Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/22/16 - THU 7/28/16

FRIDAY 7/22/16
10:30am   Sparky’s Puppets @ Franklin Public Library
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
8pm   Ken Hadley Big Band @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 7/23/16
1-4pm   Pokemon Go - PokeStop Meetup @ Franklin Federated Church (rain date July 24)

SUNDAY 7/24/16
8am   Hockomock YMCA Triathlon @ Lake Pearl Luciano’s

MONDAY 7/25/16
8am   Franklin Police 1st Annual Golf Tournament @ Franklin Country Club

TUESDAY 7/26/16
***ALL DAY - Downtown Traffic Goes 2-Way. Drive safe!***
10:30am   Legos and Giant Games @ Franklin Public Library
1:30-3pm   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 7/27/16
5pm   2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Opening
5pm   Art Activities @ Franklin Town Common
6:30-8:30pm   Concerts on the Common: Electric Youth
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park, Medway. Free admission, every Wednesday through summer.
8:30pm   One Acts at The Black Box

THURSDAY 7/28/16
2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - Day 2
10:30am   Family Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street, Franklin)
5pm   Fiddling Thomsons @ Franklin Historical Museum
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center
6:30pm   Laughter Yoga @ Franklin Town Common
8pm   Shakespeare on the Common

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

Support the Outreach Programs of the S.A.F.E. Coalition

Registration is now open at safecoalitionma.com for the Inaugural Golf Tournament at the Franklin Country Club to support the Outreach Programs of the S.A.F.E. Coalition in Franklin, Medway, Milford and surrounding communities in Norfolk and Worcester Counties. 

The Tournament takes place on Monday, August 22, 8 AM-1 PM and includes a BBQ Lunch and Awards.

Ongoing S.A.F.E. programs include education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by Substance Use Disorders. Our goals are to empower those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. 

Our Drop-In Centers provide a gateway to professional resources including medical and psychological needs, referrals to outpatient counseling, medical detoxification, in/outpatient rehabilitation programs and other treatment modalities including Healing Hearts, Learn to Cope and Community of Hope. 

The Chiefs Roundtable provides a forum for interaction and support of our first responders while SOAR supports court-involved males afflicted with substance abuse disorders.

SAFE Coalition

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM at Franklin Federated!

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM!

The Franklin Federated Church is hosting a "Pokéstop Meetup" on the front lawn of the church Saturday, July 23, from 1 to 4 PM. The Meetup is for anyone in the community interested in coming together to play Pokémon Go. 

The church, located at 171 Main Street across from the Franklin Town Common, is one of several Pokéstops in the neighborhood - places where players can download items to help them in the game. The Meetup will feature:

• Lures to attract rare Pokémon for the entire 3 hours
• Charging stations for players to charge their phones
• Cold drinks and other refreshments
• Access to restrooms

From the church lawn, players can compete at the  gym on the corner of Crescent St., and they will be right across the street from the Town Common, where there are lots of PokéSpots, Pokémon and another gym.

Everyone is invited - come and bring a friend!

Find out who else is going via our Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1061345627282139/

PokéStop Meetup Saturday, 1 - 4 PM at Franklin Federated!

Franklin TV schedule for 7/22 - 7/23

A bunch of local shows available for viewing on the local cable channel Franklin TV. Check out #ShopFranklin!  Or if you missed the 4th of July parade...

Franklin TV schedule for 7/22 - 2/23

For the weekly schedule, check out Franklin TV  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

In the News: workshop to address college stress, salary data research request struggles

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

"Citing a desire to lower stress among soon-to-be college students, several local organizations are collaborating on new college transition workshops. 

The sessions - set to take place Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 - will be free to the public, and are the product of a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA, Dean College, Franklin public schools, the SAFE Coalition, Community Impact, New Hope and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, among others. Both workshops will take place in the Franklin High School lecture hall, and will run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

School Committee member Anne Bergen, who also sits on the YMCA's Board of Managers, said the workshops were designed to meet a perceived need in the about-to-go-to-college group."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160721/franklin-groups-hope-to-ease-stress-for-new-college-students

"Only two school districts in the area have complied with a researcher's statewide records request for the salaries of teachers and administrators broken down by gender. 

The request, filed by Brigham Young University researcher Joseph Price, is the subject of a recent statewide order from Shawn Williams, supervisor of records. Every district that did not respond, according to the July 13 order, must do so and undergo training in Public Record Law. 

Most area districts didn't respond. Some which did respond requested anywhere from $100 to almost $3,000 to provide the data. 

Price's request was for salary data from 1995 to 2016, divided by gender, job title, education and experience. The data was intended to bolster a national study of the gender pay gap among educators."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160721/local-school-districts-struggle-to-produce-salary-data

DPW road maintenance work

"this surface treatment method is an extremely cost effective way to seal the roadway and improve traction."

DPW photo of the chip and seal program in process

Additional photos from the DPW can be found on their Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/posts/1099406303477172

The finished look of the 'chip and seal' can be seen here

chip and seal on Delta Dr in 2014

For more about the DPW visit their Town of Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Publicworks/index

Dr Sabolinski announces retirement as School Superintendent

Dear Faculty Members, FPS Support Staff, Parents/Guardians and Community Members: 

As Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools since 2009, I have had the honor to work with an exceptional group of people dedicated to providing the highest quality of education to Franklin students. It has always been my privilege to have enjoyed the support and friendship of a committed, knowledgeable School Committee; an exemplary, student focused administration; a dedicated, conscientious support team; and a committed, talented group of educators. 

After much thoughtful consideration, I have decided to close my 32 year career in education at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year. I believe that making this decision now will allow the School Committee time to recruit an exceptional superintendent with the vision, talent, and leadership skills to take FPS into the future. It is my hope we can establish a thoughtful, seamless transition for the 2017-2018 school year. 

My experiences in Franklin have been extraordinary. Collaborative relationships with the Town Council, Police, Fire, Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Town Officials have facilitated many significant changes in our schools and community that have made Franklin a desirable, sought after place to live and for families to raise their children. Our strong sense of community defines Franklin as a special town. 

I will always be grateful to the Franklin community for allowing me to serve as their school leader for the last eight years, and as Assistant Superintendent, and Director of Student Services before then. Thank you for these opportunities. As I retire as Superintendent, I will continue to support our students, faculty, administration and School Committee as a neighbor, community member, and friend. 

With appreciation and respect,

Dr. Maureen A. Sabolinski 

Superintendent of Schools

Dr Maureen Sabolinski acknowledges Asst Superintendent Sally Winslow as she retires earlier this year with School Committee Chair Kevin O'Malley observing. 

"if I say out loud to someone that I'm going to do a triathlon, then I'll have to do it"

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

"When the Hockomock YMCA's 10th annual triathlon kicks off this Sunday, it will count several cancer survivors - some of them first-time triathletes - among its competitors. 

The survivors - who will be working their way through a course that travels from Wrentham's Lake Pearl through Franklin and Norfolk - are members of the LIVESTRONG class at the Y's Foxborough branch. A total of 10 course participants, including some trainers and support staff, will be taking part. 

The idea came out of a discussion at one of the classes, which encourages physical well-being for cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivor Mary Waltuck, 68, had mentioned that she had participated in numerous triathlons, and other class members wanted to learn about her experiences."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160720/franklin-cancer-survivors-to-compete-in-triathlon

Sparky's Puppets - Friday, July 22

Sparky's Puppets will perform at the Franklin Public Library on Friday, July 22 at 10:30 AM.

Sparky's Puppets - Friday, July 22

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/998859663537294/photos/a.1001220149967912.1073741829.998859663537294/1043964192360174/?type=3&theater

In the News: school lunch prices remain same, traffic change rescheduled

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

"The price of lunch at Franklin Public Schools will not be changing in the coming school year, officials announced Tuesday. 

District business administrator Miriam Goodman gave a presentation about the lunch program at the School Committee meeting and said a federal law - the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act - required the district's lunch program to charge enough to be sustainable. 

"As such, we need to go through a complex formula every year to see where our lunch prices fall, and how that compares to what the government says we should be charging," she said. 

This year's calculations, said Goodman, worked out in a way that does not require an increase. Currently, the price is $3 at the high school and middle school levels and $2.50 for elementary students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160719/no-change-on-franklin-school-lunch-prices

"The changeover to two-way traffic in downtown, originally set to take place Wednesday, has been pushed back a week. 

The switch - now scheduled for next Tuesday - was to be the culmination of two years of roadwork and many more years of planning. The state Department of Transportation, though, decided there were some tasks it wanted done before the move. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said signs were a major concern on the part of the state. He gave several examples of one-way signs that must be removed and new signs to be installed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160719/franklin-traffic-switch-pushed-back

an earlier downtown construction photo from the archives

"Our Franklin" - Veteran's Agent Dale Kurtz (video)

"In this latest edition of "Our Franklin", Veteran's Agent Dale Kurtz is interviewed showcasing the excellent customer service based Veteran's Services the Town of Franklin has."

Dale's contact information

Email --> dkurtz@franklin.ma.us
Webpage --> http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Veteran's%20Services

the Franklin Veterans Agent operates from the Senior Center

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA

• $146,200
• 2 Bedroom, 1 ½ Bath, Electric Heat

Maximum Income Guidelines:

1. Person Household: $51,150
2. Person Household: $58,450
3. Person Household: $65,750
4. Person Household: $73,050

Maximum Household Asset Limit is $75,000.

You Must Be a 1st Time Home Buyer. 

Administrator/Municipal Affordable Housing Trust or Contact Maxine at 508-520-4949 or mkinhart@franklin.ma.us

• Additional information including the application can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Affordable%20Housing/2%20Benjamins%20Landing/

2 Benjamin’s Landing Condominium Affordable, Available, Franklin, MA

Laughter Yoga at the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival

Laughter Yoga is at the Franklin Cultural Festival on Thursday, July 28th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. 

We need people to bring a lawn chair and water to drink. 

Laughter Yoga will resume the 'normal schedule' on the first Wednesday in September. 

Smiles and Laughter your way,
Linda and Bill Hamaker
www.letslaughtoday.com

Linda and Bill Hamaker

Laughter Yoga at the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival

2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival: July 27 - July 30

For the full schedule for the Franklin Cultural Festival follow the webpage  http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/p/schedule.html

Public Notice to All Veteran's & Surviving Spouses

This notice is to reassure all qualifying Veteran's and their surviving spouses that information on the 2017 veteran's exemption is on its way. The Board of Assessor's has sent letters to all qualifying Veteran's and surviving spouses of their eligibility for veteran's exemptions for Fiscal Year 2017. 

Within the next 3-4 weeks, the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) will send you a summary of benefits you currently receive from the VA including a disability rating. To apply for an exemption, please attach a copy of this new VA letter to your new FY 2017 veteran’s tax exemption application when you return it to us. 

The Board of Assessors can be reached at 508-520-4920 

Dale Kurtz, Veteran's Officer, can be reached at 508-613-1315

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/Public%20Notice%20to%20All%20Veteran.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

Concerts on the Common: Frank Padula Band

6:30 PM - Frank Padula Band
6:00 PM - Big Joe Story Teller - Children's Program

Concerts on the Common: Frank Padula Band

Franklin Traffic Change Rescheduled to July 26

Good Morning,

Upon meeting with Walsh and speaking with several of the subcontractors, we have decided to change the traffic switch-over date to Tuesday July 26th. 

The sign company will be in Wednesday and Thursday to install all remaining signs. Safety is a our #1 priority so we feel this is the best decision. 

Bell Traffic also needs to cut the loops for the cottage/East Central St intersection which will be done Wednesday. This will ensure all signals are operational per designed plan. 

Please let me know if you have any other questions. I do NOT foresee us changing the July 26th date. 

I will change the (3) state message boards we have up now. If the police could change their 2 that would be appreciated.

Thank You,

Anthony Tavalone
CE III MA DOT
(617) 233-0795

from the archive, an earlier construction photo downtown

The full and "last" update from the Town of Franklin on the  traffic change (including maps) can be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQzFPTlVzYzNuems/view?usp=sharing

"the proposed project does not comply with the MA Wetlands Protection Act regulations"

"Hello all, thanks so much to those who were able to make it to last night's meeting. For those who didn't, here's a couple small tidbits. 

The GZA presented the results of their review of the plans, in which they offered several issues with the developer's proposed plan. It should be noted that this review was done mostly on the old plan (40 units) and not the new unit (32 units). I've attached this document for your reading pleasure (it's actually pretty interesting.) 

Among the issues was a concern that the proposed project does not comply with the MA Wetlands Protection Act regulations as well as several local bylaws. This is expected to be a significant hurdle. 

The developer presented its new plans, explaining a re-routing of the stream, a reduction in units, and an easement on Peck Street. Due to concerns by the fire chief, some of the 6-unit buildings were reduced to 4 units. 

The Woislaws, as usual, did a great job of speaking on behalf of the neighborhood, offering our concerns. If you haven't done so yet, buy a yard sign from the Woislaws; only $5! 

Another concern brought up was a sewer tie-in that could pose some significant problems. The location of a tie-in could be problematic; if it's on town land, the town would have to give them permission. 

The next meeting is in two weeks; July 28 at 7:35 p.m. Hope to see you all there!"

Christopher Parish
Shared from the Facebook page

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is available for replay
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=375

Stop Madalene Village

In the News: no sales tax holiday, MA Olympians to RIO

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

"Shoppers in Massachusetts can forget about saving a few dollars on that new television or furniture set. 

Legislative leaders say there will be no sales tax holiday in the Bay State this summer. 

Senate President Stan Rosenberg and House Speaker Robert DeLeo blame the state's tenuous fiscal situation, which has prompted belt-tightening throughout state government."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160718/lawmakers-rule-out-summer-sales-tax-holiday

"This August, the world will gather once more to watch as some of the greatest athletes from all over the world come together to compete in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Massachusetts boasts 11 Olympians on Team USA - including a Paralympian - plus a torch-bearer who have called this state home at one time or another. 

Meet the athletes below and check out coverage of some of the Wicked Local athletes we’ve followed through the years. Find all the athletes’ full profiles at TeamUSA.org!"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160715/meet-11-massachusetts-athletes-who-will-compete-in-rio-2016-olympics

Team USA

#FranklinPride - Camille Farnan

Also appearing on the Franklin radar via a tweet from @mockwalsh comes this info about a Franklin actress...

'Lazarus Rising' is finally out. I play Eric Roberts' wife, a very small, fun role. Out on Netflix & iTunes soon! pic.twitter.com/juzX51iChk

— Camille Farnan (@camillefarnan) July 17, 2016

'Lazarus Rising' is finally out. I play Eric Roberts' wife, a very small, fun role. Out on Netflix & iTunes soon! pic.twitter.com/juzX51iChk

Take the challenge! Obstacle course on Town Common July 20

Take the challenge! Go the the Town Common 10:30 AM Wednesday morning (July 20) to take the obstacle course challenge offered by the Franklin Public Library.

This was shared from the Franklin Library Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary/photos/a.419269774832125.1073741826.391178297641273/1070157019743394/?type=3&theater