In the News: Bellingham 140 construction begins; RealID popular at RMV

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

"It’s about to get even busier on the town’s stretch of Rte. 140 – at least for a few months. 

Contractors this week will likely begin a roughly $2.5 million road construction project to widen the intersection at Rte. 140 and Maple and South Maple streets, add lanes, and upgrade the traffic signals. 

“There will be congestion,” Bellingham Department of Public Works Director Don DiMartino said. “There will be construction delays.” 

He suggested drivers try to avoid the area, but acknowledged the route is key on several commutes. Rte. 140 links Bellingham to Interstate 495 and the Franklin commuter rail station, and is close to both downtown and an industrial zone."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180917/rte-140-construction-in-bellingham-expected-to-cause-delays

"More than four months after the state started issuing driver’s licenses that comply with the federal Real ID security law, the standard license continues to be the most popular service option for customers at Registry of Motor Vehicles locations, according to data presented Monday. 

For customers who get their licenses at AAA locations instead of RMV branches, however, the Real ID is the most popular option, Registrar Erin Deveney told the Department of Transportation Board of Directors. 

Massachusetts in March began offering the Real ID-compliant licenses, which require additional documentation to obtain. Starting Oct. 1, 2020, the standard licenses that are not Real ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as identification for domestic air travel or entering federal buildings and nuclear power plants."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180917/rmv-chief-outlines-real-id-wait-time-trends

https://www.mass.gov/guides/real-id

In the News: Y opens farm in Bellingham; Change your Twitter password

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

"Organic, community-harvested tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and other vegetables will be ripe for picking come fall, thanks to the Hockomock Area YMCA’s newest volunteer farm in Bellingham. 

Officials held their ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the developing garden at 200 Center St. on Thursday afternoon, where a crowd gathered to witness the event and tour the new garden area. 

Marykate Bergen, a member of the Health Innovation Team at the YMCA, said the focus is the provide healthier options for children and families. 

“It’s a great way to get people access to healthy, locally-grown food in their own community,” she said. “Also, the volunteer opportunities allow people to get out and be more connected to the future of eating.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180503/bellingham-hockomock-area-ymca-unveils-garden

"Twitter is advising all users to change their passwords. 

The company said Thursday that it recently discovered a bug that stored passwords in an internal log in an unprotected form. 

Twitter says there’s no indication that there was a breach or that any of the passwords were misused. But as a precaution, Twitter recommends users consider changing the passwords they use to log onto Twitter. They should also change that password if they used it for any other services."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180503/twitter-finds-security-bug-advises-changing-passwords

Follow Franklin Matters on Twitter @franklinmatters

In the News: School budget hearing; 65 years of Little League in Franklin; Bellingham bans recreational marijuana sales

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

"Superintendent Sara Ahern released her fiscal 2019 budget plan to the Franklin School Committee during Tuesday’s meeting. 

The overall budget indicates a proposed increase of $3 million over fiscal 2018′s budget, 85 percent of which covers salaries and employee benefits."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/franklin-school-committee-proposes-fy-19-budget

Franklin Public Schools - FY19 Budget Hearing from Franklin Matters

"On the sunny afternoon of May 15, 1953, the first Little League pitch in Franklin was thrown. 

Sixty-five years later, the Franklin Historical Museum is commemorating that successful first year of baseball in town. 

Resident Elaine Costello, coordinator of the exhibit, was inspired to pitch the idea after looking back at old photos and newspaper clippings she found in her house. 

“My late husband Mike was on one of the first Little League teams in Franklin in 1953,” she said. “Being the 65th year of baseball in Franklin, I thought it would be nice to have an exhibit celebrating the first year.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/remembering-franklins-first-little-league-season

"Special Town Meeting voters Wednesday night opted to ban recreational marijuana sales in town. 

The measure approved by citizens bans most kinds of recreational marijuana facilities - including not only retailers but independent testing laboratories and product manufacturers. Cultivation would be allowed in industrial zones by special permit. 

During consideration, Town Administrator Denis Fraine was asked what would happen if the article were to fail. He said, in theory, retail sales could occur anywhere traditional retail is allowed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180328/bellingham-bans-recreational-marijuana-sales

In the News: Urban Air Adventure open; reverse commuters targeted for MBTA

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

"Though the local Urban Air Adventure Park franchise opened on March 17, anticipation had been building for some time before then. 

“Every night before we’d opened, we would see five or 10 cars driving by and looking in,” said co-owner Chad Darling. 

When the trampoline and family amusement facility had its grand opening, fellow co-owner Andy Powell said, that excitement had reached a fever pitch. 

“We had lines wrapped around the building,” he said. “It was cold, but everyone had a great time - we gave out coffee and doughnuts.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180325/fun-is-in-air-urban-air-adventure-park-opens-in-bellingham

Urban Air Adventure Park franchise opened on March 17

For more about Urban Air Adventure visit their webpage
https://www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com/bellingham-ma/

"The inbound trains are full on weekday mornings. Now Keolis and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority are trying to get passengers on the outbound trains at the same time, embarking on a new marketing campaign to encourage reverse commuting and leisure travel on the commuter rail. 

“The whole principal is driving ridership in ways that aren’t being utilized,” said Dave Walker, director of revenue and marketing at Keolis, the commuter rail operator. “What we’re trying to do is slightly change that balance of where our riders are.” 

Walker said about 90 percent of the roughly 125,000 daily journeys on the commuter rail are taken by 9-to-5 commuters to and from Boston."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180325/keolis-to-push-reverse-commuting-in-campaign-targeting-area

Editorial Note: As a regular Franklin Line commuter, I believe that if the MBTA/Keolis would focus on improving the ride, the ridership will increase. With reliable transportation available, folks will use it. With a poor record, why?

In the News: local businesses help during power outage; not enough candidates in Bellingham

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

"At the Cake Bar also in Franklin, owner Joanne Callahan said a lot of people came in to get work done, since the bakery did not lose power and offers free wireless internet. She said, though, that most of the people seeking refuge or respite came in on Thursday, as Friday had seen power restored to more customers. 

Callahan said she had lost power herself, and had sent her husband out to both make sure the business had lost power and to get her some coffee from the shop. 

The MetroWest YMCA also opened its doors to those without power, member or not. Many families used the WiFi and play spaces as they warmed up, said Lisa Mandozzi, branch executive director."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180309/local-businesses-institutions-help-people-warm-up

"The deadline for candidates to pull papers for this spring’s town election has passed, with only one potentially contested race on the ballot. 

Thursday, March 8 was the last day to seek papers from the town clerk’s office for the May 1 vote, in which multiple selectman and School Committee seats will be up for grabs. 

The only seat for which multiple candidates have pulled papers is a five-year Housing Authority position. Town Clerk Ann Odabashian said newcomer candidates Joseph Fleuette, Billiegene Lavallee and Mark Ladouceur had requested nomination papers; Lawrence Sposato, the incumbent, did not."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180309/dearth-of-candidates-in-bellingham-election

In the News: Cannabis Control Commission; Bellingham bomb investigation continues

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

"The first day of policy debate among state marijuana regulators indicated that the Cannabis Control Commission is working towards industry regulations that would give consumers more options for how they obtain marijuana and where they will be able to use it. 

The commission on Monday worked through policies dealing with home delivery of marijuana products and social consumption of marijuana, among others. The policies, some of which were agreed to Monday, will be enshrined into draft regulations for the newly legal industry, which the CCC plans to put on file with the state by the end of the month. 

The commission spent about an hour Monday discussing how to address social consumption, essentially allowing adults to buy and use marijuana at the same location much like purchasing alcohol at a bar or a cigar at a cigar bar, an idea that the CCC’s advisory board suggested could reduce the risk of children getting a hold of the drug and may limit how much legal marijuana is illegally transported out of state by tourists."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171214/special-event-licenses-home-delivery-marijuana-restrictions-debated

"Federal agents raided the Rhode Island home of a 62-year-old Bellingham High School science teacher earlier this week as part of the ongoing investigation into a pipe bomb that exploded outside the principal’s home in Blackstone last month. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed that a search warrant was executed on Tuesday morning in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, in relation to the pipe bombing. City records list the owner of 22 Carey Court as Susan Seery. 

Bellingham School Superintendent Peter Marano confirmed that Seery has been under paid administrative leave since Nov. 15, two days before the pipe bomb incident. Marano released a statement on Thursday night saying they could not comment on the ongoing investigation. 

According to Seery’s son, Michael McNamara, agents kicked in the door of the house at 6 a.m. despite agreeing to a search days prior."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171214/bellingham-instructors-home-raided-by-atf

In the News: veterans walkway bricks for sale; municipal aggregation in Bellingham

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

"The town is doing more to remember not just local veterans, but any veteran or active duty member from anywhere in the country. A newly approved pathway project at the town common offers anyone the chance to buy a dedicated brick for a military person they know. 

The bricks will cost $100 each and proceeds will go into the project and maintenance. Each brick will include the name and branch of the person for which it is dedicated. 

The pathway will stretch from the flagpole at the town common by the war memorial, and circle around to connect with the diagonal walk on the Union Street side. The entire project will cost about $85,000, and will have room for 5,000 to 6,000 bricks dedicated to veterans. As of Monday, nine bricks had been sold. 

Veterans Services Officer Dale Kurtz said it would be great to have the pathway completed by next Veterans Day, but that will depend on funding. Kurtz said once the initial construction is complete, they will periodically replace blank bricks with newly dedicated ones."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171127/franklin-pathway-to-recognize-all-veterans

"The town has signed a new municipal aggregation energy contract in an effort to save local electricity customers money over the next year. 

The contract is the town’s second since it began its aggregation program earlier this year. With municipal aggregation, towns look to save money from the utility company’s default rate by seeking bids from energy suppliers. 

The town announced the 12-month agreement, with Agera Energy, on Monday. Its standard option charges 11.5 cents per kilowatt hour - a rate Town Administrator Denis Fraine said is about a penny lower than National Grid’s default rate and two cents below the Eversource charge. The new Bellingham rate is set to take effect in December. 

The contract comes with the expiration of the town’s one-year contract with NextEra. Fraine noted that the new rate would be higher than that contract’s 8.68 cents per kilowatt hour charge, but said that reflected an across-the-board jump in prices."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171127/bellingham-signs-energy-contract

Update: Franklin also has a municipal aggregation program. The Town has gone to bid three times and have yet to get a good rate to start. Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen wants to get a good differential rate for the first time out as the rate will change over time (as shown in the Bellingham article).

The Municipal Aggregation program documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

• From the Town Council meeting where this was approved

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

“Now, the common is really decorated nicely”

You can get Santa twice this weekend. Saturday in Bellingham and Sunday in Franklin.  From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Santa Claus will take a quick jaunt through Bellingham Saturday evening before being delivered to the town common for a lighting ceremony involving hot cocoa, holiday songs and seasonal cheer. 

Santa’s journey will start at 5:25 p.m. at the Bellingham Middle School, and he will be escorted along South Main Street to the common. Local residents are invited to join the escort or view the procession along the route while students hand out candy canes. 

Santa’s quick trip to the common is organized by the Bellingham Lions Club. 

The lighting itself - which begins at 6 p.m. - is a tradition that dates back to the establishment of the town common 20 years ago. Town Common Trustee Chairwoman Joanne Arcand said the ceremony had grown a lot over the years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171124/bellingham-town-common-lighting-set-for-saturday


Reminder: The Committee For Concerts on the Common presents The Annual Christmas on the Common Sunday, November 26, 2017 - 4:00 PM

Annual Christmas on the Common - Sunday, Nov 28 - 4:00 PM

Additional info on Franklin's event can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/annual-christmas-on-common-sunday-nov.html

In the News: Bellingham to set split tax rates

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

"This year’s tax rate is expected to hew closely to last year’s, town officials announced this week. 

Selectmen held a tax classification hearing on Monday, with the board opting to retain its current split between residential and commercial tax rates. The hearing was continued to Nov. 29, as issues related to power-plant payments in lieu of taxes must be settled. 

Town Chief Financial Officer Chris Laviolette said the proposed tax rate for a residential property would be $14.34 per thousand dollars of assessed value - the same amount as last year’s actual tax rate. He noted, though, that the number could be affected by a number of things, including abatements and exemptions for taxpayers who meet certain criteria (those who are veterans, blind or elderly, for example)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171121/bellingham-retains-tax-shift

At the tax rate hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Nov 29, the Town Council will make a couple of decisions. The two significant decisions would be (1) single rate vs. split tax rate and (2) agreeing with the Board of Assessors math to set the Franklin FY 2018 tax rate.

Franklin has historically had a single tax rate. To move to a split rate would mean that lowering the residential rate by $1 would raise the business/commercial rate by $4. The amount of commercial industrial property in Franklin is not sufficient to justify a split tax rate.

In advance of the actual calculations for this year, you can find the prior year numbers in the archives:

FY 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/2-police-officers-sworn-in-tax-rate-set.html

FY 2015
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/the-town-council-reorganizes-sort-of.html

What does the Board of Assessors do?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-prep-what-does-board-of.html


MA DLS has a nice Prop 2 1/2 explanation that can be found here
http://www.mass.gov/dor/docs/dls/publ/misc/levylimits.pdf

NEHSCA Info Night - Nov 27 - 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Middle and High school mountain bike racing has come to New England. 

Monday November 27, 2017 at the Bellingham Public Library the Franklin/Bellingham based team Charles River Rats will be hosting an open house for people to come learn about riding and racing for their 5th - 12th grade kids. 

Reach out to coach Rob Rood @ overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com for more information. Stop by at any time to meet the coaches, league officials and team members.

11/27 6 PM - 7:30 PM 
Bellingham Public Library Community Room
100 Blackstone St, Bellingham, MA 02019

NEHSCA Info Night - Nov 27 - 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Regards,
Rob
Head Coach, Over The Summit Coaching
overthesummitcoaching@gmail.com
OverTheSummitCoaching.com

Opioid Crises Forum - Nov 14

Opioid Crisis Forum is scheduled for the Bellingham Library Nov. 14, 7-9 PM

The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office and the Bellingham Police Department, in conjunction with the S.A.F.E. Coalition, will be presenting a public forum on the opioid crisis affecting Norfolk County, as well as the rest of Massachusetts and the country. 

This past year, in Norfolk County alone, over 200 mostly adolescent and youthful citizens have died from this epidemic. Many more, of course, have been impacted - their families, their children, the justice and health systems.

The forum will present diverse and developing treatment and support factors that influence addicts and their families with the focus on Bellingham and Norfolk County.

Opioid Crisis Forum - Bellingham Library - Nov. 14

Find the Facebook event here

https://www.facebook.com/events/174307459788870/

#2069

Opioid Crisis Forum - Bellingham Library - Nov. 14

Opioid Crisis Forum to be held at the Bellingham Library Nov. 14, 7-9PM

The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office and the Bellingham Police Department, in conjunction with the S.A.F.E. Coalition, will be presenting a public forum on the opioid crisis affecting Norfolk County, as well as the rest of Massachusetts and the country. 

This past year, in Norfolk County alone, over 200 mostly adolescent and youthful citizens have died from this epidemic. Many more, of course, have been impacted - their families, their children, the justice and health systems.

The forum will present diverse and developing treatment and support factors that influence addicts and their families with the focus on Bellingham and Norfolk County.

Opioid Crisis Forum - Bellingham Library - Nov. 14

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail StoryWalk® - Saturday - Oct 22

Come read and walk on the local rail trail!

View this email in your browser Pop Up StoryWalk® on the SNETT Sunday, October 22nd, 2017 10:00am - 4:00pm 15 Spring Street Trailhead Wadsworth Farm Franklin, MA Welcome to our Pop Up StoryWalk® on SNETT #3! The featured book is: We're Going on a LEAF HUNT by Steve Metzger. Ages 3 and up, but ALL are welcome to come enjoy the walk and read event. Stop by anytime between 10am and 4pm. Please note this event is WEATHER PERMITTING. There will be no staff on site. PARKING: Please park in front of the gate on the left side of the road and along the road where the green house and farm stand of Wadsworth Farm is. Please be courteous and do not block any driveways as there is no dedicated parking area here. Wadsworth Farm owners are allowing us to use their space. Thank you :) The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. For more information, please visit our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/878525058970658 We are looking forward to seeing you! Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038 Add us to your address book

2 reasons to go to the Bellingham Harvest Fest Block Party - Oct 21

"Bully:The Adjective" is supporting “Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls.

They are going to be at their own tent (alongside ours) at the Bellingham Harvest Fest Block Party in the Whole Foods lot in Bellingham. They are going to be donating 25% of their proceeds to the Franklin Food Pantry.

When: Saturday, Oct 21  noon to 6:30 PM
Where: Whole Foods parking lot in Bellingham

“Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls

“Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls 1

“Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls 2

More about the Block Party on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/855903024563189

More about Bully: The Adjective  http://bullytheadjective.org/

Friends: Gifted Kids Need Them too!

COMING SOON...
to the Bellingham Library

Friends: Gifted Kids Need Them too!

Does your bright/gifted child feel left out?

Then this event is for your family!

Connect with other parents of bright children, hear from an expert, and discuss the challenges of making friends. Take home tips and more information.

Meanwhile your children will make Friendship Soup, and engage in other fun activities.

Light refreshments will be served.
Come and join us! Bring a friend!

Saturday September 23 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Please Register here to help us plan

The Event is FREE  http://massgifted.org/events

 Friends: Gifted Kids Need Them too!

"return the river to a more natural, free-flowing state"

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

"The town started removing the Pearl Street Mill dam this month - an effort that advocates claim will improve the health of the Charles River. 

State officials and river advocates believe that the project marks the first time an undamaged dam has been removed along the river's span. 

Alex Hackman, of the Division of Ecological Restoration, said the state office is supporting Bellingham in the project. Dams hurt a river's health by creating stagnant, warmer water, he said. 

"With most dams, you see consistent symptoms," he said. "They back up the water, creating an artificial pond, and tend to settle out sediment. Over time, the sediment causes the water to get shallower, warming the water."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161230/setting-free-charles-river-in-bellingham

In the News: Bellingham Harvest Fest, camera club to share photoshop tips

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

"Two local churches will be looking to carry on an annual tradition this Saturday, when they host a harvest festival on the Town Common. 

The First Baptist Church of Bellingham and the Bellingham Bible Baptist Church will be holding their "Harvest Fest" starting at 11 a.m. and running to 3 p.m.
Pastor Baron Rodrigues of the First Baptist Church said the event dates back to around 2012. 

"At the time, businesses were struggling and people were struggling," he said. "Money was tight, which is why everything's free at the festival - there's no selling of anything."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160928/bellingham-harvest-fest-set-for-saturday

"The Stony Brook Camera Club will present a program, “Photoshop Tips for Quick Fixes” by Rick Cloran, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Anglican Church of the Redeemer, 31 Hayward St., Franklin. 

Cloran has been a member of the Greater Lynn Photographic Association since 1975, and a member of the Photographic Society of America since 1976. During that time, he participated in workshops with such noted photographers as George Lepp, John Shaw and John Gerlach as he developed his own photographic style. 

Since 1986, Cloran has lectured and judged photographic exhibitions throughout the United States and Canada. In recognition of his work in support of local, regional and national photographic organizations, Cloran has been awarded the honors of fellow of the Photographic Society of America, and is an honorary member of the New England Camera Club Council."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160929/stony-brook-camera-club-to-host-program-by-rick-cloran

autumn colors appearing in Franklin

Giguere named "next principal of Bellingham High School"

Lucas Giguere, a former U.S. Marine sergeant and Franklin teacher, has been named the next principal of Bellingham High School. 

Superintendent Edward Fleury announced the posting Tuesday night after a month-long search. 

“He is a good fit for Bellingham,” Fleury said. 

Giguere, 35, was one of 30 candidates who applied for the job to succeed Principal Peter Marano, who next school year becomes superintendent of schools. The other finalist for the position was Eileen Belastock, the principal of Winthrop High School.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150414/NEWS/150417985

Whole Foods Market Bellingham's Annual Harvest Fest

We are excited to announce 

the date for our annual Harvest Fest!

Please join us on Saturday, 

October 11^th from 12noon – 6pm

We would love to invite you to participate in this epic event!

We are planning our activities now which include camel rides, a petting zoo, bounce house, Farmers' Market, concessions, pumpkin patch and decorating, carnival games and so much more! In the past years, we have welcomed 1500 – 2000 folks on the day of this event. All activities are FREE for families and this encourages a huge crowd! This is an amazing opportunity for you to introduce your product to new customers and solidify your presence as a community supporter to your loyal customers.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from prior years…

Please let me know if you will be able to attend this outdoor event as I am planning the layout as folks respond. I am hoping to have a finalized list of vendors by Monday, September 22^nd.

Many thanks,

Chelsey Barton-Karnes

Marketing Team Leader

Whole Foods Market

Bellingham, MA

p.508-966-3331

m. 401-808-1354

Rail Trail Committee meeting Dec 11, 2012 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will hold its annual meeting tomorrow evening, Tuesday, December 11, 2012. The meeting will begin at 7:30 pm and will be held at the YMCA in Franklin. This meeting will serve as the FBRTC's annual meeting and we will be electing officers for 2013. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, please respond to this email or contact Marc Kaplan (mkap7@hotmail.com) or David Labonte (david.labonte@verizon.net)

Other items we will discuss at this meeting include: motorized vehicle usage on the trail, a map of the trail in Franklin and Bellingham, potential grant projects, and the developments with the Town of Franklin related to the Prospect St crossing. Attached is an agenda. We need your help with these projects, so please consider attending tomorrow.

Also, last Sunday a group of students from Dean College's Outdoor Recreation Club volunteered to staff an information table at the trail head on Grove St. For a few hours, students took a count of the number of users/visitors to the trail and the type (walker, biker, etc). This could become an ongoing project for the club starting in the spring. While it is unscientific study, it will help give us an idea of the utilization of the trail and help get the word out about the committee and trail efforts. Attached is a picture from last Sunday.

We look forward to your participation and input tomorrow and in 2013.

The agenda:



The trail map