Saturday, April 20, 2019

Discussion scheduled on future of Old South Meeting Church - Apr 24

A discussion is scheduled at 7:10 PM during the April 24 Town Council meeting regarding the Old South Meeting Church on Washington St. The memo to neighborhood residents from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting is shown here:
"As are well aware the Meeting House at 762 Washington Street has been vacant for a long time. The Town Council will have a discussion on the potential future use of the property at their meeting on April 24, 2019. We would very much like to hear from you on this matter. The intent the meeting is to listen to ideas, suggestions and concerns prior to the Town Council considering any future action on the matter. 
Prior to the meeting the church will be open for viewing 5:00-6:15 PM on April 24, 2019. The meeting to discuss the matter will be held immediately after at 7: 10 PM in the Town Council Chambers. 
The Town did have an architect review the building in 2015 and estimated at the time the cost for the Town (subject to all public bid laws) to bring the building into compliance with all building, wiring, plumbing, handicap accessibility etc. codes would be about $500,000. Since then building construction prices have risen so the cost will be higher. 
The full report can be found at 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf
Past discussions with the Historical Commission and others did not lead to any practical suggested reuse given the cost to renovate the building, limited parking, site lines looking west on Washington Street and the limited use the building has had over the years relative to peace and.  
The building does not meet current zoning requirements for residential or commercial use. The current zoning is RRI that requires 200 feet of frontage and 40,000 square feet of land. The only allowed use without a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals would be for religious or educational use. 
The Town did construct a water booster station in the rear of the property (funds provided from the developer of Oak Hill Condo 's) and will maintain the station no matter what decision is made about the future of the Church. 
We would appreciate your attendance and comments. Please pass this information along to others who may be interested in this matter. I am happen to answer any questions you may have prior to the meeting."


The letter can also be found online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV2V6Vkh6NnJWLXM3SHYxeFBySTdNOXV1NUpB/view?usp=sharing

And viewed here




South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Craft Fair And Hands-On/Demo Tent To Be Part Of Taste Of ArtWeek - Apr 27

Taste of ArtWeek, a kick-off celebration to Franklin ArtWeek, will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. The festival will include food trucks, live performances, a craft fair, and a hands-on crafts and demo tent on the Franklin Town Common, as well as a beer and wine garden and fine art exhibition at Hayward Manor, and is intended to give attendees a "taste" of what ArtWeek is all about.

The Craft Fair and The ArtWeek Experience Pavilion, showcasing demos and hands-on crafts, are free and require no ticketing. The Craft Fair will showcase 30 booths of handmade items from Massachusetts-based artisans, and will include such diverse offerings as pottery, jewelry, home décor items, specialty foods, accessories, fine art, and more. Only locally, handmade crafts were allowed in to the juried exhibition.

"We hand-picked each vendor and are so excited to bring new and fresh talent into Franklin," says Craft Fair organizer Kaye Kelly.
Chinese brush painting and calligraphy
Chinese brush painting and calligraphy

The ArtWeek Experience Pavilion offers opportunities for festival attendees to participate in art creation. A variety of live art demonstrations and workshops will be offered, including one on Chinese brush painting and calligraphy by artist Jack Zhao. Zhao will demonstrate his unique combination of Chinese calligraphy mixed with more modern illustration using ancient brush painting techniques. He will then hold several short workshops for attendees to try their own hand at brush painting.

acrylic tree painting
acrylic tree painting
Artist Chris Lamb Toubeau will lead festival-goers in a series of short hands-on workshops in acrylic tree painting, and Sue Sheridan will explain the elements involved in watercolor painting, followed by a demonstration. Illustrator and artist diNo will offer a crowd-sourced spin art project, an animated mandala app project, and a demonstration of his illustrative style. Attendees can also watch Erin Dart create watercolor and pen and ink paintings of wildlife. The New England Lace Group will be in the Pavilion showing the art of bobbin lace making, a way of creating handmade lace, with the opportunity for people to try their hand at this historically-significant art form.
watercolor and pen and ink paintings
watercolor and pen and ink paintings

In addition, a section of the Pavilion is being sponsored by Senate President Karen E. Spilka as The Family Creative Corner with free crafts for kids. These include a bookmark-making craft hosted by the Franklin Public Library, spring ornaments and magnets hosted by Lifelong Learning's Solutions Program, pet tattoos and coloring pages hosted by Leashrly Life, pinwheel-making hosted by the MetroWest Visitors Bureau, and a table with origami folding using old book pages that is being done by students from Benjamin Franklin Charter School as part of a capstone project, which will also raise funds for both literacy and art charities. Also in the tent will be Sandy Fun Sand Art, where kids can make a sand art bottle for a nominal fee.

"The Pavilion gives attendees an opportunity to not only meet various types of artists, but to create art as well, allowing them to experience different mediums. We’ve never done anything like this in Franklin. The ArtWeek Experience Pavilion is going to make this a one-of-a-kind festival in New England, " organizer Kelly goes on to say.

Taste of ArtWeek is being organized by the Franklin Cultural Council, in partnership with Random Smile Project charity. Proceeds from the event will benefit both organizations. 

For more information about Taste of ArtWeek, or to purchase tickets for the food trucks and beer & wine garden, please visit www.randomsmile.org/festival

Sponsors for Taste of ArtWeek include Mass Vacations, the MetroWest Visitors Bureau, the Mass Cultural Council, Dedham Savings Bank, Dean Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank, La Cantina Winery, Dean College, Liberty Realty, Allegra Printing, and Senate President Karen E. Spilka's office.

FHS baseball tops Walpole 6-2

Via Twitter, we share the results of the FHS baseball team winning their game vs. Walpole 6-2.


Franklin 6, Walpole 2 
Winning Pitcher = Jr. Will Pacheco (3.1 inn, 0R, 0H, 1BB, 3K). Pacheco was nails again out of the pen. 

Offensively, Fitzgibbons (1-1, 2B, 2RBI), Elliott (1-3, 2RBI), Floris (2-3, R), & Markowski (1-1, 2R, RBI, 2BB). 

Next up: Franklin @ Taunton (Tues. 4/23) at 3:45pm.



FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Indoor Cycling Fundraiser - Apr 28

What: A three hour cycling fundraiser for the Pan Mass Challenge with New England Patriots Captain Matthew Slater. Matthew will be signing autographs and taking pictures with all riders. 100% of all monies raised will go directly to the Pan Mass Challenge/Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The event will be led by six fun and talented instructors!

Where: The Adirondack Club, 800 Chestnut St, Franklin, MA 02038

When: Sunday, April 28th from 1:00pm-4:00pm

How to Register: Registration should be done in person at the front desk of the Adirondack Club. Riders can register for a one, two or three hour ride. Non members are welcome!

Donation: It costs $100.00 for one hour, $200.00 for two hours, or $300.00 for three hours. Once you are registered, please follow the information below to make your donation. Donations must be made within 24 hours of registration and be received prior to the event. There will be prizes for the biggest fundraisers.

How to Pay: Payment can be done online by following the directions below:

1. Go to PMC website at www.pmc.org
2. Click on red Donate icon on right top of page.
3. Under “Enter a Rider’s name or EgiftID below”, enter “Team Phil’s Phriends”
4. Click on “Find a Rider”.
5. Click on “Team Phil’s Phriends, Needham, MA”
6. Enter donation amount

If you would prefer to pay by check, please make checks payable to the PMC/Phil’s Phriends and mail them to Carolyn Bohmiller, 205 Jordan Rd, Franklin, MA 02038.

If you have friends or family who would like to donate before or after the event, please provide them the instructions above to donate online, mail their checks to the above address, or bring their checks made out to the PMC/Phil’s Phriends with you on the day of the ride. If they are donating online, have them mention the rider’s name in the comment section.

Remember to bring some cash with you to try to win some great raffle items! The raffle will be open on Saturday, April 27 from 7:00-11:00 AM and again on Sunday, April 28 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Food and drinks will be available for all riders.

Please contact Deb Simpson at dsimpson@adirondackclub.com or Carolyn Bohmiller at cbohmiller@yahoo.com if you have any further questions.
We look forward to seeing you on the 28th!


Indoor Cycling Fundraiser - Apr 28
Indoor Cycling Fundraiser - Apr 28

MassBudget: HWM Committee's modest budget proposal lacks needed investments in FY 2020



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.
April 18, 2019



House Ways and Means Committee's modest budget proposal lacks needed investments in FY 2020

The House Ways and Means (HWM) Committee kicked off the legislative budget process with its Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 proposal. Overall the Committee's budget proposes modest increases in some areas, and reduces funding in others, according to a new analysis by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget). Because the budget lacks any significant new revenue, our Commonwealth will go another year without making needed investments in important areas, including education, transportation, and affordable housing. Here are some key takeaways:
  • While the Committee proposes slightly more funding for public elementary and secondary schools in FY 2020 than the Governor, the amount is still significantly less than a more comprehensive fix to the outdated education funding formula. Further, the proposal does not lay out a long-term plan to overhaul the formula so schools can better serve all their students.
  • The Committee proposes modest increases in some areas such as early education, programs to help low-income people afford rent, and services to help expand supports for youth with autism spectrum disorders. The proposal also includes some notable initiatives such as funding for community outreach to support a complete and accurate count in the upcoming 2020 Census, a pilot program to help reduce pregnancy-related deaths, and expansion of eligibility for the Medicare Savings Plan that would benefit low-income elders. (This last initiative was also included in the Governor's proposal.)
  • The Committee proposal, however, decreases funding in several areas below the current FY 2019 budget. For example, it includes less funding for the Regional Transit Authorities that serve Massachusetts residents, including those in Gateway Cities, who live outside the MBTA service area.
  • Most notable is what is not in the HWM Committee proposal. The Committee budget does not include any substantial, new revenue sources. The additional tax revenues in the proposal come either from pre-existing sources that only recently have begun generating revenue (like taxes on recreational marijuana sales) or from proposed technical changes that would improve collections of existing taxes (like sales taxes due on online purchases). Meanwhile, several already-scheduled tax cuts and other revenue losses will take a significant bite out of revenue totals in FY 2020 and beyond - completely eliminating any gains from the additional revenue sources on which the HWM budget relies. Also notable is that most additional revenue in the proposed budget comes from a variety of consumption taxes, which hit low-income earners the hardest, and will make the state's tax system more upside-down than it already is.
Members of House leadership have indicated that they would like to take a thoughtful approach toward raising new revenue - an effort they have said will take place separate from the budget process. Our state has many underfunded and unfunded short and long-term priorities and, without substantial new revenue, it will be challenging for lawmakers to make progress on these priorities.

Even in a time of economic expansion and strong tax revenue growth, Massachusetts still has not moved the needle on reforming education funding, updating transportation infrastructure, and supporting people who can't afford housing. While revenue growth for the current fiscal year (FY 2019) may yet meet earlier expectations of continued strong growth, official projections are for growth to slow markedly in FY 2020 without policy changes to increase revenue.

New, substantial sources of revenue will allow the Commonwealth to invest in core priorities when times are good, so we can ensure everyone has access to good quality of life - even when times are tight.

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
TwitterFacebook
Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

Sent by mrivera@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
MassBudget: HWM Committee's modest budget proposal lacks needed investments in FY 2020
MassBudget: HWM Committee's modest budget proposal lacks needed investments in FY 2020

Friday, April 19, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Apr 19 to THU - Apr 25

Friday, April 19
10:00am
 Knitting Group
10:00am
 SNETT Trail Walk
12:00pm
 Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’
3:30pm
 Catch your Breath (FoFL)
Saturday, April 20
9:30am
 Family Yoga Adventure
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
Sunday, April 21
 Easter Sunday
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
Monday, April 22
 Easter Monday
10:30am
 Move Along
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
3:00pm
 Monday Crafternoons
3:30pm
 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids ( Teen Room)
4:00pm
 Hiring Event at Starbucks
7:00pm
 OSKEY Rehearsal
7:00pm
 Library Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 23
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
10:30am
 Get Ready for Kindergarten
3:30pm
 Play S.t.e.a.m.
7:00pm
 School Committee
7:00pm
 Franklin Public Library Book Club
Wednesday, April 24
8:00am
 Franklin Municipal Building - Closed for Training
10:30am
 Terrific Toddlers
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
4:00pm
 Construction Junction
6:30pm
 Bump and Beyond Expecting Parents Group (FOFL)
6:30pm
 Kevin Harris Project Trio
7:00pm
 OSKEY Rehearsal
7:00pm
 Town Council Meeting
7:10pm
 Old South Meeting Church - Discussion
Thursday, April 25
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
10:30am
 Story & Craft
4:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
5:00pm
 AP/Portfolio Show
6:00pm
 Volunteens
6:30pm
 Genealogy Club Meeting
7:00pm
 FHS Chamber Concert

For the interactive version, please visit
For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar
http://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Apr 19 to THU - Apr 25
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Apr 19 to THU - Apr 25

Ed Hurley: Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention

Once again, our Y, along with YMCAs throughout Massachusetts and across the country will be sponsoring Five Days of Action for Child Abuse Prevention. From April 22nd to April 26th the Hockomock Area YMCA will share information and resources on how to prevent, recognize and respond to situations that adults may encounter.

Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that 1 in 10 children in the United States are sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Sadly, in over 90% of the cases reported, this abuse happens by someone the child knows and trusts.

While we are placing a special emphasis on this topic during the month of April, child safety and child protection are our Y’s number one priority every single day of the year.

Think of how many children each one of us sees in a day, and contrast that with the knowledge that 1 in 10 of these young people are being robbed of their innocence. Children are supposed to be the hope for a brighter future. As a society we are all faced with the long-term consequences. Child abuse is happening regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class. I ask all of you to join with our YMCA in spreading important awareness around this devastating epidemic.

The national theme for this year’s Five Days of Action is Know. See. Respond. As adults we need to Know more, See better and Respond appropriately to protect kids from sexual abuse.

For the past five years our YMCA is proud to have partnered and collaborated with school systems, municipalities and other human service organizations throughout our service area to help bring awareness, education and training regarding this issue to the forefront. We remain committed to this collaborative cause and our effort to be part of a community based prevention movement. Please join us.

For more information, please contact me at the Hockomock Area YMCA or visit our website www.hockymca.org/child-protection for resources, training and how you can be involved. I encourage you to watch a brief video featuring community leaders and advocates for Know. See. Respond., an initiative adopted at our YMCA.

As responsible adults, we all have the opportunity to create a different path for children and to protect their only childhood. We are on this path together, let’s take a step to clear the way for a child.

Ed Hurley
President and CEO
Hockomock Area YMCA






FHS baseball and softball teams top Stoughton on Thursday

Via HockomockSportswe share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Apr 18, 2019

Softball = Stoughton, 1 @ Franklin, 13 – Final (5 inn.)
– Franklin got off to a strong start, scoring five runs in the first inning and four more in the second to beat Stoughton. Junior Sarah Jackson launched a two-run home run to highlight the Panthers’ big first inning. Ally Shea went 4-for-4 (courtesy runner Molly Collins scored three runs), Gabby Colace had three hits and two RBI, and Maddy White added two hits and two RBI. Jackie Cherry allowed just one run on two hits, walking two and striking out three in four innings of work to get the win. Nikki Coppola had a solo home run in the second inning for the Black Knights.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 9 vs. St. John’s Prep, 10 – Final (2 OT)
– Franklin had a lead and possession with under a minute to go but St. John’s Prep got the ball back after a save and scored with 16 seconds left and went on to win in double overtime. Owen Palmieri had three goals, Jake Davis added two goals and an assist, and Matt Lazzaro scored once and had two helpers. Will Davis made 17 saves in net for the Panthers while senior Jacob Alexander won 15-of-23 faceoffs.

Baseball = Franklin, 5 @ Stoughton, 3 – Final
Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"Stoughton’s offense came knocking multiple times throughout the game, but in the biggest situations, Franklin’s defense slammed the door shut. 
The Black Knights loaded the bases in three separate innings and threatened with the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but three separate Panther pitchers came through to limit the damage, helping the Panthers secure a 5-3 win on the road. 
After two quick strikeouts to start the game from Stoughton starter Zak Paquette, the Panthers cashed in. Senior Alex Haba had an infield single and quickly moved into scoring position by stealing second. Haba came in to score on a two-out RBI from senior Jake Macchi to put the visitors up 1-0 after a half inning."

Continue reading the game recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-baseball-prevail-battle-black-knights/

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-04-18-19/

Baseball photo gallery
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Spring-2019/Stoughton-Franklin-Baseball-04-18-19/

Softball photo gallery
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2018-2019/Spring-2019/Franklin-Stoughton-Softball-04-18-19/

Franklin’s Will Pacheco earned the save, getting the final three outs while stranding the tying run at first. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin’s Will Pacheco earned the save, getting the final three outs while stranding
the tying run at first. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

“I think it’s important that we learn to coexist with wildlife”

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

"Stacey Cobb doesn’t need a calendar, or blooming flowers and emerging buds, to tell her when spring has arrived. That’s because it’s the time of year when her household swells with new arrivals - many of them newborns - in need of some compassion and tender loving care. 
They aren’t of the human kind, but rather are babies of the forest: Squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, foxes. When they are orphaned and too young to care for themselves, or they need some non-veterinary care for a while, Cobb is there with open heart to help. 
A wildlife rehabilitator, Cobb is finding herself quite busy lately with the first babies of the season. A litter of five squirrel kits - so young they are still blind and hairless - came into her care just days ago, joining two other baby squirrels she’d already been caring for, in addition to other critters making a temporary home with her until they are ready to be returned to the wild."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190418/natures-nurse-franklin-wildlife-rehabilitator-opens-heart-home-to-animals-in-need

You can help by buying items off Stacy's Amazon Wish List
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/7LISNHDHE84P

You can help by buying items off Stacy's Amazon Wish List
You can help by buying items off Stacy's Amazon Wish List