Saturday, November 18, 2017

Reminder: Starting Monday: Commuter Rail schedule change (but not for the Franklin Line)

Fall/Winter Commuter Rail schedules go into effect on Monday, November 20th. Schedules are now available on mbta.com. Find Franklin at https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Please note that Haverhill, Lowell, Framingham/Worcester, and Providence/Stoughton are the only lines with changes made to train times. Additionally, all lines have been updated to incorporate severe weather service information and can be viewed on mbta.com on each line's schedule page.

For those who utilize the MBTA Commuter Rail application, please make sure to update the schedule in your application prior to travel on November 20th. When opening the application, a prompt will appear stating that a new Commuter Rail schedule is available. Please check the update button to ensure that the new schedules have been updated in your application.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mbta.com/news/3112

Last updated: Nov 17 2017 01:12 PM

Click here for more information: https://www.mbta.com/news/3112

Reminder: Starting Monday: Commuter Rail schedule change (but not for the Franklin Line)
Reminder: Starting Monday: Commuter Rail schedule change (but not for the Franklin Line)

Need an excuse for that extra piece of pie? Run the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K

For the hundreds who will come out on Thanksgiving morning for the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Fun Run, the motto is “Run now, gobble later!” When families gather together for their traditional feast after the event, there will be many more grateful for the bounty that results from the race. The registration fee of $20, or 20 nonperishable goods, goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need.

The event begins and ends at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) at 91 Jordan Road in Franklin. The race, open to runners and walkers of all ages, attracts experienced runners as well as families who want to get out and exercise together before their traditional holiday get-together. A professional race organizer officially records timing, pace and rankings for each runner.
Michael and Lindsay Ryan of Franklin enjoyed the family-friendly event together. Photo courtesy of Gloria Meredith Photography
Michael and Lindsay Ryan of Franklin
enjoyed the family-friendly event together.
Photo courtesy of Gloria Meredith Photography

“Thanksgiving is truly a time to be grateful for the many blessings we have,” said Erin Lynch, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “But it is also an occasion to think of others who are struggling to put food on their tables. The Franklin Turkey Trot rallies our community to give back and help protect others from the threat of hunger. The more than 1,000 individuals we serve are grateful to our community for coming out to support us.”

The November 23 race will begin at 8 a.m. Registration can be done online at franklinturkeytrot.org; at the LDS Church from 7 – 9 p.m. the Wednesday before the race; or the morning of the race from 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. Official race t-shirts can be purchased online for $10 for those who register by November 2.


Franklin Turkey Trot participants enjoy complimentary breakfast treats after the race. Photo courtesy of Gloria Meredith Photography
Franklin Turkey Trot participants enjoy 
complimentary breakfast treats after the race. 
Photo courtesy of Gloria Meredith Photography

The registration fee of $20 is preferred as it allows the Pantry to “stretch our budget for leaner times,” said Lynch. “Our capacity to store the donated goods is extremely limited this time of year.” If participants prefer to donate goods, Lynch said the Pantry is in need of tea, coffee, hot cocoa and canned fruit. They can also go to the Pantry’s website at franklinfoodpantry.org for a longer list of current needs.

Lynch credits much of the event’s success to Race Director Krystal Whitmore. “We are fortunate to have an incredibly hard-working group of volunteers, led by Krystal, who make this event possible,” said Lynch. “Krystal organizes church members, high school students, and her own family members to volunteer. The amount of work involved is amazing. We could not do this without them.”

For more information, call 508-520-9864 or email franklinturkeytrot@gmail.com.



Friday, November 17, 2017

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/17/17 - THU 11/23/17

FRIDAY 11/17/17
11am   Ten Year Anniversary Casino Party @ Senior Center
2pm   Tech Help with HMMS Students @ Senior Center
6pm   Patriots Night @ Remington MS
7pm   Harlem Wizards vs Franklin PS @ Tri-County HS
7:30pm   Dean College presents Legally Blonde @ Dean College
7:30pm   Rising Stars Cabaret @ The Black Box
7:30pm   Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio @ Original Congregational Church in Wrentham

SATURDAY 11/18/17
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30am   Teen Book Brunch @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   Dean College presents Legally Blonde @ Dean College
2pm   Dino Party! @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Comedy Fundraiser for the Sons of Italy Scholarship Fund @ Elks Lodge
7:30pm   Dean College presents Legally Blonde @ Dean College
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Richard Shindell @ FUSF

SUNDAY 11/1917
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9am   FDP Winter Beautification @ Downtown Franklin
11:30am   The Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch @ The Black Box
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1:15pm   You remember when with Joe Landry @ Franklin Historical Museum
2pm   Dean College presents Legally Blonde @ Dean College

MONDAY 11/20/17
10:30am   Move Along (ages 0-5) @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 11/21/17
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten (ages 3-5) @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Fall Sports Awards Night @ Tri-County RVTHS
7pm   Popping the Cork on Sparkling Wines @ Franklin Liquors

WEDNESDAY 11/22/17
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers (ages 18months to 3 years old) @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction! @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)
8pm   DayBreakers with Copilot @ The Black Box

THURSDAY 11/23/17 - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
8am   Franklin Food Pantry’s Turkey Trot 5K Family Fun Run @ 91 Jordan Road
8am   Thanksgiving Day Gratitude Flow (to benefit Franklin Food Pantry) @ Tranquil Souls Yoga

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Encore Music Education Foundation Donates to Franklin High School Music Trip

As Franklin High School music students prepare for their upcoming performance trip to Washington D.C. in April, teachers and parents have been organizing a variety of fundraising opportunities for the students. All proceeds will help subsidize the trip for each student. Fundraisers will also provide scholarships to student musicians who otherwise would not be able to afford to travel.

In 2015, Lisa Ostrow and Patrick Dreier of the “Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios” created “The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc.” This is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to providing merit scholarships and need-based subsidies (financial aid) to deserving music students and programs. 
 “When I was a child in Canada, my parents could not afford music lessons for me. If it wasn’t for the generous support from an outside source, I would not have been able to pursue music. I want to pay this forward to other students.” (Lisa Ostrow) 
Upon reading about the Franklin High School music department’s clothing drive fundraiser held earlier in the school year, Patrick Dreier contacted the Franklin Public Schools Director of Music, Diane Plouffe, and informed her that they would like to donate $1,000 from their foundation to help students with their trip. 
 “This donation will go a long way to help many students experience our nation’s capital through performance, history, culture and music.” (Diane Plouffe)

The Franklin High School Music Department would like to thank the entire community for their support in all of our fundraising endeavors. We especially would like to thank the Encore Music Education Foundation, for not only helping students from Franklin, but for creating such an important foundation which will enrich the lives of so many music students.

This December, the Encore Music Education Foundation will be holding their 3rd annual benefit concert, which includes a silent auction and raffle. To date, the Foundation is proud to have been able to award over $11,000 in scholarships and subsidies. This year, their goal is to double that amount, providing the gift of music to more students everywhere.


For more about Encore Music Academy, visit their webpage
http://www.encoremusicacademy.net/

The Franklin Public Schools music performances are displayed in the Community Calendar  http://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

Encore Music Education Foundation Donates to Franklin High School Music Trip
Encore Music Education Foundation Donates to Franklin High School Music Trip

Senior Center: December 2017 Newsletter

The Senior Center Connections newsletter for December 2017 is now available

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/dec17connectioncolor.pdf

Senior Center: December 2017 Newsletter
Senior Center: December 2017 Newsletter

Pack 126: Pancake Breakfast - Dec 2

The Cub Scouts annual Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for December 2nd from 8 - 11 AM @ the Franklin Elks. 

Santa will be in attendance! 

$7/ per person, Children under 3 and Scouts in uniform are free.

Franklin Elks
Franklin Elks
For more about Pack 126 visit their webpage   https://franklinpack126.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/layout-b.jpg

New England Irish Harp Orchestra - Dec 10

New England Irish Harp Orchestra will share a wonderful medley of Holiday music that will put you in the perfect mood for the season!

Sunday, December 10 - 7:00 pm

St. John’s Episcopal Church 
237 Pleasant Street Franklin, MA 

Tickets $10 (payable at the door) 

FREE  With Dean College ID 

Transportation provided call (781) 708-1327 

New England Irish Harp Orchestra - Dec 10
New England Irish Harp Orchestra - Dec 10

"qualify for a new “seal of biliteracy”

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

"The Legislature on Wednesday approved a bilingual education reform bill designed to give educators more flexibility in teaching English language learners. 
A conference committee report filed Tuesday night by House and Senate negotiators was endorsed by the House 155-1. The Senate approved it unanimously as the branches wrapped up formal sessions for 2017. Informal sessions will continue for the next seven weeks, with formal sessions resuming in January. 
Under the bill, school districts can maintain current the immersion programming or choose an alternative that meets federal and state standards, according to bill sponsors, who said the legislation expands the role of parental advisory councils and allows parents the flexibility to choose programs that best meet their child’s needs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171116/legislature-approves-bilingual-education-reform

The PDF of the legislation can be found here
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H4032





Thursday, November 16, 2017

Big Band Brunch: The Kenny Hadley Big Band - Nov 19

The critically acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. 

The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stagewith such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson.

Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with music beginning at noon.

Tickets: Big Band Only ~ $20
Big Band & Brunch ~ $45

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370

Big Band Brunch: The Kenny Hadley Big Band - Nov 19
Big Band Brunch: The Kenny Hadley Big Band - Nov 19
 

NEHSCA Info Night - Nov 27 - 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Middle and High school mountain bike racing has come to New England. 

Monday November 27, 2017 at the Bellingham Public Library the Franklin/Bellingham based team Charles River Rats will be hosting an open house for people to come learn about riding and racing for their 5th - 12th grade kids. 

Reach out to coach Rob Rood @ overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com for more information. Stop by at any time to meet the coaches, league officials and team members.

11/27 6 PM - 7:30 PM 
Bellingham Public Library Community Room
100 Blackstone St, Bellingham, MA 02019

NEHSCA Info Night - Nov 27 - 6:00 - 7:30 PM
NEHSCA Info Night - Nov 27 - 6:00 - 7:30 PM


Regards,
Rob
Head Coach, Over The Summit Coaching
overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com
OverTheSummitCoaching.com

Comedy Fund Raiser - Nov 18

Come and join the fun at the Son’s of Italy Quattro Eroi Lodge #1414 is hosting a Comedy Fundraiser to benefit their Scholarship Fund!

Tickets $25
Doors open at 6:30pm, show at 7:30pm
Light snacks provided
Cash bar available
Raffles and 50/50 drawing


For tickets, please contact Valerie Carlucci 401-488-5510 or email vcarlucci@ymail.com



Comedy Fund Raiser - Nov 18
Comedy Fund Raiser - Nov 18
For additional info visit the event page on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/events/1894264550786512/

Historical Museum: Joe Landry presents "You Remember When" - Nov 19 - 1:15 PM

This will be the last presentation of the year of Joe's popular series of You Remember When. This presentation looks at the events of the year 1938, including the effects of the 1938 hurricane. Join us for an interesting and memorable look at Franklin's history.
Historical Museum: Joe Landry presents "You Remember When" - Nov 19 - 1:15 PM
Historical Museum: Joe Landry presents "You Remember When" - Nov 19 - 1:15 PM



In the News: reasons to run Turkey Trot; Town Council sworn in

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

"You’ve seen the signs around town advertising the local race and maybe you’ve dodged some of the runners on the road each year on Thanksgiving morning. Have you ever wondered what’s the big deal with Turkey Trots? Well, here’s five reasons to give them a shot. 
1. You’ll have plenty of company - Nearly every community has a Turkey Trot. Some happen the weekend before Thanksgiving but most happen on Thanksgiving morning. It is the most popular day for road racing, according to a recent study by Runners World and the app RunKeeper. In fact, Thanksgiving passed July 4 as the most popular day for running a race in 2011 and never looked back. New Year’s Day is the third most popular day to run a race."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171116/5-reasons-to-run-turkey-trot

For more info about Franklin's Turkey Trot
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-turkey-trot-helps-feed-local.html

Franklin Turkey Trot Helps Feed Local Families in Need
Franklin Turkey Trot Helps Feed Local Families in Need - "run now, gobble later!"
"It was the debut for three newcomers on the Franklin Town Council on Wednesday night, while six incumbents were welcomed back to the table. 
Town Clerk Theresa Burr swore in the nine newly elected Council members before their first meeting as a group on Wednesday night. 
Election incumbents Robert Dellorco, Glenn Jones, Matthew Kelly, Thomas Mercer, Peter Padula and Deborah Pellegri rearranged their seats to accommodate the new faces of Melanie Hamblin, Eamon McCarthy-Earls and Patrick Casey into the chamber."


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171116/franklin-town-council-members-sworn-in

For complete reporting on the meeting you can visit my links here

Left to right: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Pellegri, Jones, Kelly, Mercer, Padula, Earls
Left to right: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Pellegri, Jones, Kelly, Mercer, Padula, Earls

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Live reporting: Legislation to Closing


L. Legislation for Action
L. Legislation for Action
1Resolution 17-67: Adoption of Town Council Procedures Manual (Motion to Move Resolution 17-67 - majority vote (5))

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

L. Legislation for Action
L. Legislation for Action
2. Resolution 17-68: Authorization for Installation on the Town Common (Motion to Move Resolution 17-68 - majority vote (5))

VFW to sell bricks as fund raising
not really fund raising yet, awaiting approval of the proposal

ideally would be completed as early as Memorial Day or latest for November

will be able to maintain the brickway going forward to add to once or twice a year

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

L. Legislation for Action
L. Legislation for Action
3. Resolution 17-69: Appropriation - Operating Budget Stabilization Fund (Motion to Move Resolution 17-69 - majority vote (5))

estimate of new growth last Jan/Feb has changed and hence the number is higher now than it was then. Can raise the amount now (before the tax rate is set)  - recommending to put the money aside now for use later (i.e. fiscal 2019 budget challenge)

clarification on stabilization accounts
general stab is about 5M
there is a fire truck, turf field, building, and the budget stabilization account to which this would be added

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

M. Town Administrator's Report
M. Town Administrator's Report

"you've been sworn in, and now you can get sworn at"

tax hearing for next meeting
Brutus returning for Snow update soon
draft schedule for future town council meetings
we do allow for remote for one councilor
goal setting workshop coming up in January (maybe Jan 10)

Senate approve the Ag Commission but with some minor changes so it goes back to the House

N. Future Agenda Items
N. Future Agenda Items
4th of July back to agenda to see what support can be provided

sub committee to be filled, express interest so they can be assigned

O. Council Comments
O. Council Comments

Hamblen - thank you Franklin looking forard to next 2 years
Casey - thanks, looking for ward and excited to serve
Dellorco - welcome to all, new and old, 
Mercer - thanks to the voters for re-electing to a two year term
LOsdge of Elks for sponsoring the veterans breakfast
Historical Museum for the coffee on Saturday morning
Earls - it is an honor to be hear, and I look forward to serving
Pellegri - save this packet, it has all the info from Mark
Padula - thganks for the four years serving and the two years going forward, make no mistake it is due to the staff we have, they want to come here because we have good people here
Jones - thanks, so many to do so, pleasure and an honor
Harlem Wizards basketball at Tri-County this Friday Nov 17th
Kelly - thanks to the Library committee, kudos to Judy and the whole committee


P. Executive Session - None
P. Executive Session - None
Q. Adjourn
Q. Adjourn

Live reporting: Open meeting law overview

Attorney Mark Cerel provides an overview an update

J. Presentations/Discussions
J. Presentations/Discussions - Open Meeting Law, Public Records, Public Hearings, & Ethics Presentation - Attorney Mark Cerel


Open Meeting Law

Broad interpretation of discussion and deliberation and meeting
especially where a quorum is present

can not use serial communication, one talks to one, one to another and so forth until all effectively we involved.

provides examples of other bodies that have fallen afoul of the law

fines not significant but they can also nullify action

still lobbying for personal fines

person requesting remote participation needs to confirm with the Chair, all votes even procedural need to be by roll call

social occasions are permissible as long as town business is not discussed
need to be really aware of this as folks around can overhear your conversations

workshops are not required to comply with open meeting law

clearly permissable to attend but not participate

definition of deliberation is the grey area

quorum is defined as 5 for the Town Council

Public Records Law

separation of public records from private email is a concern, hence each councilor has their own Town of Franklin email
You can find the info here   http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council

"Reply All" could be a violation of open meeting law

Ethics Law

extremely broad, complicated, overlap among scenarios

by statue Town Council can not be "special municipal employees"

statue applies to members of the immediate family

online training and certification is required and in your best interest

there are criminal penalties and hefty fines possible

recusal up front to avoid a conflict, if you do remain in the room you could still be subject to accusation of collusion or conflict

The MA Ethics Commission can be found here
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission

If a councilor recuses themselves, they should also not participate in discussion with Town personnel on that topic

Conducting Public Hearings

you are a legislative body, you can perform some functions that are administrative in nature, a different set of rules apply

important to abide by the role of jury in hearing the matter and then as a judge in making the determination, especially with regards to liquor licenses and license violations






Live reporting: Town Council - Nov 15, 2017

Swearing in ceremony by Town Clerk, Teresa Burr


Left to right: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Pellegri, Jones, Kelly, Mercer, Padula, Earls
Left to right: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Pellegri, Jones, Kelly, Mercer, Padula, Earls


Nomination for Chair,- Kelly, seconded, unanimous
Nomination for Vice Chair - Mercer, seconded, 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 abstain (Padula) )
Nomination for Clerk - Jones, seconded, 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 abstain (Padula) )



C. Approval of Minutes - September 27, 2017
C. Approval of Minutes - September 27, 2017
motion to approve, 9-0

not sure the 3 new members should have officially voted, should have abstained as they were not participating in the meeting at that time

D. Announcements
D. Announcements - This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
E. Proclamations/Recognitions
E. Proclamations/Recognitions
F. Citizen Comments
F. Citizen Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

Teresa Burr - thanks to all the volunteers and contributions from town, school, Maplegate Country Club for golf carts

G. Appointments
G. Appointments - Finance Director/Comptroller
Christopher M Sandini Sr

search, multiple candidates, 4 selected for interview, one withdrew three interviewed, Chris selected as top candidate

Padula - recap of process

Pellegri - fortunate to have followed all the requirements

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

H. Hearings
H. Hearings
I. License Transactions
I. License Transactions



“We are committed to effective treatment for every individual"

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

"The police chief and district attorney were among officials who explored local effects of the opioid epidemic at a forum Tuesday night. 
Norfolk County DA Michael Morrissey, Police Chief Gerard Daigle, officials from Wrentham District Court, area substance-abuse activists and a recovering addict discussed the scope of the problem, ways it had been addressed in recent years and their personal experiences. 
Daigle said he had deep roots in the community, and had seen many changes. For most of his 32 years in the department, overdoses had been an occasional matter. 
“All of a sudden, it’s been brought to the forefront,” he said at the Bellingham Public Library. “I’ve seen kids and parents struggling with this crisis... it hits home a lot.”
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171114/da-bellingham-police-chief-discuss-opioids-at-forum


"The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the second significant package to fight the opioid and heroin epidemic, including legislation titled An act relative to Combating addiction, Accessing treatment, Reducing prescriptions and Enhancing prevention (CARE Act) and administrative actions. 
These proposals will:
  • Increase access to treatment and recovery services
  • Strengthen education and prevention efforts
  • Seek regulatory relief from the federal government to increase treatment access 
These initiatives build upon and expand the Commonwealth’s prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery strategies unveiled in June 2015 and the STEP Act, legislation authored by the Baker-Polito Administration in October 2015 and enacted in March 2016, which expanded treatment, created new education programs and instituted the nation’s first seven day limit on opioid prescriptions for adults."

Continue reading the press release online
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-more-reforms-to-combat-the-opioid-and-heroin-epidemic

Comprehensive plan includes combatting addiction, accessing treatment, reducing prescriptions and enhancing prevention
Comprehensive plan includes combating addiction, accessing treatment,
reducing prescriptions and enhancing prevention