NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FRANKLIN, MA: Transfer of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License From Ouzo Corp d/b/a Franklin Mobil to 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil, located at 660 West Central Street, Franklin, MA for a transfer to it of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License presently held by Ouzo Corp d/b/a Franklin Mobil to be exercised at the same location. 

This hearing will be held on February 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM and will

provide an open forum for discussion. Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after January 27, 2023 for updated meeting information. 

For questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-02-01_-_mobil_-_web_1.pdf

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FRANKLIN, MA: Transfer of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License From Ouzo Corp d/b/a Franklin Mobil to 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil

Franklin Cultural District: choices for this holiday weekend as #artshappenhere

Going into the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, a variety of events to take part in. 

Wednesday, January 11

11:00am - Mobile Monthly Food Pantry (Franklin Senior Center)

7:00pm - Franklin's Newcomers Meeting (Escape Into Fiction)

Escape Into Fiction

Thursday, January 12

7:00pm - Wine Barre 02038 (Intermission Café)

Friday, January 13

5:30pm - Moxie (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

67 Degrees Brewing

Saturday, January 14

10:00am - Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free) (Train Town Franklin on display)

10:30am - Winter Time Story Time (for all ages) (Escape Into Fiction)

12:00pm - Raina's Plate Taproom Tailgate (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Lincoln St Groove Project (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

8:00pm - Viva Las Elvis Tribute Concert (live performance) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, January 15

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free) (Train Town Franklin on display)

Monday, January 16 = Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 17

6:00pm - Dean Neighborhood Alliance (Dean College)

6:00pm - Reception and book announcement (Franklin Library Assoc history) (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm - "Ben’s Donation at 245 - an Exploration of the Role of Libraries in America’s Democracy, Then, Now, and in the Future" (panel discussion) (Franklin Public Library)

--------------------

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

What's happening at the Franklin Cultural Festival on Saturday? Download this 1 sheet guide

This one sheet PDF document combines the info you need to be aware on 

• where to park
• the schedule for the Main Stage 
• the layout of the Cultural Festival on the Town Common

Fortunately, we have a beautiful weather forecast for Saturday. There is plenty to do and see for all ages as Franklin celebrates "Community Unity"

Download your copy here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/18dW5lHio3gPdorfCI4r8w-DL8WmgjTKI/view?usp=sharing

What's happening at the Franklin Cultural Festival on Saturday? Download this 1 sheet guide

Franklin Cultural Festival - map of activity locations scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10, 2022

The Franklin Cultural Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10 from noon to 6 PM in and around the Town Common with the activities shown in the areas on the map shared here:

Franklin Cultural Festival - map of activity locations scheduled for Saturday, Sep 10, 2022

Other updates on the Cultural Festival

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/franklin-cultural-festival-scheduled.html

T-shirts for sale ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/get-your-pre-order-in-for-franklin.html

Living Statues -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/living-statues-to-make-appearance-at.html

Franklin Cultural District - Arts happening Here (through May 31)

Concerts, trivia, and yoga lead to the Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday. Oh, and the FAA art exhibit (7 artists) continues at 67 Degrees. 

Yes, #arts happening here!

Wednesday, May 25
7:30pm - OSKEY (FHS seniors variety show)

Thursday, May 26
5:00pm - Ayla Brown & Rob Bellamy (LaCantina Winery)

https://lacantinawinery.com/events/4-21-ayla-brown-rob-bellamy-819/

6:30pm - Trivia Thursday (67 Degrees)

https://67degreesbrewing.com/event-calendar/trivia-thursday-3/

7:00pm - FSPA performs Excerpts from Great Opera and Operetta (THE BLACK BOX)

https://www.fspaonline.com/events.php?id=1568

Friday, May 27
6:00pm - Hit the Bus with Laura May (67 Degrees)

https://67degreesbrewing.com/event-calendar/hit-the-bus-with-laura-may-2/

Saturday, May 28
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom (67 Degrees)

https://67degreesbrewing.com/event-calendar/yoga-in-the-taproom-2/

11:00am - Goat Yoga is back! (Fairmount Fruit Farm)

https://www.fairmountfruit.com/what-s-happening

Sunday, May 29
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, May 30 = Memorial Day
10:30am - Memorial Day Parade & Ceremonies

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/memorial-day-parade-starts-at-1030.html

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

67 Degrees adds comedy nights!

SAVE THE DATE, SAVE THE DATE!

Comedy in the taproom. See you then.

67 Degrees adds comedy nights!

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cazp6y1rtOU/

Tickets available online - Choose "events" in the online order process 

https://commerce.arryved.com/location/BEPyvnP6/modality/pickup/#BEPyvnP63v3bmIpdw5IRLvb2

67 Degrees => https://67degreesbrewing.com/

Recycle Your Beer Carriers And Corks at Franklin Liquors

"It’s estimated* that at least 10 million new plastic can carriers are used annually by breweries in Massachusetts, with just 10% of them being collected and re-used, and less than 2% of them ever getting recycled.  As a result, the amount of plastic beer packaging waste ending up in landfills each year is enough to fill any of the state’s largest breweries with discarded carriers rather than beer. 

Now you can bring them to Franklin Liquors to be reused by local breweries!"

Yes, a local answer to the issue raised in 2021.    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/did-you-know-that-plastic-beer-carriers.html

Recycle Your Beer Carriers at Franklin Liquors

And Franklin Liquors will also recycle natural wine corks!

We also want your corks!!

Bring your natural wine corks to Franklin Liquors to be recycled!

Recycling your natural wine corks helps replace environmentally harmful, petroleum-based materials in consumer products with a natural, sustainable alternative.

Find out which wines use natural cork and which ones don’t. When you reach for a bottle, look for those with natural corks. https://recork.com/corkwatch

 

Recycle Your Natural Corks at Franklin Liquors

Shared from Franklin Liquors page ->    https://franklinliquors.wordpress.com/2022/01/18/recycle-your-corks-and-beer-carriers/

Franklin Cultural Festival "Community Unity" - photo essay

How does one determine the success of the Franklin Cultural Festival "Community Unity" event held on Sunday, Sep 12, 2021 in great weather.

Kaye Kelly and group at the end of the "Sari Showcase"

• The crowd and lines were steady from the opening at noon through 3:30 or so. Some may have decided to check out the sports event on TV. For those that remained, salsa lessons and great music continued.

the wise owl greeted young and young at heart

• The variety and number of food trucks. Could there have been more, yes, if the food truck owners had followed through. For those who ran out of food early, maybe they'll be better prepared next time. For those trucks that didn't participate, their missed opportunity. It is a great start.

Eguie Castrillo & Mar del Norte Salsa Orchestra

• The Kid's corner and puppet shows were pleasing based upon the hoots and hollers from those watching the show.

some of the crowd at the second puppet show

• The line up of artisan crafters was multifaceted. Many of the booths reported good business from the great amount of traffic.

The Pamela Means Project performed

• The beer and wine garden was busy when I stopped by. Got my wrist band after getting my license checked. Then some liquid refreshment to go with my food truck tacos on the lawn in the shade. I was not alone. Dozens of others were under the tent at tables or spread around the lawn as well.

two chicken tacos were delicious

• Cultural diversity was achieved with one view of the salsa dance lessons. Participants spread among the ages from young to young at heart, mostly women (but a few men). A youngster with a Patriots jersey learning the salsa inline with a couple of young ladies wearing saris. 

salsa dance lessons lead by RI Dance

At least for this day, the smiling faces seemed to be enjoying the art based event. Let's work together for more of this. And yes, Franklin Matters is proud to be in good company in helping to sponsor this event.

Additional photos from the event can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/M6WyaM47TNnQaa5T9

Franklin Matters is proud to be in good company in helping to sponsor this event

Paint & Sip Night at Expressions - Sep 16

Paint & Sip Night at Expressions

Thursday, September 16, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join us for an adult paint night taught by Toni Carbone.

Toni Carbone is an intuitive artist and a certified creatively fit coach. Toni will take us on a painting journey as she teaches a super easy layering painting process that activates the right side of your brain.

We will paint a mandala which is a sacred ancient symbol that encourages introspection and awareness that allows for peace of mind.

Beer from 67 Degrees Brewing will be served with light appetizers.
All included in your ticket price.

Registration is Open for Fall Classes. Classes begin the week of September 13th. Classes include: Mommy & Me Classes, Preschool Classes, After School Arts Enrichment Classes in Lego Building, Visual Arts, Creative Arts, Performing Arts, Sewing and Intro to Comic Book Drawing and Illustration. For a full schedule and more information visit our website at www.expressions-enrichment.com.

Paint & Sip Night at Expressions - Sep 16

Franklin Cultural Festival - main stage schedule for 9/12/21

The Franklin Cultural Festival happens on Sunday, Sep 12 in and around the Town Common from noon to 6 PM.

The main stage schedule looks like this:

12:30 -> Franklin School of the Performing Arts

1:30 -> INDIA SHOWCASE

2:00 -> @ the Kid's Corner, "Puppet Showcase Theater"

2:30-3:30 -> "The Pamela Means Project"

3:30 -> @ the Kid's Corner, "Puppet Showcase Theater"

4:00 -? Salsa Dance Instructions by RI Latin Dance School

4:30 - 6:00 -> Eguie Castrillo & Mar del Norte Salsa Orchestra 

The map of the events in and around the Town Common

• food trucks on Main St
• beer/wine garden on the Hayward Manor grounds
• artisan vendors along the Common walkways

Follow the Franklin Cultural Council for updates:   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil

Follow the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/186230283428825

Franklin Cultural Festival  9/12/21

"it’s never been a better time to consider a job in craft beer"

"Timberyard Brewing Co. spent much of 2020 pivoting and belt-tightening.

The East Brookfield brewer furloughed all five of its part-time servers last March, then tried for the better part of the spring and summer to find the hours to piece its staff together again.

This year, though, Timberyard has already hired six new servers and a kitchen assistant. Production has increased by 200%, as the brewery signed a new distribution deal and hired on its first assistant brewer.

Area breweries were rebounding from the pandemic well before the state lifted all COVID-19 restrictions. Now most breweries are not only on sure enough footing to hire their employees back, but also need to add more staff to prepare for the large crowds expected this summer."

Continue reading the article online

https://www.worcestermag.com/story/lifestyle/2021/06/08/craft-beer-jobs-abound-worcester-area-breweries-rebound-pandemic/7583315002/

Did you know that plastic beer carriers can't be recycled (even though they are labeled as 100% recyclable)

"It’s estimated* that at least 10 million new plastic can carriers are used annually by breweries in Massachusetts, with just 10% of them being collected and re-used, and less than 2% of them ever getting recycled. As a result, the amount of plastic beer packaging waste ending up in landfills each year is enough to fill any of the state’s largest breweries with discarded carriers rather than beer.

A number of factors have combined to create a perfect storm in which carriers end up in the hands of consumers who pitch them into their curbside recycling bins because manufacturers market them as “100% recyclable.” But the state’s RecycleSmart website, an initiative of the Massachusetts department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and its three largest waste disposal companies (Casella, Republic, and Waste Management) all say that plastic carriers and six-pack rings are incompatible with sorting equipment. As a result, they get rejected and sent to landfill or incineration, both of which have negative impacts on the environment."

https://massbrewbros.com/just-one-tenth-of-plastic-can-carriers-get-re-used-or-recycled-in-massachusetts-a-team-of-eco-minded-breweries-and-environmental-groups-plan-to-change-that/

my small collection ready to recycle somewhere

The map displays locations where the carriers can be recycled:

World Beer Index 2021: What's the Price of a Beer in Your Country?

And not for something different:

Although fewer people have been able to grab a beer at the pub during this pandemic, the global desire for beer prevails. For example, sales of the Corona beer actually shot up in the past year, despite—or perhaps because of—associations with the coronavirus.

This World Beer Index from Expensivity ( 

https://www.expensivity.com/beer-around-the-world/  ) 

compares the average price of a bottle of beer in 58 countries in a detailed map. Additionally, we show which countries spend the most on beer per capita, and just how much beer people really drink.

Continue reading the article online

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/how-much-does-a-beer-cost-in-your-country/

World Beer Index 2021: What's the Price of a Beer in Your Country?

CommonWealth Magazine: Gov Baker signs six bills, more await decision; including the climate change bill

"Baker signs campus sexual assault bill, approves deal affecting craft brewers"

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Tuesday signed six bills with statewide implications, including a bill to provide more rights and resources to students involved in cases of sexual misconduct on campus and a long-sought after deal between craft brewers and their distributors.

The flurry of action came on myriad bills that landed on the governor’s desk in the final days of the legislative session, which included a marathon all-night session January 5."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-signs-campus-sexual-assault-bill-approves-deal-affecting-craft-brewers/

"Future of food delivery fees up to Gov. Baker"

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER will be the final arbiter of a dispute between restaurants and food delivery apps over how much the apps can charge for providing delivery services.

The economic development bill currently on Baker’s desk would impose a statewide cap on the size of fees that delivery services like GrubHub and Uber Eats can charge to restaurants during the COVID-19 emergency. Restaurants have been pushing for the cap, arguing that high delivery commissions will drive them out of business. But delivery services say if they can’t charge high commissions, they will instead have to charge consumers more or do fewer deliveries, which will then hurt the restaurants."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/future-of-food-delivery-fees-up-to-gov-baker/

"Worries mount over climate change bill"

"Could Gov. Charlie Baker veto the climate change bill?

It seems hard to believe, but several supporters of the sweeping legislation say they are hearing troubling reports coming out of the Baker administration as the clock winds down to the Thursday night deadline.

Some advocates and lawmakers, who asked not to be identified, said they are hearing the governor could possibly veto the bill. “I’m worried,” said one of the people."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/worries-mount-over-climate-change-bill-2/

Town of Franklin, MA: FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications

FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications are due December 1st.  If you have not received yours or if you have any ?s,  please contact Chrissy Whelton at cwhelton@franklinma.gov 

License Renewal Applications can be found here:
https://t.co/d546cJ9Bki

 

Shared via Twitter:  https://t.co/Fapf6nLcWc

Town of Franklin, MA:  FY21 Annual License Renewal Applications

"Breweries in Pandemic Times" - #thinkFranklinfirst

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Chilly weather didn’t stop a devoted group of thirsty customers from huddling on the concrete patio outside the small Idle Hands brewery one evening last week. Tractor-trailers rumbled past on a busy four-lane road. The clickety-clack of the Orange Line could be heard nearby.

Despite the gritty backdrop, all six outdoor tables were occupied and replenished with India pale ale, pilsner, lagers, and other craft beer. A few steps away, drive-up customers walked just inside the empty taproom to pick up their favorite ale and cart it home.

Chris Tkach, the owner, said he has managed to weather the near-constant reinvention forced on his small business by the pandemic. Revenues are down only 10 to 15 percent so far this year, he said. But as temperatures fall, Idle Hands and the state’s 200 other breweries worry whether all the changes they have made to stay afloat since March will be enough.

“The next six months could be excruciatingly challenging,” said Jack Hendler, co-owner of Jack’s Abby in Framingham. “A lot of breweries have been able to get through the past three months, but it has yet to be seen what will happen over the next few.”

 

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/10/01/lifestyle/hard-hit-breweries-shiver-thought-winter/

This is an opportunity to #thinkFranklinfirst and consider 67 Degrees Brewing Co when looking for craft beer

https://67degreesbrewing.com/

In the News: new solar farm coming; beer distribution deal not moving at State House

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

"The town’s fifth solar farm is projected to go live next summer. 

A 6-megawatt solar farm on Spring Street operated by Nexamp will produce enough energy to power 800 Franklin households and could potentially cut about $180 a year from the average Franklin resident’s electricity bill, said Town Administrator Jaime Hellen.  

“The big factor is that this is an opportunity for people to assess the amount of energy they’re using day to day,” said Hellen. He said if the average household pays $100 a month on electricity, it could potentially save about $15 a month, which equals to about $180 per year. 

Subscribers to the solar farm will receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Through an agreement with the town, Hellen said Nexamp is providing those credits at a 15% discount rate to Franklin residents. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200804/franklin-plans-fifth-solar-farm-which-could-power-800-homes?rssfeed=true 

Note: Franklin residents will also get the benefits of Municipal Aggregation this fall and only need to opt out of the agreement if they already have a solar or other private supply agreement.

The deal for Municipal aggregation was confirmed at the February 12, 2020 Town Council meeting. 

• Audio segment on municipal aggregation   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HVJSJ7GX
• My notes from the 2/12/20 meeting  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/town-council-meeting-feb-12-2020-recap.html

solar farm installation at St Mary's in 2013

Beer distribution deal not moving

"It seemed like a slam-dunk. 

After years of bitter fighting, craft brewers and beer wholesalers came together at the end of July to announce that they had struck a deal that would allow smaller breweries to more easily end their relationship with a distributor if they felt their brand wasn’t being properly marketed. 

The sticking point for a decade — how small must a brewery be to be covered by the change — was resolved by setting the threshold at 250,000 barrels. The limit covered every brewery in Massachusetts except Boston Beer Company, brewer of Sam Adams. 

Everyone was happy, or so it seemed. The agreement was announced over a weekend, and on July 23 the Senate voted unanimously to accept the deal and send the bill to the House. And it hasn’t advanced since. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200804/craft-brewer-distribution-deal-stalls-in-house?rssfeed=true

“If you’re on a beer trip, you’re coming here”

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

"Three years ago, Jay Mello and two of his hiking buddies decided they were “sick of waiting in long lines for a beer.”

So they started brewing their own in the winter of 2016, and haven’t stopped. Though Mello admits, making your own beer wasn’t the easiest shortcut to take.

By the summer of 2020, the trio plans to open their new craft beer brewery and tasting room – As Built Brewery – in Franklin at 40 Alpine Row. The brewery will be the town’s first.

As Built will be located in a 6,000-square-foot space within the town’s downtown zoning district and will include a production area and a canning machine – the only brewery to have one in the area, said Mello. He calls the canning line “key to brewing,” and getting their beer in more people’s hands. Eventually, the brewery hopes to distribute their beer to local liquor stores."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191005/as-built-brewery-plans-to-open-in-franklin-next-summer

As Built Brewery

You can find out more about As Built on their webpage  http://asbuiltbrewing.com/

on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/pg/asbuiltbrewing

or at UnTappd  https://untappd.com/AsBuiltBrewingCo?

Harvest Festival FUNdraiser - August 25

From Pour Richard's email newsletter:

"In the depths of winter, when I'm fantasizing about summer, those fantasies break down into 2 broad categories: the beach and late-summer vegetables. The beach because that's where I wish I was, the vegetables because I wish that's what I was eating. August is when gardens and farm stands explode with deliciousness faster than you can consume it.

If you've never had cause to appreciate your 5 senses, August at a farmer's market will change all that, with sights, sounds, and-especially-smells certain to have you drooling in anticipation. Zucchini, fresh herbs, garlic, eggplant. Beans. Radishes. And best of all: sweet corn and tomatoes.

Very little can compete with a freshly picked and cooked ear of corn on the cob. Or a tomato straight from the garden, still warm from the afternoon sun. But if you're getting bored with the minimalist vibe, grill your corn and top it with cotijo cheese and hot sauce for a take on Mexican street food.

Bake the tomatoes into a tart, or stir them into olive oil, garlic, and salt for a quick pasta sauce. Make a frittata. Bruschetta. Or toss the corn and tomatoes with olive oil, basil, and a touch of hot pepper for a salad that's basically August in a bowl.

Of course, we have some definite opinions on what you should drink with all that, starting with some ripe, rich Cali Chardonnays. The Neyers Carneros is a classic, but don't overlook Fulcrum's Durell Vineyard or Byron Kosuge's Sonoma Coast Chard. Seeing red instead?

Pick up the black cherry-laden Villain & Vixen Grenache or our new favorite Avalon Cabernet. Or split the difference and go pink: Bedrock's Ode to Lulu gives you the gutsy quality of a big red with the slithery coolness of a white, all in one bottle.

And if you really like your tomatoes and corn (and zucchini and herbs and local beer, cheese, meat, bourbon, etc), then mark your calendars for our Harvest Festival FUNdraiser for the Norfolk County Farm Bureau.

Your $10 ticket is a 100% donation to the Farm Bureau and includes samples of delicious farm to table food, farm to glass cocktails, organic wines, and local beers. Sunday, August 25 from 1-4 PM. Don't miss it!"

Where: 

Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits 

(508) 520-9163 | www.pourrichardswine.com

14 Grove Street  Franklin, MA 02038

some produce from my own garden

In the News: Dean switches athletic conference; gambling expansion hearings; brewers-distributors don't agree

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

"The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has announced the addition of Dean College as its newest full core member institution beginning with the 2020-21 academic year, as recently announced by GNAC Commissioner Joe Walsh.

Dean College is currently a member of the New England Collegiate Conference for all sports excluding football.

In all, 14 of Dean’s 15 varsity sport programs will compete initially in the GNAC: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball and men’s and women’s volleyball."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190715/stronggreat-northeast-athletic-conference-adds-dean-college-strong

Dean's mascot "Boomer" out on the lawn recently

"Eight years after Massachusetts legalized casino gambling and while lawmakers are weighing further expansions of gaming, a Hopkinton couple told lawmakers the story of how “the spread of commercialized gambling” has turned their lives and business upside down, and warned lawmakers against further promoting gambling.

Sara and Jeff Austin, who own and operate a sound engineering firm in Framingham, noticed a few unauthorized transactions on a bank statement in December 2018. Their bookkeeper, Antonis Mallios, assured them it was an accounting error and would be rectified in no time.

But as the Austins sorted through seven years of records, they and law enforcement realized Mallios had allegedly stolen $885,000 from the company and another $470,000 from a Methuen health center where he also kept the books."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190715/hopkinton-couple-victims-of-alleged-embezzler-slams-push-for-plainridge-table-games

"Brewers and beer distributors are renewing the effort to create new pathways out of their business partnerships, but a “compromise” bill put forward by distributors has already been rejected by brewers, who are offering a plan they said would be “painful” for them but still preferable to the distributors’ option.

“We’re not trying to make it easy for us to leave our wholesalers,” said Boston Beer Company founder Jim Koch. “We’re willing to make it very painful in order to get something done. We’d love it differently, but it’s not going to happen. We have to make it painful for us.”

Under current law, once a beer supplier has worked with a particular distributor for six months, that distributor has indefinite rights to the products it has already distributed, and a supplier can only terminate the contract if the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission determines that the distributor has violated one of five statutorily-defined conditions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190715/brewers-distributors-renew-quarrel-over-exclusive-contracts