In the News: Social consumption pilot possible; self driving shuttle in Providence

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

Social consumption pilot possible

"As state regulators prepare to discuss and possibly vote on a policy to allow marijuana use in certain public social settings, Gov. Charlie Baker indicated Monday he could be open to a pilot program for things like pot cafes and lounges. 

The Cannabis Control Commission is expected to have a “policy discussion” on Thursday about social consumption, or a policy that would allow adults to use marijuana in some form in a social setting. The commission initially drafted regulations to allow so-called social consumption but put the issues on the back burner after pushback last year from Baker. 

“It’s not up to me, it’s up to the CCC,” Baker said Monday when asked about the policy the CCC plans to discuss Thursday. “What I’ve said many times about most of the issues associated with the rollout of recreational marijuana, is it’s really important that they, the CCC, understand what they’re doing and why they’re doing it as they make these decisions.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190514/social-consumpton-pilot-for-marijuana-would-make-lot-of-sense-says-gov-baker

self driving shuttle in Providence

"Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza rode in a self-driving car for the first time Tuesday when they inaugurated the state’s autonomous vehicle pilot program. 

They circled the State House without incident and declared Rhode Island a leader in transportation technology. 

Raimondo “got a little nervous” when the vehicle attendant took his hands off the controls, she said after stepping out of the shuttle on Smith Street. “But after a couple minutes it felt great. It felt safe and smooth. ... It swerved around the curb that juts out. It stopped at a red light, took a left when it needed to.”

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https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190514/ri-state-leaders-get-first-ride-on-providence-self-driving-shuttle-service

In the News: marijuana not on campus; digital drivers licenses coming

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

"Marijuana is a big part of campus life, but it’s still not welcome. 

Massachusetts colleges and universities prohibit marijuana on campus across the state, despite voters approving recreational marijuana more than two years ago.
The reasons to ban it vary, but schools by and large invoke federal law and landlord status to make sure the drug – ever popular among college students – is not allowed. 

“Colleges have landlord privilege and Massachusetts law says any landlord can ban marijuana from its facilities,” explained Jim Borghesani, who worked on the campaign to legalize recreational marijuana."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181124/marijuana-is-still-not-welcome-on-college-campuses

https://mass-cannabis-control.com/

"Millions of people may be able to show their smartphones rather than a plastic card to prove they’re legit to drive, vote or buy a beer in coming years. 

Louisiana in July became the first state to make digital licenses available to anyone who wants them, and at least 14 other states either have developed a program, run a pilot or are studying the possibility, according to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. 

Seventy-seven percent of American adults already own a smartphone, including 94 percent of adults under 30, and many state motor vehicle officials think residents will appreciate the convenience of having their driver’s license available in an app."

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https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20181124/could-plastic-drivers-licenses-become-thing-of-past

Public Hearing: Marijuana Cultivation and Product Manufacturing and Research Facility Use - Oct 29

FRANKLIN PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

In accordance with the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws, the Franklin Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Monday, October 29, 2018 at 7:05 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, for a Special Permit and Site Plan application titled "Site Plan for Commercial Building 4 Liberty Way in Franklin Massachusetts" and submitted to the Franklin Department of Planning and Community Development on October 9, 2018 by 19th Fairway Development Inc., 42 Adin Street, Hopedale, MA.

The site is located at 4 Liberty Way in the Industrial Zoning District-Marijuana Use Overlay District (Assessors Map 329, Lot 002). The purpose of the Site Plan and Special Permit is to construct a 35,000 +/- commercial building for Marijuana Cultivation and Product Manufacturing and Research Facility Use.

Copies of the plan and supporting documentation may be reviewed in the Department of Planning and Community Development during regular office hours.

Please note: This will be your only written notice of this public hearing. Should the Planning Board vote to continue this Public Hearing, the date and time will be posted on the Planning Board's website under Agendas.

Please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development at (508) 520-4907 if you require further information or if you need to make arrangements to provide translation services for the hearing impaired, or for persons with language barriers.

Anthony Padula, Chairman


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/4_liberty_public_hearing_notice.pdf

Public Hearing: Marijuana Cultivation and Product
Manufacturing and Research Facility Use - Oct 29

In the News: walkway ground breaking held; dispensary bans reversed

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

"With the outline of the future Veteran’s Memorial Pathway painted in white on the Town Common, an official groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday. 

Residents as well as town and state officials gathered on the misty morning to witness and take part in the official start of construction. With more than 800 bricks engraved with the names of veterans far and wide, the pathway is already taking shape. 

The project started about three years ago when a discussion began on how to revitalize the names of the veterans that adorn memorial street signs across town. 

“The idea and outcome of that meeting was a genesis that is now culminating in the construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Walkway,” Franklin Veteran Service Officer Dale Kurtz said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180911/veterans-pathway-breaks-ground-in-franklin

The Brick order form  https://post3402.org/documents
Make checks payable to Franklin VFW Post 3402

"the outline of the future Veteran’s Memorial Pathway painted in white on the Town Common"

"Six days after confirming approval of medical marijuana dispensary bans in Northborough and Bellingham, Attorney General Maura Healey’s office reversed its decision. 

In article on Aug. 25 Telegram and Gazette, a sister paper of the Daily News article, a spokesperson for the AG’s office confirmed that the office in June approved bylaws passed in the two towns that ban medical marijuana dispensaries. The 2012 Medical Marijuana law originally prohibited any municipality from banning medical marijuana dispensaries. An AG spokeswoman said at the time the approval was based on Section 56 (subsection d) of Chapter 55 Acts of 2017. 

But after being contacted by the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance and others with questions about the Telegram and Gazette story, officials in the AG’s office said they revisited the earlier decisions and the law and determined an error had been made - municipalities are not allowed to ban medical marijuana establishments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180911/northborough-bellingham-now-told-they-cannot-prohibit-medical-marijuana-dispensaries

In the News: St Rocco's final time; MA worker fired for marijuana use

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

"In the office tucked into a corner of the barn on the grounds of the old St. Mary’s School convent - headquarters for Franklin’s Feast of St. Rocco for the past 40 years - it seemed like nothing had changed. 

There was the usual coming and going - volunteers looking for a roll of yellow barrier tape, a screwdriver, some bottles of water. 

And there was the usual teasing among the Feast’s co-chairmen: Peter Brunelli, Mickey DeGrazia, Tom Olsen and Frank Fiorillo.

It had been this way for decades. And it felt the same this year as it always had in the days before the Feast of St. Rocco gets underway."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180809/grand-finale-for-franklins-feast-of-st-rocco

40th Feast of St. Rocco - August 10, 2018

"Bernadette Coughlin hopes she is the last person in Massachusetts to be fired for having a toke of pot at home off work hours. 

The 55-year-old former patient services manager at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen visited the Statehouse with her lawyer on Tuesday, hoping to drum up support for some type of legislation that would limit employers from keeping their employees away from marijuana when they’re not on the job. 

In late May, Coughlin slipped on a kitchen floor at work and broke her left wrist and elbow, which several days later triggered a drug test - which she said her former employer, the food services company Sodexo, requires after at-work injuries. 

Coughlin’s test was positive for marijuana, which is not surprising because the Methuen resident said she used pot about a couple times a week."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180808/massachusetts-worker-fired-for-pot-use-seeks-legislative-response

"The dynamic adds a unique layer of growing pains for marijuana"

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

"If you’re curious about the future of legal marijuana in Massachusetts, the liquor industry might offer some guidance. 

Like marijuana, the manufacturing, sale and transport of alcohol were once illegal. The 13-year period, known as Prohibition, ended in 1933, and there are similarities between the years that followed and what’s happening today with the rollout of adult-use marijuana, also known as recreational marijuana. 

“There are some really interesting parallels between the end of Prohibition and the legalization of marijuana,” said Stephanie Schorow, author of “Drinking Boston: A History of the City and Its Spirits.” 

Today, more than 74 Massachusetts municipalities have banned retail sales of adult-use marijuana, preventing retailers -- often referred to as “pot shops” -- from opening within city or town limits. The same thing happened after Prohibition, as cities and towns decided to remain “dry,” meaning alcohol sales were not allowed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180611/alcohol-roadmap-for-marijuana-in-massachusetts

MA Cannabis Control Commission webpage

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: Cannabis Control Commission timeline discussion; Boston Herald sold; Hopkinton waiting on plastic bag ban

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

"With the chorus of critics calling for the Cannabis Control Commission to pump the brakes on its rollout of an expansive legal marijuana industry growing louder, the top marijuana regulator said Tuesday the agency will debate later this month whether it should license only certain types of marijuana businesses to open July 1 and wait to license others. 

Gov. Charlie Baker, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and others have called on the CCC to scale back the industry envisioned in its draft regulations -- which includes marijuana cafes, delivery-only marijuana businesses, and the ability for establishments like cinemas and massage parlors to offer limited marijuana products -- at least until an initial retail market takes hold. 

“We’re absolutely going to talk about that and if we do decide to not issue certain categories of licenses on day one we’re not going to leave them open-ended, we’ll say ‘here’s our timeline for subsequent rollout,’ ” CCC Chairman Steven Hoffman said Tuesday when asked if the commission would consider a phased rollout of legal cannabis businesses. “But we have not made that decision, we are going to have that conversation.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180213/official-pot-licenses-could-be-rolled-out-on-timeline

"The second biggest newspaper in Boston is on track to be sold for $11.9 million. 

A subsidiary of Digital First, owner of the Denver Post and hundreds of other publications across the country, made the winning bid for the Boston Herald at a closed-door auction held at the downtown Boston offices of the Herald’s bankruptcy attorney, Brown Rudnick, which confirmed the bid selection to The Patriot Ledger on Tuesday night. The Boston Herald reported that the bid was for $11.9 million. 

Digital First was one of three companies to submit bids for the paper before a deadline Friday, including GateHouse Media, the owner of The Patriot Ledger. The company also owns the Lowell Sun and the Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise in Massachusetts.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180213/digital-first-media-wins-auction-for-boston-herald

"The town is waiting to see how a statewide plastic bag ban take shape before taking its own action. 

Board of Health member Jennifer Flanagan brought up the idea to ban plastic bags at stores in town about a year ago after hearing about such a ban passed in Natick. Last week, the board brought the discussion back up. 

“We are still in the research and review stage,” said Shaun McAuliffe, health director."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180213/hopkinton-waits-on-statewide-plastic-bag-ban

“As this new industry is established: simpler is better”

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

"From standardizing community host agreements to allowing porta-potties on outdoor pot farms, speakers at a public hearing Wednesday offered many suggestions on how to tweak regulations governing recreational pot, with particular emphasis on helping small farmers succeed in the nascent industry. 

“There’s no ganja like farm-grown ganja,” said Eric Schwartz, co-founder of Farm Bug Cooperative, a cooperative of farmers which will be applying for a craft marijuana cultivator cooperative license. “I think Massachusetts can be a shining example for the rest of the country in ending the failed marijuana prohibition policy.” 

About 100 people gathered at the Worcester Public Library Wednesday morning for a public hearing on draft regulations governing the adult use of cannabis in the state. The meeting was hosted by members of the Cannabis Control Commission, and was one of several being held throughout the state to solicit feedback on the draft regulations - which oversee everything about the cannabis trade from seed to consumption."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180207/small-farmers-focus-of-pot-hearing

MA Cannabis Control Commission webpage

In the News: US Attorney comments on enforcement; Justice Dept goes after sanctuary cities

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

"Opioid crimes are his top drug enforcement priority, but U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling told reporters Wednesday that his enforcement of federal marijuana laws could ensnare anyone from an hourly wage employee at a marijuana dispensary to a bank that opens an account for a pot shop. 

During a meeting with reporters at the federal courthouse, Lelling, a recent appointee of President Donald Trump, repeated that he will not rule out bringing criminal cases against participants in the forthcoming state-legal retail marijuana industry. 

“It puts the banks in a bind. I understand that,” Lelling said. Marijuana distribution is unambiguously illegal under federal law and he cannot preemptively rule out anyone for prosecution, he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180124/us-attorney-stands-his-ground-on-pot-prosecution

"The Justice Department ramped up pressure Wednesday on so-called sanctuary cities seeking public safety grant money, warning state and local officials they could be legally forced to prove they are cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The move prompted immediate backlash, with mayors from across the country announcing they would boycott a planned meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon. 

Officials sent letters to roughly two dozen jurisdictions threatening to issue subpoenas if they don’t willingly relinquish documents showing they aren’t withholding information about the citizenship or immigration status of people in custody. The department has repeatedly threatened to deny millions of dollars in important grant money to communities that refuse to comply with a federal statute requiring information-sharing with federal authorities, as part of the Trump administration’s promised crackdown on cities and states that refuse to help enforce U.S. immigration laws. 

Many cities have been openly defiant in the face of the threats, with lawsuits pending in Chicago, Philadelphia and California over whether the administration has overstepped its authority by seeking to withhold grant money."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180124/mayors-boycott-trump-meeting-after-sanctuary-cities-threat

“There’s a lot of uncertainty now”

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

"Town Council will discuss an increase in retail marijuana tax at a meeting on Wednesday. The one percent increase would bring the total tax to three percent. 

The original legislation on the ballot in 2016 indicated that the sales tax on recreational marijuana was allowed at two percent. Recent legislation has amended the law, allowing municipalities to tax up to three percent. The motion in front of the town council will confirm or deny the tax increase. 

The state is due to start accepting applications for retail marijuana facilities on April 1, and since Franklin is one of the municipalities that is already zoned and does not have a moratorium, the town likely see a few. 

State Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, said that anytime revenue can be sought without adding to property taxes is a positive, and will always help town governments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180122/franklin-council-to-discuss-marijuana-tax-increase

“There’s a lot of uncertainty now” 

The agenda and documents released for the Town Council meeting can be found online
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-24.html

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/january_24_agenda.pdf

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

"Research into cannabis is still preliminary"

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

"As Massachusetts moves closer to a date when marijuana can be sold in stores, two acronyms are dominating the discussion of merchandise – THC and CBD. 

Both are chemical compounds found in cannabis. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive chemical compound in marijuana – it’s what makes you high when you smoke, eat, or otherwise take a dose. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is not psychoactive, but proponents say it has a lot of the same medical benefits. 

“If you don’t want to feel any psychoactive effects, definitely look into CBD,” said Andover-based Healing Rose co-founder Zach McInnis. The Healing Rose sells CBD-infused products."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171103/some-marijuana-products-have-nothing-to-do-with-getting-high

In the News: recreational pot myths and facts; Halloween safety; "No Shame" rally

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

"With recreational marijuana now legal across the state of Massachusetts, residents and police departments alike have struggled to understand the full scope of the new legislation. While Question 4 originally provided a clear outline of what would be implemented should it pass, state legislators had the opportunity to make any alterations to the law they deemed necessary. As a result, the limits of the new legal pot law have become blurred, causing confusion throughout the state. 

Myth: Consuming marijuana in public is still illegal. 

Fact: Cities and towns must pass a bylaw prohibiting public use of marijuana."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171024/myth-busting-massachusetts-recreational-pot-law

"With Halloween just a week away, motorists should start keeping an eye out for little ghosts and ghouls during evening commutes. 

An alert from AAA Northeast Tuesday offered a few tips and warnings for both drivers and trick-or-treaters. 

Watch for children in or near the street, especially between 4 p.m. and midnight on Halloween itself. Be aware that children may wear dark clothing and dart into the road, sometimes between cars or outside crosswalks. Try to avoid heavily residential neighborhoods. 

Drive sober and slowly, the advisory cautioned. AAA research showed a pedestrian is twice as likely to be killed when hit by a car traveling 35 miles per hour, compared to 25 miles per hour, and that a third of motor vehicle deaths are caused by drivers who have been drinking."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171024/watch-out-for-trick-or-treaters-this-week

"If all goes according to plan, the small lawn outside of the Trinity Episcopal Church will be filled with #2069 signs on Saturday morning. 

The Wrentham church founded the opioid awareness signs that display the number of fatalities in 2016 due to overdoses, and at 10 a.m., they’ll be holding a rally, “No Shame, Erasing the Stigma,” and encouraging attendees to pluck their #2069 signs from their own lawns and temporarily plant them in theirs. 

“We’ll find a place for every sign, if we have to ring the gardens at the church with them if we have to,” laughed Deacon Ron Tibbetts at Trinity."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171023/wrentham-church-to-hold-2069-rally

#2069 No Shame Rally - Wrentham Common -  Oct 28

In the News: Taste of the Region; medicinal marijuana deliveries

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

"The “Taste of the Region” will take place from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 24 at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School, 147 Pond St. 

Last year’s event drew a record crowd of well over 500 attendees. Guests are primarily employees of the many companies and residents around the 16-town region. 

Load-in and set-up will be between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on the day of the event. 

Participants will be expected to provide approximately 300 hot or cold samplings of dishes that best reflect their restaurant or hotel; Sternos to keep food warmed as there will be limited electricity to the individual tables; and one or two people to assist with serving food and answering questions from guests."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171005/strongtaste-of-region-set-for-oct-24-seeking-volunteersstrong

Taste of the Region - Oct 24

"THE ISSUE: Five medical marijuana dispensaries are now authorized to conduct home deliveries statewide. 

THE IMPACT: Patient advocates say people with debilitating conditions who live far from a dispensary have been calling for delivery services. 

Often facing long drives to the nearest medical marijuana dispensary, some patients with debilitating conditions are opting for home delivery. 

“It’s something that patients say they really want,” said Nichole Snow, a Salem resident and president of the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance. “Many patients are homebound, really ill or don’t have a caregiver. A long trip is not practical because they’re in too much pain and don’t want to expose themselves to more illness.” 

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171005/more-medical-pot-dispensaries-offering-home-delivery-in-massachusetts

In the News: Spamalot auditions; Rally Day; Cannabis Control Commission appointed

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

"Franklin Performing Arts Company will hold open auditions for “Monty Python’s Spamalot” on Sept. 7 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

Auditions will begin at 6:30 p.m. for ages 14-17 and continue at 7 p.m. for adults. Participants should prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theater song in the style of the show. 

FPAC will present Spamalot on Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 27-29 at The Black Box as part of the company’s 27th season. A retelling of the legendary tale of “King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table,” the musical parody was inspired by the 1975 classic comedy film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” and likewise diverts from more traditional versions of the legend."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/strongfranklin-performing-arts-company-to-host-auditionsstrong

(FPAC) will hold open auditions for Monty Python’s Spamalot

"Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St., will kick off the program year with Rally Day, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 10. 

The event will feature a blessing of the backpacks during worship, followed by a catered barbecue cookout. "Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St., will kick off the program year with Rally Day, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 10. 

The day’s activities will begin with Adult Discovery Group, a Bible exploration. Sunday School registration for children preschool through eighth grade will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the church parlor, just inside the front entrance"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/strongfranklin-federated-church-announces-rally-daystrong

Franklin Federated Church

"Marijuana legalization opponents will outnumber supporters four to one on the new commission that will spearhead the state’s efforts to get a legal marijuana industry up and running by next summer and then regulate the newly legal market. 

Attorney General Maura Healey on Friday appointed Britte McBride, an attorney with experience working for the attorney general’s office, the state Senate and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to the newly-minted Cannabis Control Commission, and joined Gov. Charlie Baker and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg in agreeing on two picks to round out the five-person panel. 

McBride, a Lynnfield resident, will join former state Sen. Jennifer Flanagan and former Bain and Company partner Steve Hoffman, who were previously announced this week, on the CCC. Like Hoffman and Flanagan, McBride voted against Question 4, the successful ballot initiative that legalized adult use of marijuana last year, according to Healey’s office. 

The three constitutional officers on Friday also agreed to appoint Kay Doyle, a former deputy general counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Shaleen Title, co-founder of cannabis recruiting firm THC Staffing Group, to the commission.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/pot-commission-stacked-with-opponents

Additional info on the Cannabis Control Commission can be found on the Attorney General's page
http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2017/2017-09-01-cannabis-control-commission.html

In the News: Mixed messages on potential Federal interference with MA laws

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

"THE ISSUE: A proposal in Congress would prohibit states from taxing or regulating out-of-state businesses. 

THE IMPACT: Some analysts say the bill could affect parts of an approved 2016 Massachusetts ballot question, which bans the sale of pork, veal and eggs produced from animals that were confined in certain ways. 

While the 2016 Massachusetts law on farm animal confinement isn’t due to take effect for several more years, some industry analysts say a new federal bill could impact its rollout. 

“Generally speaking, our position is that regulation without representation should not be allowed,” said Jim Monroe, a spokesman for the Iowa-based National Pork Producers Council, which contributed funding to oppose the Massachusetts ballot initiative last year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170807/federal-bill-could-put-pitchfork-in-massachusetts-farm-animal-welfare-law

"One big question marijuana entrepreneurs will face in states like Massachusetts is whether federal agents will crack down on the state-sanctioned business, which is still illegal under federal law. 

At a gathering of policymakers from around the country on Monday, a lawmaker from Washington state, a Vanderbilt University law professor and a Brookings Institute fellow all suggested pot proprietors can breathe easy. 

The three experts, who spoke on a panel held by the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston, each said tight funding and other pressures should keep federal law enforcement at bay. 

“Trying to roll it back and trying to go back to the old War on Drugs - the terribly failed system - they will do it at their own peril,” Rep. Roger Goodman, a Democrat who lives outside Seattle, told the gathering at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170807/little-chance-seen-of-federal-crackdown-on-legal-pot

In the News: Exelon gets State approval; Governor appoints pot board

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

"A state board eliminated roadblocks for the construction of an expansion to the Medway Exelon plant. 

At a hearing Friday, the Energy Facilities Siting Board approved two decisions - one granting a certificate of environmental impact and public interest, and the other approving a revised water supply - in favor of the 200-megawatt expansion project. It had earlier issued tentative decisions to allow for public comment. 

Board counsel Joan Evans said her draft decision grants the certificate to Exelon. Though the company had requested the board grant 11 state and local permits, this decision requires it go through the regular permitting process. Evans said the state fire marshal’s office, for example, wanted more information on chemicals that would be stored at the plant. 

The company can seek those permits during construction, Evans said. With a favorable decision, she told the board, Exelon could begin construction."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170804/state-oks-medway-exelon-plans

Governor Charlie Baker on Friday appointed five members to the Massachusetts’ Cannabis Advisory Board, which will make recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission on the regulation and taxation of marijuana. 

The board was established by the ballot initiative approved by voters last November and in legislation signed by Baker last week, consisting of 25 members: five appointees each from the governor, treasurer and attorney general and 10 others. 

The law requires Baker’s appointees to represent experts in minority business development, economic development strategies for under-resourced communities, farming or farming interests, employers and municipal law enforcement. 

The new members are Walpole Police Chief John Carimichael Jr.; Roxbury attorney Kimberly Napoli, co-founder of the Hempest retail clothing shop in Harvard Square; Mary Ann Pesce of Weston, an independent consultant who spent most of her career in business management for The Gillette Company in Boston; Lydia Sisson, founder and co-director of Mill City Grows, an urban food producer in Lowell; and Henry M. Thomas III, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield.

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170804/governor-baker-names-five-to-pot-panel

“a lot more complicated than you know”

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker signed a bill on Friday that overhauls the recreational marijuana law approved by voters in November. Immediately after the signing, Baker offered a cautious outlook on the future of the cannabis industry in Massachusetts. 

“I don’t support this,” Baker said. “I worry terribly about what the consequences over time will be, and having spent a lot of time talking to folks in Colorado and in Washington and having talked to a lot of people who’ve talked to folks in Colorado and Washington, there are a lot of pitfalls that we need to work hard to avoid.” 

A vocal opponent of the ballot question that legalized and regulated the use, sale and possession of marijuana by people age 21 and older, Baker praised the work of legislators to address issues dealing with local control, packaging and potency labeling."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170728/gov-baker-signs-marijuana-law-retail-sales-11-months-away-in-mass

Note: Franklin vote 9153 for Question 4, and 8982 against the marijuana measure in the 2016 election with 223 blanks ballots cast. The number of blank ballots exceeded the major of 'victory' (171), so this was a real close vote.

The full set of results from the Nov 2016 election can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/unofficial-tally-for-franklin-ma-for.html

Franklin High School early on the morning of Nov 8, 2016

In the News: Another Eagle Scout; marijuana law to Gov Baker

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

"Another member of the Molloy family has achieved the highest achievement or rank within the Boys Scouts of America. 

Following in his father Peter and brother Brian’s footsteps, Samuel Molloy, 16, recently completed his Eagle Scout project. 

Through his project, Samuel raised money, built and managed of a team of volunteers to install four aluminum benches along the side of the turf field at Franklin High School. 

“I’m very proud of him,” said Samuel’s mother Shelly. “He went out and got donations, made speeches, researched how much the benches cost and what size; he also had to get the project approved by both the town and school.”

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170719/another-eagle-scout-for-franklin-family

"The House and Senate on Wednesday signed off on a compromise bill overhauling the marijuana legalization ballot law, moving the long-awaited deal a step closer to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk. 

The committee of House and Senate negotiators had planned to produce a deal by June 30, but talks dragged on this month amid disagreements over tax rates, local control and other issues. Final votes in each branch are expected Thursday when the Senate plans to more thoroughly discuss the accord, the product of competing House and Senate bills reconciled in secret by the conference committee over more than three weeks. 

Baker, who opposed Question 4 legalizing recreational marijuana, should now be in receipt of the bill by week’s end, but it’s unclear whether he might have any additional recommendations that could be proposed in the form of amendments that would further delay the implementation of the law."

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http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170719/legislature-approves-compromise-on-pot-law