Celtic Band RUNA to play at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse - Mar 30

Celtic band RUNA return to Circle of Friends on their 10th anniversary tour.

RUNA March 30                          View this email in your browser Celtic Band RUNA 10th Anniversary Tour March 30 - 8 PM - $25 Celtic band RUNA returns to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, March 30th, at 8PM.  Quickly gaining recognition as one of Irish music's new "supergroups," RUNA has been enchanting audiences by pushing the boundaries of Irish folk music into the Americana and roots music formats since their formation in 2008. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, they offer a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. The group has been honored internationally, winning Top Group and Top Traditional Group in the Irish Music Awards and four Independent Music Awards including Best Live Album, Best World/Traditional Song and Best Bluegrass Song. "Timeless and flawless…" – Jim Allford, PA Music Scene RUNA consists of vocalist and step-dancer, Shannon Lambert-Ryan of Philadelphia, Dublin-born guitarist, Fionán de Barra, Cheryl Prashker of Canada on percussion, Caleb Edwards of Nashville on mandolin and vocals, and Jake James of New York on the fiddle. RUNA recently released their fifth album, "RUNA: LIVE". Receiving lavish praise on both sides of the Atlantic, the album has been hailed as "an incredible masterpiece" – Marcene Bronson, The Celtic Crier   http://www.runamusic.com/ The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Apr 13       Tracy Grammer May 11       Ordinary Elephant

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

April At The Franklin Historical Museum

A sure sign of Spring … 
The Franklin Historical Museum will resume its Thursday evening hours beginning Thursday April 4. 

Now that the snow has cleared and we have a little more daylight in the evenings we welcome visitors on Thursday evenings from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, in addition to our Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon schedule. 

Come in and experience our collection of the Stanley Chilson films, which will be available to view Thursday evenings. The Chilson films provide a look back at Franklin from the early 1930s to the late 1950s. Parades, town events, new road construction, church events and everyday life was capture on film by Stanley Chilson and left to the town of Franklin as a way to look back and remember the way things were in our beloved town.

Our Second Sunday Speaker Series on Sunday April 14 features Cambridge architect Thomas J. Stohlman who will discuss historical architecture as well as share stories of his experience as a long time volunteer at the Boston Public Library. Doors open at 1:00 with the presentation scheduled for 1:15.

The Franklin Cultural Commission is pleased to welcome newly hired archivist, Rebecca Finnigan as she takes on the task of archiving the museum’s vast collection of Franklin photographs, artifacts, documents, books, and newspapers. The commission looks forward to working with Rebecca and moving the museum forward into the digital age. One of our mutual goals is to be able to share our collection online. More information to follow.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we’re open Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM; Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM and Thursday evenings 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Admission is always free, donations are always welcome. Visit us soon and discover your history.

April At The Franklin Historical Museum (FHM photo)

FHS selections for Indoor Track All Stars; Tyler Brogan named MVP

Below are the official 2019 Hockomock League Girls Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Jada Johnson, Sharon

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Bella Pierre, Franklin
• Julia Fenerty, Franklin
• Samantha Powderly, Franklin
• Sydney Hawkins, Franklin
• Julia DiGiacomo, Franklin

Below are the official 2019 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP
Tyler Brogan, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Tyler Brogan, Franklin
• Dylan Kehoe, Franklin
• Nicholas Calitri, Franklin
• Michael Hagen, Franklin

For the complete of girls Indoor Track All Stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-girls-indoor-track-all-stars/

For the complete of boys Indoor Track All Stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-boys-indoor-track-all-stars/

FHS Panthers

Internet & Social Media Safety For Students - March 27

FREE Event - Grades 6-8

Internet & Social Media Safety for Students Grades 6-8 Register for FREE Wednesday, March 27 6 PM - 7:30 PM Franklin High School Social networks involve a lot of sharing, including photos, videos, links, and personal information - and it's not always good. Many kids and teens enjoy sharing these things with their friends, but they may actually be sharing information with more people than they realize. For example, accepting friend requests from strangers. This means their 'friends' may not be people they can trust. This workshop is FREE but registration is required. https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal7a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=79&wp=426&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=FPSLLI&rf=

Lifelong Community Learning - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street, Room 137, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

Library of Congress: Additions to National Recording Registry

New National Recording Registry Class Is "Superfly" The classic radio western "Gunsmoke"; Ritchie Valens' groundbreaking 1958 sensation "La Bamba"; Sam & Dave's 1967 hit single "Soul Man"; the revolutionary 1968 Broadway musical "Hair"; and Neil Diamond's 1969 "Sweet Caroline," which became a popular sports anthem, are the newest recordings inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.  Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden today named these and 20 other recordings as aural treasures worthy of preservation because of their cultural, historic and aesthetic importance to the nation's recorded sound heritage. Click here for more information  https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-19-018/?loclr=ealn .

In the News: Distillery proposal gets Planning Board approval; Franklin man charged with failing fiduciary duty; Worcester ball park build team gets completed

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

Distillery proposal gets Planning Board approval

"A proposal to open a distillery in the mill building formerly occupied by the Incontro restaurant took a step forward last week after a positive vote from the Planning Board. 

Town Planner Amy Love reported that the meeting drew a small crowd, but that those who did attend were in favor of the distillery opening at 860 West Central St. (Rte. 140). A 20-day period to appeal the proposal began March 16, she said. 

Love said many people have called her office trying to get in touch with the company seeking the distillery, Brookdale Mill Realty, LLC, whose principals are Franklin residents Patrick and Beth Downing. 

Brookdale is seeking a special permit to distill spirits on-site. The Downings plan to distill many types of alcohol, including vodka, gin and whiskey, and offer a tasting room."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190314/proposed-franklin-distillery-approved-by-planning-board


Franklin man charged with failing fiduciary duty

"A pair of local investment representatives are being charged with fraud after “gambling away” the investment funds of more than 250 clients in high-risk investments, according to a press release from Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. 

James G. Daly, of Franklin, and Michael J. O’Keeffe, of Millis, both of Millis-based Oakdale Wealth Management, LLC, are charged with violating their fiduciary duties to their investors. According to the release, a majority of their victims are Massachusetts residents. 

Galvin said he brought charges against the men and their firm for “gambling away” the investments of more than 250 client accounts. The charges pertained to “high risk” investments in energy such as oil and gas, according to the release."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190320/franklin-millis-men-charged-with-making-faulty-investments


Worcester Red Sox ball park build team gets completed

"The final piece of the construction/design team for the city’s ballpark project is now in place. 

In a related matter, offers have begun to be made for the acquisition of properties in the areas of the proposed ballpark site, to be located in the Canal District/Kelley Square area. 

The Worcester Redevelopment Authority board unanimously voted Wednesday to award the construction manager at risk contract for the ballpark project to Gilbane-Hunt, a joint venture. 

The initial award is for $10.8 million and largely covers various “soft costs” and pre-construction services, according to Michael E. Traynor, the city’s chief development officer and chief executive officer of the WRA."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190320/worcester-ballpark-construction-manager-set-to-go-offers-made-for-land-acquisitions

Construction Alert: Dean Ave, Hillside Road

A heads up for downtown residents and commuters to the train - expect delays on Dean Ave and Hillside Rd starting next week (week of March 25 and following)

Construction Alert: Dean Ave, Hillside Road

Found for sharing via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1108017057596166145

Live reporting: to Closing

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

Teresa and Nancy both got certified as Town Clerks

March 30 - Arts Advocacy Day at Senior Center

Earth Day - Apr 27 lots of trash around

Happy Spring!

20 events mostly salting, last one was snow, about 40K under budget

motion to adjourn

Live Reporting: Legislation for action

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-25: Appropriation Police & Fire Station Improvements (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-25 - Majority Vote (5)) MECC was originally going to cover, now with short notice the communities need to fix this have about 694K left in free cash motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-26: Appropriation Transfer Funds Public Works Curbside (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-26- Majority Vote (5)) curbside account is based upon fees, with China's removal from the recycling market, the market is a mess. Boston Globe, WBUR, and other sources for info on the worldwide problem motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-839: Municipal Service Fees- Recycling Sticker Rate Increase- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5)) as discussed above, with the collapse of the recycling market, raising the sticker fee for the Beaver St facility motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 7-0
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-840: Municipal Service Fees- Curbside Trash/Recycling Rate Increase- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 19-840 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5)) the fee would increase from 208 to 240, see chart below, we are still well below where we were in 2005 (300) motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 7-0

Due to global market issues for recycling, proposal to increase curbside fee

Live reporting: Recreation Dept Update

8b. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

b. Recreation Department

Ryan Jette, 20th year in Recreation

program services generally supported by fees

5,277 kids in programs for 2018
at least 25% of the population utilize recreation in some form

95 unique programs, over 400 different class offerings

580 in high school intramural program

1,026 in K-8 winter program

field hockey at the youth level, started in 2008 and now growing the sport

basketball, 1450 kids k-12 - largest program in Rec

wrestling coordinated with Carmine Colace

Spring is busy, lacrosse nets to string, thinking about the beach
community garden being assumed by Rec

pickleball is fastest growing sport, courts at King St mid-May should be ready

staff at Chilson Beach staffed only at gate, swim at own risk

Earth Day Apr 27 9-12

19 Senior tax work our program; Gloria Rollinson retired this year
honored her with a plaque

fields and playgrounds coordinated and scheduled
maintained by DPW

provided over 1,000 hours of community service hours during 2018

new scoreboard at FHS via $35K grant from Middlesex Savings Bank

thanks to Jeff for all his help and advocacy over the years

Dellorco - we have the best rec director in the state, hats off to you Ryan
nets at King St should be up my Memorial Day

Live Reporting: Town Council - March 20, 2019

Present: Hamblen, Casey, Dellorco, Kelly, Padula, Earls
Absent: Mercer, Pellegri

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of March 20, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. 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.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	None
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	None
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None

Citizen comments - 

Alan Earls

Charles River Meadowlands Initiative - better access to the area, Apr 11 input schedule to review findings - location at King St Fire Station 

6:30 PM 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
8a. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Auditors- Independent Auditors Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2018

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/franklin_ma_sa18_final_1.pdf

Zack Bentros, Auditor
Chris and Kerry

page 1 (after table of contents)
clean opinion, best opinion

narrative summary, page 14 state of net position
library project as completed moved from a project to an asset accounted for as depreciation

Norfolk Retirement changed assumption rate
increase in liability offset by an increase in investment revenue
$4.4M decrease in liability

Net OPEB liability
big change for town and all communities
change in accounting statements reflected in the changes here
full liability required to be presented in full, as opposed to spread of 30 years
users of statements won't be shocked by the change

P 16
$1.3M current taxes or liened, good job on tax collections
$11.9M an increase over the prior year; starting point of DOR amount of free cash
a little over 10%, and an increase over the prior year, favorable

P  20
highlights the unassigned fund balances
$1.9M more revenue than expected
$1.3M less expenses than budget

used $2.2M in free cash but then gave back more than used

amount set aside for OPEB is about average for other communities

the Town is in a very strong financial position, there are no items in a management letter to be addressed, only about 20% of the communities don't get a letter

thanks to Kerri and Chris, Audit is a cumbersome process and they did very well