Town of Franklin: Post Storm Update

Good Morning. Gary Premo calling with an post storm update. 

National Grid reports appr 1400 customers without power in Franklin. They will continue to work on restoring power throughout the day, and report all should be restored by 9pm tonight. 

• If you encounter a downed wired, do not approach; call 911. 
• If you need a hot shower, the YMCA has offered their facility at 45 Forge Hill Road. 
• If you need to recharge electronic devices, you may do so at Fire HQ, 40 W Central St.

Thank you for listening; stay safe.

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sunset post storm on Friday, Feb 5

MA Senate Passes Public Records Reform Bill

Today (2/4/16) the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed legislation reforming how the state handles public records.  The legislation, originally sponsored by Senator Jason Lewis, is the first update to the public records law since the early 1970s.

"An accessible, transparent government is fundamental to the democratic process," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This bill strengthens our public records law to improve access and make the process of requesting records simpler, clearer and more fair. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate and advocates on all sides of this issue for engaging in a collaborative effort to bring our public records law into the 21st century, while providing flexibility for municipalities and agencies."

The legislation will reduce costs for records requestors and ensure timely compliance with public records requests. The bill also brings Massachusetts in line with 47 other states and the federal government in allowing attorney's fees to be awarded to plaintiffs who are victorious in court when denied records. The bill requires attorney fees to be awarded, except in certain defined situations.

Under the legislation, each state agency and municipality is required to appoint at least one public records access officer to serve as the point of contact for all public records requests and coordinate a timely and thorough response.  The public records officer does not have to be a new employee. 

The bill limits the amount that state agencies and municipalities can charge for production of the records.  The limits are set at 5 cents per page for copies, down from 20 to 50 cents per page under current law, and the cost of a storage device.  The bill requires state agencies to provide four free hours of employee time and two free hours for municipalities. Charges for requests that require more time are limited to $25 per hour. 

The bill prohibits charging for records if the agency or municipality does not provide the record within 15 days of the request or does not respond to the requestor within ten days.  It also requires punitive damages up to $5,000 if a court determines the government entity did not act in good faith. 

Finally the bill requires state entities and encourages municipalities to post online many commonly requested public records.  In addition, records are required to be provided in electronic format unless requested otherwise.

The bill will now be reconciled with the version passed by the House of Representatives before being sent to the Governor. 

Franklin Matters Note: this is a good improvement over the House version but still not enough. What will come out of the Senate House reconciliation remains to be seen.

HMEA: Beatles concert - February 27th, 2016

The Beatles are back!

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The Beatles are back to benefit HMEA!  Greetings, Come enjoy the best of the Beatles early albums including 'A Hard Days Night' and 'Help!'  WHO: "STUDIO TWO" Beatles Tribute Band WHAT: Concert to benefit HMEA, Inc. WHEN: Saturday, February 27th, 2016 | 7 pm - 10 pm WHERE: The Black Box, 15 W Central St, Franklin, MA 02038 Presented by: Lippolis Plumbing Hot and cold snacks will be provided and a cash bar will be available.  REFRESHMENTS - DOOR PRIZES - RAFFLE PRIZES $15/Per person - available in advance or at the door For ticket information visit: hmea.org/beatlesconcert There are only 200 tickets available. Reserve your tickets now! All proceeds will benefit HMEA, Inc. (Horace Mann Educational Associates) HMEA is a non-profit agency supporting children and adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities. hmea.org STAY CONNECTED:

Forward this email HMEA | 8 Forge Park East | Franklin | MA | 02038

Foreign Language Classes Start Soon

February  - Foreign Language -  Preview Franklin Public Schools - Lifelong Learning Institute   The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning February 2016 Monthly Spotlight Foreign Language Classes Begin Your Foreign Language Adventure Now  Don't miss out  Classes Begin on February 23 Register Today French for Travelers (French I)    Pamela Ringrose, Instructor  Bonjour! Are you planning a trip to France? Through situational vocabulary framed in a cultural context, you will learn the basics to make a stay in France even more pleasant. So buy your ticket and prepare to learn about greeting, sightseeing, ordering food and shopping - in the style of France!  Italian for Travelers (Italian I)  Pamela Ringrose, Instructor Buongiorno! Are you planning a trip to Italy? Through situational vocabulary framed in a cultural context, you will learn the basics to make a stay in Italy even more pleasant. So buy your ticket and prepare to learn about greeting, sightseeing, ordering food and shopping - Italian style!  Intermediate Conversational Italian  (Italian II) Pamela Ringrose, Instructor Did you enjoy your intro to the Italian language in Italian I so much that you want to continue delving further into this beautiful language? Whether you are traveling to Italy, or just practicing here at home, this class offers you the opportunity to increase your vocabulary, knowledge of grammar and to practice your pronunciation with an experienced instructor. The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning   508-613-1480  adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us  | www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com Proud to be part of the Franklin Public Schools Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.

Forward this email FPS- Life Long Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: Coaches vs Cancer, foreign language classes

The Franklin High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and head coaches C.J. Neely and John Leighton will team up with the American Cancer Society to participate in the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative during the 5:30 and 7 p.m. games on Feb. 5 at 218 Oak St. 

Note: due to the snowstorm on Friday the games have been rescheduled for Sunday, Feb 7. The girls play at noon, the boys at 1:30 PM.  

During the Panthers’ games against King Philip, fans will have an opportunity to take part in fundraising activities that will benefit the work of the American Cancer Society and its Coaches vs. Cancer initiative. 

Donations will be collected onsite. The girls’ game begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by the boys at 7 p.m. 

For more information, contact or Greg McKeever at 508-270-4823 or greg.mckeever@cancer.org. 

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that empowers all coaches, their teams and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. 

For more information, visit coachesvscancer.org.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160205/franklin-high-school-basketball-to-host-coaches-vs-cancer-games

FHS Panthers

The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning, a program of the Franklin Public School’s Lifelong Learning Institute, will offer foreign language classes beginning Feb. 23 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St. 

The offerings will include French I for Travelers, beginning Feb. 23; Italian I for Travelers, beginning Feb. 24; and Intermediate Conversational Italian II, beginning Feb. 25.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160205/franklins-adult-education-program-to-offer-foreign-language-classes

Franklin Art Association - meeting March 2

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, March 2, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

Franklin Art Association

Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30 

The program will feature Rockport artist Chris Coyne. Chris will do a watercolor demo. 

Meetings are free and open to the public. 

For more information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org or www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

......

Chris Coyne is a Rockport Massachusetts based plein air painter working in the Cape Ann tradition. Using Gruppe's palette he paints in both oils and watercolors and is comfortable in the field or in the studio. 

A member of numerous art associations, he plies his trade from mountain to sea, producing marine art, landscapes and village scenes, as well as the occasional portrait and still life. 

Both traditionally trained and self taught, Mr Coyne enjoys giving back to the art by sharing his love of painting and art through teaching and demonstrating in the classroom and in the field. 

website: www.coynefineart.com

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/5/16 - THU 2/11/16

FRIDAY 2/5/16
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at the Franklin Art Center
8pm   Choreographer’s Concert at Dean College

SATURDAY 2/6/16
8am-1pm   Bone Marrow Registration Drive for Jennifer Felicetti at the Franklin YMCA
10am-12pm   Information Session and Building Tour of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
2pm   FSPA in The Box: Grease
7:30pm   FSPA in The Box: Grease
8pm   Choreographer’s Concert at Dean College

SUNDAY 2/7/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club

TUESDAY 2/9/16
6:30-8pm   Knitting Circle for Adults at Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee monthly meeting at the Franklin YMCA. Public welcome.

WEDNESDAY 2/10/16
6:30-7:30pm   Open House at the Franklin High School for course selection for incoming 9th graders.

THURSDAY 2/11/16
6:30-8:30pm   Relay For Life Fundraiser: Wine Tasting, food, raffles at Pour Richard's

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

Franklin Police: Telephone scam claiming to be IRS agent

We are aware of an ongoing telephone scam where an individual claiming to be an IRS agent calls residents, states there is an arrest warrant or legal proceedings against the victim, and that the matter can be cleared up by making an immediate wire payment by such services as Western Union or Money Gram.

The IRS does not conduct business in this manner.  They will contact people by certified US mail.  They do not call and demand immediate payment to avoid criminal charges.

If you receive this type of call, hang up.  DO NOT give any information to the caller.

Thank you

Chief Stephan H Semerjian

Franklin Police Station,  911 Panther Way

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

Franklin Student’s Collect Clothes for Foster Children

From February 1 through February 12, the Student Government at Jefferson Elementary School in Franklin is conducting a pajama and sock drive to benefit the Friends of Foster Care and Comfort Cases for kids. All collected pajamas and socks will be included within a backpack and delivered to the children as they begin their journey with a new foster home.

Representative Jeffrey Roy and Senator Richard Ross will be visiting the Jefferson Elementary School on February 12 at 9 a.m. to present the resourceful Student Government members with citations from both the House of Representatives and Senate congratulating them for their success.

"It is the small but sincere acts, like ensuring a foster child has new warm clothes, that can make all the difference in the world in the life of a young person," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "I am heartened to see that these kids took it upon themselves to take on this project, and recognize the difference they can make in the world. I am honored to represent such a creative and thoughtful group of young people."

"Our Student Council members worked together to organize this collection to help other children," said Principal Linda Ashley. "As educators we are very proud when our students extend our school's core values of responsibility and investment to help others in our community."

"A warm pair of socks and pajamas are comforts that many take for granted, yet these items are necessities in the cold winter months," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The compassionate, proactive students at Jefferson Elementary School are supporting other young people and setting a terrific example of generosity and caring in our community."

"I am so pleased that students at Jefferson Elementary School have organized such a fantastic initiative. Entering a new foster home can be hard, but a new set of clothes can go a long way to truly change someone's life for the better. These students are an inspiration for our community and I am so proud of the work they put into this," said Senator Ross. (R-Wrentham)

For anyone who may be interested in donating NEW and UNUSED pajamas and socks can feel free to bring these clothing items to the lobby of Jefferson School (628 Washington St, Franklin, MA 02038).

Jefferson Elementary School

Recognition from the MBTA on Franklin Line troubles

After a 4 hour commute on Wednesday, on top of delays on Tuesday evenings commute, the MBTA issued a letter to all the Franklin Line riders on Thursday.

letter from the MBTA

The proposed schedule line changes can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/franklin-line-schedule-changes-possible.html

Citizen Comment: Jim Hill to Town Council, Feb 3, 2016

Good evening, Mr. Chair and Fellow Town Councilors, I’m James Hill and I live at 5 Gloucester Dr.

I’m here as a follow-up to the No Spectra Natural Gas Pipeline presentation of January 6th. I’m not here tonight to talk about the environmental damage caused by fracking and gas leaks. I’m not here to talk about exporting natural gas or having to pay an additional utility fee to pay for the pipeline. And I’m not here to restate that the Attorney General and the Conservation Law Foundation reports indicate that there’s no need for another pipeline.

I’m here to share the concerns of many residents of Franklin who worry about the safety of gas pipelines. At the Spectra Energy Open House two weeks ago, we observed aerial views of the existing and proposed pipelines. We’ve been to many of these areas and observed that the current pipeline appears to be within twenty feet of some homes, and close to many others. Most of these homes were built after the pipeline was installed in 1963, and before people knew the potential dangers. According to the PHMSA, the HCAs (High Consequence Areas) are at least a 660’ radius. According to a Spectra employee, the old 24-inch Algonquin pipe contains about 700lbs per square inch of pressure and the proposed 30” line would be at least that. In some areas on the Spectra maps the current pipe and the proposed pipe appear to be very close each other.

Given the fact that there was a serious gas leak in Medway on January 5, the close location of these pipes is frightening to us. According to a January 6th Milford Daily News article, several homes were evacuated for six hours while the leak was repaired. In addition to the Medway Fire Department, the Milford, Millis and Holliston fire departments were on hand. In our opinion, the fact that the pipes, in some areas, will be within feet of each other would increase the incineration zone exponentially. If one pipeline exploded, the other probably could too. A leak and a spark would cause a catastrophic event. This could have happened in Medway or here given the fact that gas leaks are common. 

According to the US Department of Transportation’s Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration from 1994 through 2013, there were 110 serious incidents with interstate gas transmission pipelines, resulting in $448,900,333 in property damages, 195 injuries and 41 deaths. From 2002 to 2015 there were 589 resolved civil penalty cases totaling $47, 447,675. At this time there are another 637 open cases with proposed penalties of $64,856,000.

On November 30, 2015 Steve Aklquist of RI Future.org wrote an article based on an interview with two former safety inspectors who worked for Spectra in nearby Burrillville, Rhode Island. The two safety inspectors were working on a section of Spectra Energy’s AIM pipeline system and stated that the company cut corners when it came to project, worker and environmental safety. 

Cathodic protection

One inspector was quoted as saying, “Right now, what they’re hoping to do, is they’re hoping to slam all this through, and then at the end ask for forgiveness,” They’ll say, “Oops, sorry about that, I didn’t know, let me write you a check. Because once this thing’s turning meter, they’re going to be making millions of dollars a day. It doesn’t matter what your problems are.” According to the article the other inspector added , “These pipes have to last underground for at least 50 years…. If there’s the smallest mistake in their cathodic protection, that’s what’s going to corrode. All of a sudden you’ve got, even at 800-900 pounds of pressure, doesn’t sound like much, but when you’ve got a 42-inch pipe, traveling that distance and it goes ka-bang, you’re not talking about taking out a block, you’re talking about taking out a large area. You’re talking about a humongous ecological impact, you’re talking about displacing hundreds of families, you’re talking about leveling homes, killing people instantly, I mean, if one of those places were to go up, it’s going to be a bad day.” End of quote.

As I said, we’re not here to talk about the environmental damage caused by gas leaks and fracking. Or the fact that both the Attorney General and the Conservation Law Foundation’s research indicates that there are better ways to address peak winters days than adding another pipeline.

We’re here to say that given the track record of pipelines and the extreme pressure and proposed location of a new pipeline, we ask that you, the Town Council members, consider the safety of our citizens and consider legal ways to protect our town from undesirable development. 

To that end I have emailed each of you a link to a document entitled “Local Government, A Guide to Pipelines” written by the Pipeline Safety Trust with a grant from the US Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Administration. Thanks for your time.

Death with Dignity Informational Presentation

A Death with Dignity Informational Presentation will take place at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut Street on Sunday, Feb 28th, from 1-2:30 p.m. 

The presenter will be Marie Manis, Massachusetts Campaign Manager for Compassion and Choices, which is the leading nonprofit organization working to improve care and expand choice at the end of life.

Compassion and Choices

For more than 30 years they have increased people's quality of life and given them added peace of mind in their final days – even when injury or illness takes their voice. They work to change attitudes, practices and policies so that everyone can access the information and options they need to have more control and comfort in their final days. 

You will hear more about the national aid in dying movement and the bill currently in the MA legislature co-sponsored by 29 lawmakers, and find out what you can do to support it. 

This event is open to the public.

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Closed - Friday, Feb 5

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Morning

Based on current conditions (Slick, icy roads) and the prediction that conditions will deteriorate - All Franklin Public Schools will be closed today. 

No evening activities. School and Administrative Offices closed.

Thank you and stay safe.

from a prior snow storm

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. 

In the News: billboard proposal under consideration, runners help food pantry

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Town Council is weighing a request for a zoning amendment that would clear the way for a company to erect an electronic billboard along Interstate 495. 

The council, meeting Wednesday night, listened to but did not act upon a presentation from local attorney Michael Doherty, representing the company iON the Ball. 

Doherty said the company was asking for a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow electronic billboards along the highway. He said the measure would be limited since state and federal regulations spell out stringent rules as to where billboards may be placed.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160204/franklin-council-hears-billboard-plan

After the success of the group's first pre-Santa Parade run, the Tri-Valley Front Runners donated the proceeds from the event to the Daily Bread Food Pantry. 

The group this week dropped off a $380 check and three boxes of food they collected from the run, where about 90 runners took off in front of the parade, running the length of the route.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160204/tri-valley-front-runners-donate-to-milford-pantry

In the News: MBTA Franklin Line discussed, GREASE performance this weekend

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Citizens heard a report on multiple aspects of the MBTA Franklin Commuter Rail Line Thursday night, with information touching on fare increases, winter preparedness, schedule changes and the issues that led to a lengthy delay the previous night. 

The meeting was hosted by State Reps. Sean Dooley, R-Norfolk, and Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and State Sen. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham. 

A potential plan to change the schedule was explained by Corey Lynch, the deputy director of rail operations for the MBTA. He said the Franklin line typically saw huge spikes in ridership in one morning train and one evening train.

Franklin Line heading to Franklin/Forge Park

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160204/franklin-commuter-rail-issues-discussed

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will an all-student production of the hit musical "Grease" on Saturday at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central St., downtown Franklin. 

The powerhouse Broadway musical, with book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, became a Hollywood movie classic starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. With iconic characters, '50s pop culture, and electrifying rock 'n roll style, the original high school musical includes high energy dance numbers and the hit songs “We Go Together,” “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin'” and “Born to Hand Jive.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160205/fspa-to-present-all-student-production-of-grease

Broadway in Franklin to feature Jenn Colella And Michael James Scott

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Broadway In Franklin: A Weekend with the Stars on February 26-28, featuring Broadway headliners Jenn Colella and Michael James Scott in a Broadway Revue of show-stopping numbers from the Great White Way.

Bringing the magic of 42nd Street to Boston's MetroWest suburbs, the Broadway Revue will be presented at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s theater, music, and event venue, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. The show also features appearances by musical theater students and by Electric Youth. Participation in the weekend’s master classes and Broadway Revue is open to students in grades 8-12, with all abilities welcome. 

Electric Youth 2016

Electric Youth (EY), a dynamic ensemble of talented singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, will kick off the weekend with a 7:30 p.m. show on Friday evening, February 26, at THE BLACK BOX. Backed by an eight-piece band of Boston musicians who’ve performed with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Diana Ross and many others, Electric Youth delivers high-energy music, including fully choreographed hits by Adele, Beyonce, The Black Crowes, Queen, Sugarland, Stevie Wonder and more. 

Guest artists Jenn Colella and Michael James Scott will lead a series of musical theater master classes at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) on Saturday, February 27, that will include dance workshops and coaching on song interpretation and performance skills. Rehearsals for Sunday’s revue will round out the weekend programming with the Broadway performers. For more information, including participation fee and schedule, visit www.FPAConline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 

Jenn Colella

Jenn Colella’s Broadway credits include Urban Cowboy (Sissy, Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), High Fidelity (Laura), Chaplin (Hedda Hopper) and If/Then (Anne) opposite LaChanze and Idina Menzel. Regionally she was featured as Daisy Hilton in Sideshow at the Kennedy Center, Peter Pan in Peter Pan at the Sondheim Performing Arts Center, and Georgie in The Full Monty at Paper Mill Playhouse with Elaine Stritch. 

Off-Broadway credits include Beebo Brinker Chronicles (opposite Marin Ireland), Lucky Guy (opposite Kyle Dean Massey) and the revival of Closer Than Ever. Television appearances include guest-starring roles on Cashmere Mafia (ABC), Rescue Me (FX), Can You Tell (Oxygen), All My Children (ABC), The Good Wife (CBS) and Elementary (CBS). Colella starred opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt in the indie film Uncertainty. 

Michael James Scott

Michael James Scott originated and is currently playing the role of Minstrel in the Broadway sensation Something Rotten! He also originated the part of Doctor Gotswana in Broadway’s The Book of Mormon and was the standby for the Genie in Aladdin. 

Additional Broadway credits include Mamma Mia! (Eddie), All Shook Up, The Pirate Queen, Tarzan, Hair and Elf – The Musical. National Tours include Fosse (Male Leading Performer) and Mamma Mia! (Sky). Michael James Scott appeared Off-Broadway in Here’s to the Public with Donna McKechnie and in London’s West End revival of Hair. 

Proceeds from Broadway In Franklin weekend support Electric Youth’s 2016 European summer concert tour and EY’s mission to give back through musical performance, education and ambassadorship. 

To purchase tickets for Friday’s Electric Youth show or Sunday’s Broadway Revue, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Franklin Federated Church: special services for Lent

Franklin Federated Church is offering two very different opportunities for people to prepare for Lent: A Jazz Worship service on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 10 AM, and an Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 10 at 7:00 PM.

Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, is the six-week period before Easter, what is traditionally a time of self-examination and reflection for Christians.

The Jazz Worship service is a chance to worship in a celebratory and joyful way before Lent begins. The service will feature the Willie Sordillo Quartet, with musicians Willie Sordillo on alto saxophone, David Harris on tuba and trombone, David Dubinsky on trumpet and fluegelhorn and Mark Shilansky on piano.

The Ash Wednesday service will be a more contemplative service that includes the imposition of ashes for those who wish to receive them.

All are welcome at Franklin Federated Church, located at 171 Main Street. No prior experience with church is needed! A nursery for babies is available, and activity kits are on hand in the church for children to use during worship. Large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are also available, and there is an access ramp at the left side of the church. Find out more at franklinfederated.org or facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church