Saturday, May 11, 2019

Regional Dispatch operational this week

"The Franklin Fire Department communications dispatchers have moved to a regional dispatch center. They have moved to the Metacomet Emegency Communications Center located in Norfolk. This now combines police/fire dispatchers from Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, and Franklin.

When calling 911 the call will now be answered at the regional dispatch center in Norfolk. When calling our business line (508-528-2323) you will be routed through a phone tree. Please select the option that best fits.

When visiting either of our Station’s (40 West Central St. & 600 King St.) you will notice an intercom call box inside our main entrance. The call box will be answered at the regional dispatch center. Please note that personnel may be away from the station on a call.

For permits, plan review, and business matters you can stop by our Headquarters (40 West Central St.) during our normal business hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. If you wish to speak with someone regarding a fire prevention related issue then please call our main number (508-528-2323)."

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department/urgent-alerts/franklin-fire-department-communications-center-has-moved-regional

Confirmation via Twitter from the Police Dept

This has been a long time coming and is finally here. How long? The archives can help.


  • In 2012, the Town Council voted to approve the process to begin the regionalization efforts

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/save-town-money-and-improve-efficiency.html


  • In 2013, legislation was passed to allow for the regional center to be organized

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/whats-happening-in-10th-norfolk-district.html


  • In 2014, the regional dispatch center received a community challenge grant to help with the organization and planning process

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/regional-dispatch-center-receives.html


  • In 2017, the ground was finally broken for the dispatch center building

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/06/this-is-long-overdue.html

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (Facebook photo)
Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (Facebook photo)


Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18 - volunteers needed

Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on Saturday, May 18.

Community service hours are available to high school sports teams, scout groups and students needing volunteer opportunities. Dozens of volunteers are needed to help plant flowers and greenery on the downtown bridge and in barrels in front of businesses. Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up a few trays of flowers at 7 AM at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St., Franklin.

“Every year, we look forward to spring and planting red, white and blue flowers in Franklin,” said Beautification Day Chairperson Eileen Mason. “The flowers extend a warm welcome to the downtown area to both residents and visitors. Please consider helping us plant on May 18 - many hands make light work.”

Anyone who would like to lend a hand can grab their garden gloves and meet at 8 AM in the small commuter parking lot on West Central Street near Central Pizza and Hair Mania. Work is expected to wrap up by 11 AM, or earlier if there are more volunteers. 

The event will go on rain or shine. If you can volunteer, please notify us by email.

Sponsors are still needed for Beautification Day. Please email downtown.franklin@yahoo.com to be listed as a sponsor on signs.

Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18 - volunteers needed
Beautification Day Scheduled for May 18 - volunteers needed

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page

Both FHS boys and girls lacrosse teams post wins

Via HockomockSportswe share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, May 10, 2019


Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 9 @ Dover-Sherborn, 8 – Final
– Franklin senior Nitin Chaudhury (three goals, assist) scored the game-winning goal with 26 seconds left and the Panthers’ defense made a final stand to earn a win on the road. The Panthers trailed by two with under four minutes to go but Jacob Alexander won two straight faceoffs, scoring himself off the first one and junior Jake Davis (two goals, two assists) firing a laser into the back of the net to tie the score. 

After Chaudhury’s go-ahead goal, a faceoff violation gave Dover-Sherborn one last chance but the Franklin defense shined and forced a turnover as time ran out. Tim Kolb added two goals, Ben Greco added two assists, and Matt Lazzaro scored once and had one helper. Pat Morrison, Liam Arsenault, Spencer Briggs, Jack Sullivan and Will Harvey shined defensively for Franklin.


Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 14 vs. Natick, 11 – Final
– Franklin defended home turf with a win over a strong Natick team. Freshman Kate O’Rourke paced the Panthers’ offense with four goals, freshman Stella Regan added two goals, and junior Kelsey MacCallum finished with five points (three goals, two assists). 

Senior Hailey Toolin and junior Alex Field both had strong games defensively, recording two ground balls each while junior Gianna Cameron made seven saves in net.


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-10-19/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Dean College - Commencement - May 11 at 11:00 AM

Dean College will be celebrating its 153rd Commencement on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM.

Commencement will occur outdoors RAIN or SHINE.

Commencement speakers include Dr. Paula M. Rooney, Dean College President; Mark D. Boyce, Chairman of the Dean College Board of Trustees; and student speaker Fatima Naidjate.

Commencement will be live streamed beginning at 10:45 AM. Visit www.dean.edu/commencement for the live stream link.

For more information, visit www.dean.edu/commencement

Dean College - Commencement - May 11 at 11:00 AM
Dean College - Commencement - May 11 at 11:00 AM

Encore Music: Get Your Paws on PawSox Tickets




Encore Music
Encore Music: Get Your Paws on PawSox Tickets
Learn more about EMEF and its goals at www.wesupportmusic.org
On behalf of the Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc., the Encore EnHarmonix are performing on Saturday, May 18 at the Pawtucket Red Sox game!

Not only can you join us for a fun evening, but YOU can help us raise money for the Foundation with a simple click!

Tickets purchased at the dedicated link below include a voucher for concessions at the game, and the proceeds of ticket sales will directly benefit The Encore Music Education Foundation, Inc.

Invite your friends, invite your family, and simply click to purchase! 
Buy Tickets


Copyright © *2019* *Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios*, 
All rights reserved.
Provided Email and authorization via registration forms or webform

Our mailing address is:
Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios
3 Bent St
Franklin, MA 02038

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Friday, May 10, 2019

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - May 10 to THU - May 16

Friday, May 10
10:00am
 Knitting Group
10:30am
 Happy Feet! (Community Room)
3:30pm
 Cultural District Dedication
6:00pm
 NAHS INDUCTION
6:30pm
 Music Awards Banquet
Saturday, May 11
8:00am
 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
8:30am
 Rail Trail 5K
10:00am
 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)
2:00pm
 Chicka Chicka Celebration! (FOFL) Lorelai and Grace
8:00pm
 Mamie Parris in Concert
8:00pm
 Ordinary Elephant @ Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Sunday, May 12
 Mother's Day
1:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
Monday, May 13
10:30am
 Move Along
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
3:30pm
 Dungeons & Dragons for Kids ( Teen Room)
7:00pm
 OSKEY Tech
Tuesday, May 14
9:30am
 Cool Cruisers
10:30am
 Get Ready for Kindergarten
3:30pm
 French Storytime! (FOFL Room)
6:30pm
 Doggie Tales (FOFL)
6:30pm
 Doggie Tales (FOFL)
6:30pm
 The Etiquette Expert of 1890
7:00pm
 OSKEY Tech
7:00pm
 School Committee
7:30pm
 Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting
Wednesday, May 15
10:30am
 Terrific Toddlers
11:00am
 Toddler Playgroup
2:30pm
 Preschool Play N' Learn (Community Room)
6:30pm
 High Art Opening
7:00pm
 OSKEY Performance
7:00pm
 Franklin Cultural District - Partners Meeting
Thursday, May 16
9:30am
 Baby Tummy Time
10:30am
 Story & Craft
4:00pm
 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
6:00pm
 Volunteens
7:00pm
 OSKEY Performance

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 - May 10 to THU - May 16
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - May 10 to THU - May 16

"the declining enrollment helped us, as a community, be able to fund the services people expect”

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

"A good economy should equal a sunny fiscal forecast. 
That’s what many residents believe, said Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, which is why a cloud of suspicion looms over the town budget’s structural deficit entering fiscal 2020. 
“A lot of people are frustrated. In such a good economy, and a great business climate, how are we in this pickle?” Hellen asked rhetorically. 
The answer includes many factors, some of which are not unique to Franklin, said Hellen. 
According to Hellen, the main culprits of the impending deficit include an increased demand for services, increased health insurance costs, charter school expansion costs, declining school enrollment, other post-employment benefits (OPEP) and the cost of doing business in town outpacing the town’s ability to raise revenue."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190509/franklin-seeks-solution-to-structural-deficit


Other budget related info

Legislative update to Town Council on May 8
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-legislative-update.html

State level budget info
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/it-is-statement-of-senates-priorities.html

Charter School impact on budget
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/charter-school-clarifications-on.html

Inside the proposed FY 2020 budget
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/04/inside-proposed-fy-2020-town-of.html

March 18 Finance Committee FY 2020 budget preview info (audio)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-march.html

Prop 2 1/2 override process
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/what-is-process-for-prop-2-12-ballot.html

Rising health care costs drive benefits
Rising health care costs drive benefits


How much is the School budget part of the whole Town budget
How much is the School budget part of the whole Town budget

Odd Fellows Celebrating 141 Years in Franklin

William F. Ray Odd Fellows Lodge #71 has been a good neighbor in the Town of Franklin for 141 years, and counting. The local lodge was celebrating their 100th anniversary at the same time that the town was celebrating the Bi-Centennial Celebration in 1978. 

Their former location was the three story brick building on Depot St., which the lodge sold to Central West Realty Trust in 1981. That property was renovated and then named “The Brickyard” and housed various businesses for several years until the building was leveled for the Dean Bank addition and drive through lot.

After the sale of the Depot St. building in 1985, the lodge members bought the Varsinic Bogigian house and land at 330 West Central St. near the corner of Rte. 140 and Beaver St. in Franklin. The house was a smaller and more manageable property than the former Depot St. property, and with some internal renovations, was turned into our present day lodge hall.  
The hall was dedicated on December 3, 1985 and was honored during the ceremony by a visit from Sovereign Grand Master George Shaw, the highest ranking officer in the World Order. Being just one of 10,000 lodges in 30 countries, Odd Fellowship has the distinction of being the largest fraternal order in the world under one leader.

In 1996, Past Grand, John Gardner, engaged the Cub Scouts in Franklin and offered the Lodge to be the Parent Non-Profit Organization behind the creation of the new Pack #17. From approximately one dozen scouts in that year, the Pack grew to become the largest Pack in Franklin with 78 scouts. William F. Ray Lodge has provided a home base of operations for the scouts and we annually put on a Children’s Christmas Party in their behalf at neighboring Rising Sun Lodge in Medway. 

The Franklin lodge also assisted the Franklin Youth Soccer Association by allowing them full use of the building for their headquarters before obtaining more permanent quarters on Cottage St. Accepting the hospitality of the Odd Fellows Lodge enabled the FYSA to grow from a small and splintered organization, with its members working out of kitchens and basements, to a much more organized and centrally operated entity.

In the early 80’s and into the 90’s, the Franklin Odd Fellows ran 11 years of benefit volleyball tournaments for the Arthritis Foundation and raised over $27,000 for this worthy cause. We also organized an Arthritis Walk in Franklin, but it was lightly attended. The Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F. of Massachusetts in Worcester followed our lead and has been running with it ever since with such events as the Boston and the Worcester Walk-a-Thons, the Spring Charity Ball in Worcester and an annual golf tournament. 

This year, the golf tournament will be held at the Quail Hollow Golf and Country Club in Oakham, MA on June 17, the day after Father’s Day. The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of Mass. raise more money for the National Arthritis Foundation than any other state in the country.

Local charities that the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs support are the scouting programs and foodbanks, the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail effort, the Odd Fellows Full Care Nursing Home, the Odd Fellows Children’s Summer Camp in Belfast, Maine, the Children’s Pilgrimage for Youth, the Veterans Walkway project and others. Nationally we support a Visual Research Foundation at the Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Wilmer Eye Institute, a National Disaster Relief Fund, the Living Legacy Program, The Home for Little Wanderers, the Mass. Diabetes Foundation and an Education Scholarship Fund for our community’s youth. Odd Fellowship internationally supports S.O.S., a program of building children’s orphanage villages in Cambodia. 

Nationally, the Odd Fellows are celebrating their 200th Anniversary in this country and celebrations will be occurring in all 50 states. Internationally, Odd Fellowship is much older in England where it originated in the early 1600s but it is much younger in many of the 30 countries worldwide. Members who travel in this country and abroad will be welcomed at any lodge in any state or in any country. One of the Franklin members has made meetings in the New England States and Minnesota in this country and has also participated in meetings in the Netherlands and in Germany.

Our warm and personal affiliation with our Brothers and Sisters in the Order has attracted many notable names throughout our country’s rich history. The following have all been Odd Fellows: William Jennings Bryan, Sec of State; Wyatt Earp, Law Officer from the Old Wild West; Robert C. Byrd, U.S. Senator; Charlie Chaplin, Comedic Actor & Film Director; Ulysses S. Grant, 18th U.S. President; Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th U.S. President; Warren G. Harding, 29th U.S. President; Charles Lindbergh, American aviator, author, inventor and social activist; William McKinley, 25th U.S. President; Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President; and Lucy Hobbs Taylor, first U.S. female dentist. A record of all past officers of our local Franklin lodge, going back to our institution in 1878, can be found in our web site under the History Tab.

The local lodge is currently undergoing a 2 year long building upgrade with a new roof, all new windows, new siding, insulation, a new bulkhead and garage door. Member and builder, Chris Miller, has generously given his time, as well as other dedicated members who work full time jobs and manage to find a few hours on weekends to work at the lodge. 

To help support our charities, the members are planning on a Second Annual Fundraiser Cornhole Tournament to be held at the Bellingham Sportsman Club at 360 Lake St., Bellingham, MA 02019 on June 23, 2019 at 1:00 PM. The cost of admission per player will be $20 per person with drinks available from the bar and the DJ services of Rich Gillespie of New Style Entertainment. Look for future notifications to come on this event.

The mission statement for the Odd Fellows fraternal organization is as follows: 
“We endeavor to elevate the character of mankind, to provide aid to our community, to make it and the world a better place to live, to aid the less fortunate members of our society by donating to charities, to support the youth of our community and help them grow, to aid our own members in times of distress, to support science and research foundations for the elimination of diseases and poverty and to support our community in every way possible.” 

The sister and supporting organization to the Odd Fellows is the Rebekah Assembly of Massachusetts who do a great job every year raising funds and awarding scholarships to needy high school students aspiring to go to college. Membership into either the Odd Fellows, or the Rebekahs, is open to both male and female and we honor a non-discrimination policy that comes directly from our Sovereign Grand Lodge.

More information on the Odd Fellows organization and history can be found at the following web sites:
franklinmassoddfellows.org
massioof.org
odd-fellows.org

Odd Fellows Celebrating 141 Years in Franklin
Odd Fellows Celebrating 141 Years in Franklin

In the News: Atria Franklin serves breakfast to Franklin police; Health care funding to be looked at

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

Atria Franklin serves breakfast to Franklin police
"Police arrived at the scene of Atria Franklin on Thursday morning. 
The situation: breakfast. 
The dining room at the King Street senior living community was filled with the scent of maple syrup and bacon, as officers from town were invited to talk to seniors and enjoy a hearty breakfast with them. 
The event was the first of its kind at the facility, said Community Sales Director Beth Comella."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190509/atria-franklin-offers-breakfast-to-police-officers


Health care funding to be looked at
"With minimum-wage increases already locked in for years to come and a new push for a surtax on high earners underway, Senate President Karen Spilka told small- business owners on Thursday that she would continue to work toward compromise even as lawmakers consider how to bring in new revenues. 
Spilka, the keynote speaker at the annual Small Business Day, outlined in broad terms her desire to see the Legislature take action to improve transportation infrastructure, better fund education and reform health care. She also touted the Senate’s new tax-reform working group that brings together a range of interests and expertise. 
“I believe that every issue we will tackle this session is in some way an economic development issue,” Spilka said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190509/spilka-expresses-desire-to-return-to-health-care-bill

Rep Roy, Senator Spilka, and Senator Rausch at the Town Council meeting May 8, 2019
Rep Roy, Senator Spilka, and Senator Rausch at the Town Council meeting May 8, 2019