rd overall in the State Dual meet
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/fhs-boys-hockey-win-girls-swim-2nd-in.html

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly meeting Feb 7




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Franklin and Bellingham
Rail Trail Committee

Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, February 7th


On Tuesday, Feb 7, 2016, the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will hold a meeting at the YMCA in Franklin starting at 7:30 pm.  All are welcome to attend.

Our primary discussion will be on developing a year-long calendar of events that will increase both the awareness and the usage of the trail.  If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference, please consider attending!
Agenda Download this month's agenda (143 KB)

Copyright © 2017 Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Our mailing address is:
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PO Box 68
Franklin, Ma 02038

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a trail in the State Forest that can be reached when you take a side trail from the SNETT
a trail in the State Forest that can be reached when you take a side trail from the SNETT

In the News: alcohol added to TC Scoops; arguments on liquor pricing case

Ice cream and alcohol? Yes, they can mix if done properly. And T.C. Scoops in Medway is looking to do so.

"Tina Chemini determines sales at her Medway ice cream shop, T.C. Scoops, each week by counting the number of tubs emptied of their frozen delicacy. 
But ice cream, which generates steady income during those hot summer months, does not translate to the same success each winter. 
Heeding requests from many of her customers - primarily moms and dads visiting with their children - and a need to garner more clientele year-round, the parlor plans to soon add beer, wine and a variety of ice cream cocktail concoctions to the menu, according to Chemini. 
She hopes the expanded offerings will attract a whole new set of faces - and revenue - to her 6-year-old business."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170205/local-business-owners-get-liquor-licenses-to-boost-sales

T.C. Scoops in Medway- More than just Ice cream!
T.C. Scoops in Medway- More than just Ice cream!


Continuing the storyline on the liquor pricing article shared yesterday:
"On Friday, Furgang and Kiley presented differing views of the situation. Judge Douglas Wilkins is contemplating a request from Total Wine to in part stay the suspensions pending the outcome of a lawsuit Total Wine has filed challenging the commission's decision. Wilkins said he expects to weigh in on the request on Monday. 
The regulation references "the net cost appearing on the invoice," implying only one invoice, Furgang said. A bulk purchase discount could be applied to retail prices if it is reflected appropriately on the invoice, he said. 
The interpretation helps as inspectors try to enforce the regulation and compare invoices to retail prices, according to Furgang. 
Total Wine has documents reflecting that it received sufficient discounts to account for the prices it charged, but it did not receive all discounts on the initial invoice. Suppliers commonly issue discounts for buying certain quantities of product at the end of promotional periods, Kiley said. 
The regulation makes no reference to a first invoice or an initial invoice, Kiley said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170203/arguments-begin-in-total-wine-pricing-dispute

Saturday, February 4, 2017

FHS girls and boys basketball team top OA, boys swim take 4th in Hock Championships

Josh Perry, Managing Editor, Hockomock Sports provides the recaps for the FHS girls and boys basketball games versus Oliver Ames on Friday:

"Beginning the season with a relatively young and inexperienced lineup, Franklin opened with six straight losses. Given time to figure out the varsity level, the kids have turned out to be alright after all. 
All 11 of the players on the Franklin roster saw time on Friday night in the first game of a doubleheader at the William F. Nixon Gym and nine of those players got on the scoresheet, as the Panthers showed off their depth to beat Oliver Ames 59-48. It was the fifth straight win and sixth in the last eight games for Franklin, which is now .500 in the league and four wins from booking a playoff spot. 
“It’s a tremendous difference,” said Franklin coach John Leighton about the team’s confidence over the past few weeks compared to the start of the season. “You start 0-6 with a young team then they’re going to doubt themselves. They’re going to question things. I’m so impressed by every member of the team picking each other up and that’s lifted the confidence.”
Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-basketball-uses-balanced-attack-to-win-at-oa/

Follow this link for the photo gallery from the game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Winter-201617/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Girls-Basketball-2-3-17/

Kate Morse (25) scored 10 points and pulled down five rebounds, one of nine Franklin players with at least a point, to help the Panthers extend their win streak to five games. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Kate Morse (25) scored 10 points and pulled down five rebounds, one of nine Franklin players with at least a point, to help the Panthers extend their win streak to five games. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)


"When Franklin and Oliver Ames played the first time, almost a month to the day from Friday night’s second meeting at the William F. Nixon Gym, the game was essentially over by halftime. The Panthers turned up the defensive intensity, broke the game open, and then pored it on for a 33-point victory. 
The Tigers were determined that it would not be the same result this time around and, despite Franklin extending its lead to as many as 15 in the third quarter, pulled within five points with only four minutes remaining in the game. 
With the crowd getting loud and momentum with the home team, Franklin junior Matt Elias (eight points) drilled a clutch three to extend the lead back to eight, Josh Macchi snatched an offensive rebound for a bucket, and then Connor Peterson dropped a pass to Jalen Samuels under the basket for the hoop and the foul. 
The Panthers made the plays they needed to down the stretch, holding off the OA comeback and pulling out a 64-52 victory that keeps Franklin tied with Mansfield at the top of the Kelley-Rex division (with the two teams set to square off next Friday)."
Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-hold-off-oliver-ames-charge-to-stay-in-first-place/

Follow this link for the photo gallery from the game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Winter-201617/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Boys-Basketball-2-3-17/

Franklin freshman Chris Edgehill (3) scored a team-high 15 points to help the Panthers hold off Oliver Ames and remain in a first place tie in the Kelley-Rex. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin freshman Chris Edgehill (3) scored a team-high 15 points to help the Panthers hold off Oliver Ames and remain in a first place tie in the Kelley-Rex. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)


The FHS Boys swim team finished 4th in the Hockomock League Championships


TEAM RESULTS

1. King Philip – 279
2. Canton – 256
3. Milford – 251
4. Franklin – 249.50
5. Taunton – 238
6. Oliver Ames – 210.50
7. Attleboro – 149
8. Mansfield – 138
9. North Attleboro – 133
10. Sharon – 129
11. Foxboro – 31
12. Stoughton (one swimmer) – 4

RACE RESULTS

200 Yard Medley Relay
1. King Philip (Colby Vieira, Jack Poppenberger, Andy Sprague, Tyler Stringfellow) – 1:46.96
2. Franklin (Jack Cashin, Roy Wang, Sumit Choudhury, Connor Bourgeois) – 1:47.41

200 Yard Free
1. Sebastian Melendez, Canton – 1:45.54
4. Sumit Choudhury, Franklin – 2:02.94

200 Yard IM
1. Nick Antonellis, Milford – 1:59.15
6. Roy Wang, Franklin – 2:10.41

50 Yard Free
1. Connor Bourgeois, Franklin – 22.51

100 Yard Butterfly
1. Nick Antonellis, Milford – 53.96
5. Sumit Choudhury, Franklin – 59.84

100 Yard Free
1. Kyle Gray, Oliver Ames – 51.20
3. Connor Bourgeois, Franklin – 51.30

200 Yard Free Relay
1. Canton (Owen Guerini, Sean Mitchell, Adrian Bankowski, Sebastian Melendez) – 1:31.65
2. Franklin (Jack Cashin, Roy Wang, Sumit Choudhury, Connor Bourgeois) – 1:35.85

100 Yard Breaststroke
1. Chris Watson, Milford – 1:06.35
2. Roy Wang, Franklin – 1:06.80
5. Jack Cashin, Franklin – 1:07.89

For the complete write up and results
https://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-boys-win-second-straight-hockomock-swimming-meet/

Follow this link for the photo gallery from the game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Winter-201617/Hockomock-Boys-Swim-Championships-02-03-17/

"reportedly selling alcohol below the invoiced cost"

Mark Lenzi, Franklin Liquors, is quoted in an article by the Milford Daily News on a court case where the State has charged a Natick "big box" store with violating pricing regulations.

"Mark Lenzi, a member of the family that owns Franklin Liquors in Franklin, said conflicts between larger and smaller sellers have been a big issue for years. 
"Everybody buys from the same distributors, and we all get the same price," he said. "Lately, people have been challenging that, saying they want to charge whatever they want." 
Beyond pricing, Lenzi said, there have been instances where distributors have provided manpower to help stock bigger stores - behavior a newly filed bill hopes to curtail. 
This case, Lenzi said, could prove to be troublesome if the court concurs with Total Wine's reasoning. 
"I think every small retailer is following this case," he said. "We can't compete if people are just going to give things away."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170204/area-retailers-react-to-liquor-store-pricing-case

http://www.franklinliquors.com/
http://www.franklinliquors.com/

Exploring the Charles River Meadowlands

On Jan. 31, the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative (www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org) led a group of activists, local officials from Bellingham, and legislators Jeff Roy and Kevin Kuros to discuss plans for 2017 as well as a long term vision for the area. 

The group started on Pearl Street in Bellingham where the town recently demolished an industrial facility and removed a mill dam, opening up access to a section of the Charles River. Later, the group visited two sites in Franklin that provide direct access to the Charles River Meadowlands and could become starting points for trails and bike paths in the future.

"The crucial thing we focused on today was the ways in which each of these areas along the Charles or its Mine Brook tributary can be linked, bringing our communities closer together, providing recreation, and even offering alternative transportation routes to shopping and entertainment," said Alan Earls, founder of the Initiative.

The next meeting of the Charles River Meadowlands initiative will be in the Dean Room of the First Universalist Society, Franklin at 262 Chestnut St, Franklin at 6:30 PM on Feb. 7. We will discuss these goals and we will be looking for help identifying access points and existing trails and planning more meetings with officials.

​For further information, contact Alan Earls (alan.r.earls@gmail.com)

Members of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative met with officials from Bellingham and state legislators on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of Marjorie Turner-Holman)
Members of the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative met with officials from Bellingham and state legislators on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of Marjorie Turner-Holman)

"proposed constitutional amendment would add 4 percent to the state income tax for people who earn more than $1 million"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Later this year, a proposed surtax on million-dollar incomes is expected to pass the final hurdle standing between it and a spot on the 2018 state ballot, potentially raising taxes on more than 15,000 people and generating nearly $2 billion in revenue. 
"I don't think there's the slightest chance it won't pass," said Rep. Jay Kaufman, D-Lexington, predicting the proposal will easily get enough support in the Legislature's next constitutional convention to advance to the ballot. 
To make it to the ballot, the proposal needs at least 50 of the 200 state lawmakers to vote for it at constitutional conventions in consecutive sessions. Last May, it got 135 votes from legislators, clearing the first step by a wide margin."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170203/lawmakers-expect-to-tackle-millionaires-tax-this-year



"The number of Massachusetts residents earning $1 million or more doubled between 2004 and 2014. 
The state Department of Revenue (DOR) releases a report in the fall that breaks down the number of people, by municipality, who have filed income taxes with an adjusted gross income of more than $1 million. 
In Massachusetts, 15,422 residents filed income tax returns stating they made more than $1 million in 2014. Another 1,808 people working in Massachusetts but living elsewhere earned a seven-figure income. 
A decade earlier, 7,895 residents reached this income marker, while 1,170 out-of-state residents earned a seven-figure income."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170203/see-how-many-of-your-neighbors-earn-1-million-or-more-year


Calling all Women! United Regional Chamber seeks your input

  Do you have a moment?  
We are looking for your input on the start of a women's impact group.  
Please click the link below, and answer the brief four question survey.


We truly appreciate your time and consideration.  

United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 310 South Street, Plainville, MA 02762

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image from United Chamber Chamber of Commerce website
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