Early voting available to Franklin voters beginning Oct 24

New to Massachusetts - all registered voters may cast early ballots in biennial state elections beginning with the November 8, 2016 Presidential Election.

When? October 24th - Nov 4th

Where? Town Hall – Clerk’s Office

Early Voting Dates and Times:

• Monday Oct 24, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Tuesday Oct 25, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Wednesday Oct 26, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Thursday Oct 27, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Friday Oct 28, 8 AM – 1 PM
• Saturday Oct 29, 8 AM – 1 PM
• Monday Oct 31, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Tuesday Nov 1, 8 AM – 4 PM
• Wednesday Nov 2, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Thursday Nov 3, 8 AM – 7 PM
• Friday Nov 4, 8 AM – 1 PM

THE EXTENDED HOURS (BOLD) ARE FOR VOTING ONLY!
(During the normal office hours, all Town Clerk business can be conducted. During the extended hours, voting is the only service supported.

What is the difference between absentee voting and early voting?

• Absentee ballots are for those who will be out of town on the day of the election and can not make it to the polling place 
• Early voting is open to all registered voters but must be done at the early voting location (Town Clerk's office) 
• Absentee ballots can be applied for and sent in via mail. Early voting needs to be done in person
• Early voting ends on Nov 4th. Absentee ballots are accepted up until noon before the election  day

More on Early Voting from the Secretary of the Comonwealth
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleev/evidx.htm


Information for voters about the election on November 8th
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/message16.htm

• Ballot Question 1

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_1.htm

• Ballot Question 2

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_2.htm

• Ballot Question 3

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_3.htm

• Ballot Question 4

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_4.htm


Did you recycle your Voter Information mailing? You can download or view the PDF copy here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2016.pdf

The Large Print version is available here
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2016_Large.pdf

voter information was mailed to all MA registered voters

In the News: Library work underway, Tri-County schedules showcase

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

"Those looking at the Franklin Public Library from the outside are only seeing the merest hint of the work going on within. 

Inside the stately granite Main Street building, whole rooms are swathed in opaque plastic - almost as if they've been gift-wrapped - while others are stripped down to reveal the piping underneath. 

The library, built in 1904, is a couple of months into a year-long, $10.5 million renovation project - one that will both update the building's interior and create an addition that will expand library spaces. 

Town Councilor Judith Pfeffer - also the chairwoman of the library building committee - spoke on Friday about the progress made on the building, and what it might look like once it is complete."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160923/progress-made-on-franklin-library-project

work underway to expand the library in the back of the current building

"After a successful debut last year, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School hosts its second "Showcase Spectacular" event next Saturday. 

The day, scheduled for Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., is intended to better familiarize the public with the school. 

"Every shop will have a different activity," said school spokeswoman Jessica Silva. "The early education program, for example, will show some of the activities they do with preschool-age children." 

"It gives people a chance to come in and see what's going on at Tri-County on a daily basis," she added.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160923/tri-county-opening-doors-for-showcase-event

http://www.tri-county.us/

FHS football tops Taunton, volleyball drops match to Mansfield

From Hockomock Sports we share the results from the FHS fall sports action on Friday

*** Football = Franklin, 27 @ Taunton, 8 – Final

1st Quarter: (F) Jake Noviello 33 yard pass to Connor Peterson, XP missed.
2nd Quarter: (F) Jake Wolowacki 23 yard rush, Matt Zucco XP good; (F) J. Noviello 13 yard pass to C. Peterson, M. Zucco XP good.
3rd Quarter: (F) J. Noviello 17 yard pass to J. Wolowacki, M. Zucco XP good.
4th Quarter: (T) Noah Leonard 24 yard pass to Adam McLaughlin, Nuno Camara 2pt rush.

FHS Panthers

*** Volleyball = Franklin, 1 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final

– Mansfield won the opening set but dropped the second to the visiting Panthers. However, the Hornets bounced back with two straight set wins to earn the match win, 25-10, 23-25, 25-16, 25-18. Mansfield’s Jacey Anderson had 18 service points, Anna Kemp had 19 service point and Jess Haradon played great defense and had 26 digs. Erin Skidmore led Franklin with 11 kills, two aces and 18 digs while Lauren McGrath had 18 assists, five digs and two aces and Meaghan Maguire added three blocks

For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-092316/

https://hockomocksports.com/standings/

For the current standings of the each of the fall sports for the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/standings/

"The true extent of heroin abuse is not entirely known because of gaps in data collection"

"... obituaries don't reflect the stunning number of people dying in big cities, small towns and rural communities because of addictions to heroin or other opiates. An estimated 435,000 Americans use heroin, according to 2014 figures from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, nearly triple the number who used in 2007.

Every day, 78 people in the United States die from an opiate overdose — 29 of them from heroin alone, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's more than 10,500 deaths a year attributed to heroin and more than 28,000 deaths because of opiate overdoses. 

By comparison, more than 35,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year. 

But the overdose numbers don't fully reflect heroin’s hold on us."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.gatehouseprojects.com/Project/heroinshold/?site=metrowestdailynews.com

Lisa and Terry Blunt say that when their 22-year-old daughter, Beth, lost her battle with addiction, it was important to share that in her obituary to create awareness about the heroin crisis in America. MAX GERSH/Rockford Register Star

In the News: FPAC auditions, THE BLACK BOX local artist series

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

"Franklin Performing Arts Co. will hold open auditions Oct. 8 at the Black Box, 15 W. Central St., Franklin, for the original FPAC musical, “Humbug!,” and a new FPAC holiday panto. 

Auditions will begin at 1 p.m. for ages 6-8; 1:30 p.m. for ages 9-10; 2 p.m. for ages 11-12; 2:30 p.m. for teens; and 3:30 p.m. for adults. 

The productions will be presented as part of FPAC’s 26th season.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160923/

THE BLACK BOX on West Central St in Franklin

"The Black Box, 15 W. Central St., Franklin, a theater and music venue, will present its third season of the Local Artist and Jazz Series this October. 

At 8 p.m. Oct. 1, the Black Box will present a double bill featuring the Chick Magnets and Ben Gardner’s Boat. Led by Massachusetts Rep. Jeff Roy, the acoustic rock band Ben Gardner’s Boat also features Don Larsen, Tom Grillo, Pat DeGregorio and Scott Mueller. The five have played together since the 1990s. The Chick Magnets showcase a lineup of veteran players and multi-instrumentalists. The seven-piece group, including Barry Madden of Franklin Ford, performs rhythm and blues and older rock ‘n’ roll."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160923/black-box-lists-local-artist-and-jazz-series-lineup

One-Night Workshop: Surviving Adolescence

Outwit, Outplay, Outlast!

Franklin Public Schools ~ Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education - Community Learning presents One-Night Workshop Surviving Adolescence Outwit, Outplay, Outlast! Register Now On October 6, join Donna Shea to explore adolescent development and how this exciting, yet sometimes excruciating process, of growing up can impact family life. Surviving Adolescence will explore why teens become allergic to their parents and how boys and girls journey through adolescence in similar and different ways.     About the Speaker Donna Shea is a behaviorist and a pioneer in providing community-based social education programs for elementary-age children. She has developed & directed programs for children at the Peter Pan Center in Massachusetts since 2002. Donna holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Lesley University and is a behavioral consultant to pre-schools, schools, parent groups, and human service agencies.   Check out all of our fall classes adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us     508-613-1480

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Tri-County Insider - Showcase Spectacular and more

SEPTEMBER 21 Tri-County's most "Spectacular" event is approaching! The second annual Showcase Spectacular is on Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a great opportunity for your family and friends to learn more about the vocational technical education your child is receiving here at Tri-County. This free community event includes a variety of activities, interactive demonstrations, and food prepared by our Culinary Arts program. We hope you can join us and would appreciate your help in spreading the word! Guidance Updates Parent Orientation Nights Parent Orientation Night for grades 9 and 11 will be held tomorrow (Thursday) from 7 to 9 p.m. Parent Orientation Night for grades 10 and 12 will be held on Tuesday, September 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. A Student Portal Presentation will be held at 6:30 p.m. on both nights. College Fair at Tri-County Tri-County will host a College Fair on Thursday, October 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. All grades are encouraged to attend as it is never too early to begin planning for the future! Registration opens tomorrow for the PSAT The PSATs will be held on Wednesday, November 2, at 8 a.m., at Tri-County. Grade 10 students can take the test, but grade 11 students are all strongly encouraged to sing up. The registration time frame is from September 22 through October 12. Students should see Grade 11 and 12 School Counselor David Casey before school, during lunch, or after school to pay and sign up. Registration will also be available during Parent Orientation on Thursday evening. The cost is $15 and students who receive Free or Reduced Lunch may qualify to receive a fee waiver. Upcoming Events Grade 9 / 11 Parent Orientation Thursday, September 22  Grade 10 and 12 Parent Orientation  Tuesday, September 27 Showcase Spectacular Saturday, October 1 About The TC Insider The TC Insider is a biweekly newsletter for the families of Tri-County students. Forward to a Friend Follow on Twitter Like us on Facebook View Email In Browser Tri-County RVTHS 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 www.tri-county.us 508-528-5400

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. You can view the full newsletter View Email In Browser

Party Like a Wine Buyer!

An Afternoon with George.....

Pour Richard's Presents: Kimera Imports Never Drink Ordinary! Sunday, September 25 1-4 PM Food Courtesy of Ristorante La Campania, Waltham Have you ever wondered where we find all the lovely wines we sell? By near-daily tasting, with about 27 different suppliers. The best of these-passionate, knowledgeable, and unfailingly fun-we no longer think of as 'salespeople', but as dear friends. And even among this rarefied group, there's nobody else quite like George. George Schwartz is Mr Italy. Every time he walks through the door, we know we'll be trying something amazing: a Nebbiolo from the Roero, a new Primitivo producer, a snappy-crisp, just-bottled Grechetto. When George shows up, you'll be heading off on a delicious flight of fancy, lucky to have been invited along. I've often wished that our customers could experience tasting with George and hearing his stories first-hand. And now, you can! This Sunday, September 25, George will be at Pour Richard's with 24 of his 'Greatest Hits', wonderful wines he has sourced from the Veneto to Sicily, Tuscany to Piemonte, and back again. And our customers get to play Wine Buyer for the day, tasting with the Maestro and deciding what they love and what they merely like. We'll have Barolo. Barbaresco. Fizzy fun white from the Veneto. Barbera. Pinot Grigio. Tuscan Red. Arneis. Dessert wine. And much, much more. The MA distributor for George's wines also owns Ristorante La Campania in Waltham. In proper Italian fashion, they'll be providing cheeses and other snacks to complement the wines. If you've dined at Campania, you understand what a treat that will be. If you haven't, trust us: it's fabulous! To sweeten the deal even more, we're offering an additional 15% off 6 or more wines from the tasting, and 20% off 12 or more. An afternoon with George. September 25, 1-4 PM. Don't miss it. Thank you for trusting us with your beverage business. Please share this email with friends who are interested in delicious wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.)  Cheers! Ann Williams and John Wass  Our Beer List  |  Our Wine List Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits  (508) 520-9163 | www.pourrichardswine.com  14 Grove Street  Franklin, MA 02038 Sun 12-5  Mon 12-7  Tues-Thurs 10-8  Fri-Sat 10-9

Try it free today

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/23/16 - THU 9/29/16

FRIDAY 9/23/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
12-6pm   Perennial Plant Sale at the Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common - benefits the Franklin Garden Club Scholarship Fund

SATURDAY 9/24/16
9-10am   Coffee with a School Committee @ 23 Hutchinson Street
7pm   FPAC Gala 2016 - Laugh In The Box @ The Black Box
8pm   An Evening with Tom Rush @ FUSF

SUNDAY 9/25/16
12-4pm   Fall Festival @ Medway Community Farm (50 Winthrop St.)
1-4pm   Party Like a Wine Buyer @ Pour Richard’s
2-5pm   Open House @ Encore Music Academy, 3 Bent Street in Franklin

MONDAY 9/26/16
10:30am   Tea and Tangles @ Franklin Art Center
4pm   Krafty Mondays @ Franklin Public Library, ages 6-12.

TUESDAY 9/27/16
6:30pm   Workshop: Charles River Meadowlands @ FUSF

THURSDAY 9/29/16
4-8pm   FSPA Open House
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center
6:30pm   Genealogy Club Meeting @ Franklin Historical Museum
7-9pm   Franklin SEPAC: Parent to Parent Night Out @ Cole’s Tavern

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

FHS girls, boys soccer, and golf teams all post wins

From Hockomock Sports we share the results from the FHS fall sports action on Thursday 

*** Boys soccer = Franklin, 2 @ Taunton, 0 – Final 

– Connor SanClememte and Shawn Kilcoyne scored the goals for the Panthers and Aaron Frongilloo had both assists.

*** Girls soccer = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

FHS Panthers

– Halle Atkinson had a goal and an assist to lead the Panthers. Miranda Smith, Ellie Teixeira, and Jess Kroushl each scored one goal for Franklin. Kathryn Noon, Emily Mastaj, and Calen Frongillo had assists.

*** Golf = Milford, 171 @ Franklin, 161 – Final 

– Ryan Tomaso shot a medalist round of 38 but it was not enough for the Hawks. Franklin was led by Matt Dao, who shot a 39, and Matt De’Errico, who shot a 40.

For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-092216/

A more detailed write up of the girls soccer game can be found here
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-soccer-pulls-away-second-half-hold-off-taunton/

Perennial Plant Sale at the Franklin Farmer’s Market

Franklin Garden Club

The Franklin Garden Club will hold a perennial plant sale at the Franklin Farmer’s Market on Friday, September 23. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the club’s scholarship fund. The plants will be from the gardens of members as well as the Town Common garden, which is maintained by the club. 

The Farmer’s Market is held from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Franklin Town Common.

“Fall is an excellent time of the year to plant perennials,” noted club co-president Susan Childers. “There will be a variety of healthy perennials to choose from and the average cost will be $3.00 per plant, a significant savings over those sold in the stores.”

Each year, the club conducts a variety of fund raising activities to support a scholarship that is awarded to a graduating senior who will be majoring in environmental or horticultural-related studies. The club also purchases pine tree seedlings which are distributed in elementary schools to celebrate Arbor Day.

In the News: high school fields on schedule, spin your way to work, drought conditions remain

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

"The town will be looking to take ownership of the fields around the Franklin High School next year, though there have been complicating factors - not the least of which has been the ongoing drought. 

Town Councilor Thomas Mercer, chairman of the high school's building committee, gave an update on the situation this week. The town has not yet taken control of the fields from the project contractor; sodding and creating them is a multi-year process. 

He said he had received many questions about the status of the fields. 

"I've been out there at least once a week, if not twice a week," he said. 

Mercer said those involved in the project are comfortable that the high school baseball teams will be able to play on the fields in the spring.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/franklin-looks-to-take-ownership-of-high-school-fields-in-spring

"Stuck in frustrating bumper-to-bumper traffic on Rte. 9 or the Mass. Pike during rush hour and craving a workout to relieve the workday stress? 

Eric and Seema Brodie have just the thing for you. The Newton couple recently devised a way to get commuters in and out of Boston safely while providing them with a good, hearty workout at the same time. And with this commute, you leave the driving to someone else. 

The Brodies, who both previously worked as attorneys, converted a former Logan Airport shuttle bus into a traveling cycling studio with eight stationary bicycles bolted firmly to the floor in place of passenger seats. Riders are safely harnessed in during the ride. While Eric drives the bus through crowded highways and city streets, Seema energetically leads a high-intensity spinning class to the sounds of top musical artists."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/newton-couple-brings-bikebus-to-framingham

image from http://bikebus.com/index.html

"Despite one day of heavy rain showers this week, the weekly update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme drought conditions in Massachusetts remain unchanged. 

The report issued today showed 52 percent of the state remains in "extreme drought" conditions - the second worst drought level issued by the monitor. Nearly 90 percent of the state is in at least "severe drought," according to the monitor. 

Some parts of the state saw more than two inches of rain Monday but most of MetroWest and the Milford area saw an inch or less. Boston saw less than a half-inch of rain."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160922/extreme-drought-conditions-hold-fast-in-region

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/MapsAndData/MapsandDataServices/MapService.aspx

In the News: Town Council accepts land, guided walk in Upton St Forest

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

"The Town Council accepted about 20 acres of land off of Lincoln Street, which abuts Helen Keller Elementary School and Annie Sullivan Middle School. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the parcel comes from a developer of Rolling Brook Estates, a nearby housing development. He said the town wanted to keep the land as open space, since children often walk through to get to the schools. 

Councilor Andrew Bissanti, though, questioned the acquisition of the plot, asking whether anything could be built there. 

"It's touted as a great piece of land... I see nothing but rivers and streams," he said. "I'm not for taking land off the tax roll on behalf of a developer."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160923/franklin-accepts-lincoln-street-land

"The Friends of the Upton State Forest on Saturday are guiding a historical tour of the landmarks and sites hidden within the forest. 

Friends member Bill Taylor said that the event is part of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor GO! program, which is an “effort to educate people about the history of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor.” 

The walk is actually the 60th on the program of events for the GO! program, which runs through the month of September, he said. 

Walkers will explore various historic items in the forest, including cellar holes, surface quarrying, stone walls, cut stones, water crossings, early roads and an old cranberry bog while discussing “who used the land that is now Upton State forest.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160923/historic-upton-state-forest-tour-saturday

Where is the Upton State Forest?

REMINDER -- You are invited to the Charles River Meadowlands Workshop, 9/27 6:30 pm

Don't miss the upcoming Charles River Meadowlands workshop on Sept 27 starting at 6:30 at the First Universalist Society, Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street. 

The event will provide an overview of the 500 acres of land protected by the Army Corps of Engineers in Franklin, Bellingham, and Medway and the nearby and contiguous town parcels that help make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

A brief panel discussion will highlight models and opportunities for collaboration between towns and federal, state, and local government. The evening will then include a workshop section, where everyone will have an opportunity to air and share ideas, concerns, etc. 

For more information, please visit www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org or contact Alan Earls, alan.r.earls@gmail.com, 508 528 6930. Metacomet Land Trust has provided technical assistance in helping this initiative get off the ground.

http://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

Senator Spilka: 2015-2016 Session in Review and Introducing #MetroWestKids

Dear Friend, At the end of July, the Massachusetts State Senate wrapped up its 2015-2016 legislative session with action on bills related to economic development, clean energy, transportation network companies, pay equity and many other important issues for children, families and communities in MetroWest. As the fall begins, our work does not stop. This month, my office is launching the #MetroWestKids initiative to provide resources to parents, kids, schools and community organizations about social and emotional learning (#SEL). In the interdependent and changing world that our children face, the ability to work together to create positive change and overcome adversity is more essential than ever. My focus throughout the Fiscal Year 2017 budget process was on policies and investments that will build resilient children, families and communities - and ultimately a resilient Commonwealth. Sen. Spilka reads to students at Hopkins School in Hopkinton For children, resilience starts with SEL. According to the Social-Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts, SEL is a "transformative and evidence-based educational process that teaches children, from pre-k through 12th grade, the mental skills that will significantly reduce emotional stresses that lead to violence and addiction, improve problem-solving skills, enhance empathy, raise academic test scores and increase resiliency." SEL is increasingly recognized as the key to success, in school and beyond, for children of all backgrounds. As our children face pressures ranging from high-stakes testing to peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol, we must all work together to equip them with the social and emotional tools they need to persevere and make good decisions. I hope you will join us as we expand this conversation to include all #MetroWestKids and the ways we can help them succeed. Below, please find some links to get you started.   Follow me on Facebook and Twitter for updates, using the hashtags #MetroWestKids and #SEL. You can also use these to share your stories and expertise.   One of the many reasons I love the MetroWest region is our shared commitment to making life better for our children. I can't wait to work with you on this important initiative! Warm regards, Karen E. Spilka State Senator, 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk Chair, Senate Ways and Means Committee #MetroWestKids and #SEL Resources Organizations  Transforming Education Rennie Center: Education Research & Policy Social-Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts MA Advocates for Children: Trauma & Learning Policy Initiative Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Articles  Testing for Joy and Grit? Schools Nationwide Push to Measure Students' Emotional Skills In Mass. schools, a focus on well-being New Vision for Education: Fostering Social and Emotional Learning through Technology The Science of Resilience When Social and Emotional Learning Is Key to College Success

State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Massachusetts State House, Room 212, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with Try it free today

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. If you would like to read the full newsletter, you'll need to subscribe directly from the Senator's office.