Fallen Hero: Second Lieutenant John A. Schur, U.S. Army Air Corps

Second Lieutenant John A. Schur was born on July 26, 1922, the son of Mr. and Mrs. August Schur. John lived at 124 Beaver Street with his parents while attending the Franklin Public Schools. John graduated from Franklin High School in 1940 as Class Valedictorian. John was also very active in scouting and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Following graduation from high school, John entered Northeastern University to study chemical engineering and was on the Dean’s List for his 3 years there. John left Northeastern to enlist in the U.S. Air Corps on October 17, 1942. 

In raids over Tokyo Second Lieutenant Schur was highly commended for his outstanding ability and courage when he left his post as navigator to repair and put back into operation radio and radar equipment which had become inoperable during the flight. In a later raid over Tokyo, 2nd LT John H. Schur was aboard a B-25 bomber loaded with bombs when the bomber sustained a direct hit and disappeared in a burst of an explosion over the heart of the city on March 10, 1945. 

Second Lieutenant John A. Schur, U.S. Army Air Corps, was 22 years old at the time of his death over Tokyo while serving his country during World War II.

Fallen Hero: Second Lt Schur

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, U.S. Marine Corps

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, the son of Carl and Bessie Rollins, was born on May 23, 1925. Marshall lived with his parents and sister at 51 Crescent Street. 

Marshall E. Rollins attended Franklin High School but left high school at the end of his junior year to join the Marine Corps. 

Private First Class Marshall Rollins served in the Fourth Marine Division for nearly three years, participating in the Battles of Roi, Namur, Tinian, Saipan and Iwo Jima. His division received a Presidential Unit Citation for their efforts in the Saipan battle. PFC Marshall Rollins sustained an injury in this battle but later returned to active duty on Iwo Jima. 

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins was severely injured on March 10, 1945 in the fighting at Iwo Jima, was evacuated to the U.S. Hospital in the Mariannas and subsequently succumbed to his battle injuries in the Guam Hospital on April 2, 1945. 

Private First Class Marshall E. Rollins, U.S. Marine Corps, was 19 years old at the time of his death while serving in the service of his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Private First Class Rollins

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Summer sunset

As the sun sets on Wednesday evening, the summer is also drawing to a close.

Parmenter sign

School starts next week with the Parmenter Elementary School schedule shown on their sign.

Beaver St railroad crossing updated

On Saturday, July 13 the railroad crossing was under construction on Beaver St resulting in road closure, a shuttle for the MBTA train and detours. What does the repaired crossing look like?

Beaver St railroad crossing

It looks a lot smoother than it did before. Has the ride over the crossing been smoother?

In the News: casino proposal requires dialogue

Milford casino: Surrounding towns line up

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has urged the towns that border or lie near the Foxwoods Resort Casino proposed for Milford "to engage in dialogue as soon as practical about the potential positive and negative impacts."

Fallen Hero: Private Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army

Private Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army, was born on November 12, 1907 son of Jules and Maria Perret. Jules lived with his parents and three sisters at 29 Washington Street. 

Jules was a well known sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. For many years he was an active member and tireless worker of the Franklin Rod and Gun Club. He did much towards the construction of the then new club house at Uncas Pond. Before volunteering to go into the service, Jules worked as a weaver in Canton, MA. 

Jules entered the service on October 12, 1943 and trained at Camp Croft, South Carolina. Pvt Jules E. Perret went overseas in March of 1944, first seeing action in North Africa and later serving in Italy where he met his death on August 15, 1944 in a vehicular accident. 

Pvt Jules E. Perret, U.S. Army, was 36 years old at the time of his death while serving his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Private Perret

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, U.S. Army Air Corps

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter, son of Ernest and Maud Parmenter, was born on October 18, 1917. Gerald lived at 466 King Street with his parents and a twin brother. He attended the Franklin Public Schools and was graduated from Franklin High School in 1935 and from Hill College in Woonsocket in 1937. Gerald did accounting work at local businesses and was associated with his father at the Red Mount Poultry Farm here in Franklin. 

Prior to the war Gerald, who was very enthusiastic about aviation, obtained his license as a civilian pilot. Gerald enlisted in the Army Air Corp in August of 1942 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1943 at Yuma, Arizona. First Lieutenant Parmenter served as a pilot in the air transport ferrying command, piloting planes built in this country to the British Government in Nassau. 

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter died from injuries received in an air crash while in the line of duty near Ramsar, India in the Asiastic Theatre. 

First Lieutenant Gerald M. Parmenter was 26 years old at the time of his death on July 17, 1944 while serving his country during WWII.

Fallen Hero: First Lieutenant Parmenter

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Staff Recognition Luncheon

On Wednesday, July 31st the Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Staff Recognition Luncheon honoring those who have worked at the Y for 10 years and more. The luncheon was held at Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham. 

This year, 16 Y employees reached their 10th year with the organization joining 89 other longtime Y staff members with more than 10 years of service. Jim Downs, Ben Dyer, Ed Hurley, Ann Livingstone, Greg Meinertz and Andria Rossi joined the 20 year club. 14 other staff were also recognized for service at the Y for over 20 years. MaryAnn Childs, the Y’s longest tenured staff member has been with the association for 29 years. 

Hockomock Area YMCA held its annual Staff Recognition Luncheon

Jeff Dufficy, chairman of the Board of Directors, thanked the group and remarked, “Our Y could not be as successful as it is without the incredible effort and dedication of so many committed staff. This is one of my favorite events of the year.” Immediate past Chairman Greg Spier added, “The YMCA’s most important asset is our staff.” 

Ed Hurley, YMCA president, celebrated 20 years with the Hockomock Area YMCA and said, “I love coming to work every day because of lives we impact and the amazing staff I have the privilege of working with.” 

The annual luncheon is organized by Vice President of Human Resources Marge Kraskouskas currently in her 27th year at the YMCA.

About Hockomock Area YMCA
The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable community service organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and the Mansfield Arts & Education Center, serving more than 32,000 members from 15 local communities. For more information visit hockymca.org.

In the News: STEM studies, RMV hours

At Franklin's EMC, Kennedy says enriching STEM studies important for schools, corporations

Andrew Higgins, a fresh-faced EMC Corp. employee, represents a workforce that U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III believes must grow.

Hours changed at Milford RMV branch

The Milford branch of the Registry of Motor Vehicles is one of six Massachusetts locations that will open an hour later, at 9 a.m., beginning next month.

Fallen Hero: Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., U.S. Army

Staff Sergeant Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr., U.S. Army, was born on July 28, 1924 son of Anthony, Sr. and Vera Mucciarone. Anthony lived at 31 Cleveland Avenue with his parents, two brothers and one sister. Anthony attended the Franklin Public Schools ,was a member of the Franklin High School class of 1942 but left high school at the end of his junior year. Anthony entered the army on April 23, 1943. 

Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. rose in rank from buck private to staff sergeant in two months and was awarded a citation for personal and group heroism for his combat participation with the invasion forces in Normandy, commencing on June 6, 1944. He was a member of the 29th Infantry Division which captured St. Lo after almost continuous combat since its landing in Normandy on D-Day. Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. was also a member of the 116th regiment of the 29th which successfully attacked a heavily fortified and strongly defended beach in the vicinity of Vievill-sur-Mer. The Corps Commander cited the 29th’s repeated “personal and group heroism and its unflagging devotion to duty which overcame discomfiture, fatigue and determined resistance of a resourceful enemy.” 

Staff Sgt Anthony J. Mucciarone, Jr. died in combat in France on July 30, 1944 at age 20 years. Anthony rests eternally in the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Fallen Hero: Staff Sgt Mucciarone

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Private Daniel E. McCahill, U.S. Army

Private Daniel E. McCahill, U. S. Army, was born on June 11, 1919, son of Bernard and Mary McCahill. Daniel lived with his parents, three brothers and two sisters at 13 Pinehurst Street. 

Daniel attended the Franklin Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1938. He was a fine athlete affectionately known as “long Dan” or “big Dan” who played a hard fast brand of basketball. Dan continued his basketball play in an independent league after high school. 

Daniel answered his country’s call on March 21, 1941 and after a period of training with the 182nd infantry division was sent to the South Pacific war zone. Private Daniel McCahill was killed in action on November 11, 1942 at the Battle of Guadacanal. This campaign is well known for its pivotal role in turning the tide of the war in favor of the Allies in the Pacific Theatre. 

Pvt Daniel E. McCahill was 23 years old at the time of his death while engaged in combat fighting to recapture Guadacanal in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Private McCahill

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

School Committee has work to do

The School Building Committee meeting effectively covered two topics; the first an  update on the high school project, the second the results of the "Feasibility Study" for Davis Thayer Elementary School.

The School Building Committee did not make a recommendation.They feel that would be in the realm of the School Committee to decide first what it wanted to do and bring their proposal through the budget process ultimately to the Town Council for their decision. Other than Tom Mercer, chair of the School Building Committee, no member of the Town Council appeared to hear the presentation.

To summarize the three options:

• address accessibility issues - $4.6M
• add to and renovate facility - $23M
• build new school - $28M

the water runoff across the playground is one of the many items that could be addressed

To address just the accessibility issues would leave the facility with some items that would still need to be addressed at some time. The sound bite quoted in my notes and in the MDN article referenced a "bad Band-Aid". To decide on the addition/renovation would be rather costly for the 350 students that the school serves. To build a new school is not that much different and more costly.

The School Committee will need to decide what to do first. How does the building fit in their overall  plans? Where would the students be placed if the building was removed from the system? These and other questions along this line of thought would be the School Committee's responsibility to answer first. Then they would bring their proposal through the budget process ultimately to the Town Council and depending upon the money and funding sources, the taxpayers would have their say.

The details of the high school project status can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/live-reporting-school-building.html

The details of the Davis Thayer topic can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/live-reporting-davis-thayer-proposal.html

"all three options make little sense"

The School Building Committee meeting on Monday heard the presentation from Kaestle Boos Associates on the options for Davis Thayer. Their initial proposal was to add to and renovate the existing facility. They also looked at addressing just the changes needed to make the building compliant with the requirements for accessibility. An alternative would be to start a new building on the existing site (or elsewhere). It was estimated to cost $4.6M to bring to compliance. It was estimated to be $23M to add to and renovate or $28M to build a new school.

Davis Thayer was built in 1924 and underwent an extensive renovation during the 1970s. Milani described the building as "sound." 

"It has good bones," he said. 

However, most of the school’s bathrooms, corridors, stairs and doorways are not handicap-accessible, and inside, there are numerous mechanical and plumbing problems. 

Milani said that just bringing the school into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act would cost $4.6 million. The committee mostly agreed that it would not be worth the money. One member described the option as an "expensive Band-Aid."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1655328083/Davis-Thayer-renovation-plan-presented-in-Franklin#ixzz2cV2megKq

My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/live-reporting-school-building.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/live-reporting-davis-thayer-proposal.html

In the News: missing link

'Missing Link' to Upper Charles Trail to be complete next fall

Construction to the "missing link" portion of the Upper Charles Trail has begun on Mt. Pleasant Street behind Sacred Heart Church.

Live reporting - Davis Thayer proposal

The Davis Thayer proposal, hard copy handed out to be added later

Joe Milani, Kaestle Boos Associates
"Feasibility Study for Davis Thayer"

built in 1924, renovated in 1973, minor other adjustments since then

original documents for 1924 construction not available, hence information is based upon what is observed
did an opinion of probable cost (OPC)
did a revision to address if accessibility was addressed but nothing else was

do not have to comply with all elements of the building when reconstruction, do need to fulfill compliance with the sections being addressed

if spending more than 30% of the assessed building value, then do need to bring up to code
staying below this level  intentionally

dangerous situation for walking along the driveway entrance from School St, especially during winter

building in good shape generally but there are spots where there is water penetration through the brick surface; would recommnend repointing all the brick work on the exterior

all the windows were replaced with two circular windows which are still wooden and should be replaced.

roofing in good shape, put on in 2000
stainless steel put over the copper copings along the roof edge, not soldered properly, should be replaced
some downspouts missing from the portable, for any long term renovation, should replace the roof

doors not wide enough to meet compliance, 36" required

interior finishes are pretty good, lots of school work on the walls
suspended acoustical tiles were added in the 1973 renovation, can't see the ceiling clearly

there are asbestos tiles under some of the carpets, would need to be removed

gym floor is is good shape, has signs of water damage, 'Dutchman' repairs evident
recommend putting in synthetic floor

interior stairways; 2 front, 2 back of building
some ramps added to some of the entrances, not all hence not accessible
inside of stairways need additional handrails, stairwells wide enough, hand holds not sufficient

toilet rooms all have accessibility problems
will lose fixtures with renovation but do have enough space to provide sufficient fixtures for accessibility

max population planned for at 350, currently about 335 students

by and large equipment could be reused in renovation, spacing is an issue, need to separate incoming waste and outgoing good foods for safety reasons

water coolers in corridors not sufficient, should provide two levels, there exist only one

no handicap signage available, major crux of issue is elevator brings someone to first floor but other floors within building are not accessible

the building is sound it has sturdy walls

recommend replacement of PA and telephone system

used MSBA recommendation to utilize the space within the building
57200 required
45000 current
renovation and addition would be only option to meet requirements

put the two kindergartens in the 'old' cafeteria
use the first floor expansion to put in a new cafeteria and kitchen area with access from Union
no addition to second floor
elevator and stairwell would go to the basement to access the gym
elevator rises to second and third floor
filled in the media center to provide two more classrooms on the third floor

add parking spaces and a sidewalk from the School St entrance
allows catch basis, rain garden to catch the run off and prevent the current runoff washing out the playground wood chips to the street

$23M for renovation and addition on site; vs. cost of new building on site would be $28M

supplemental study for accessibility
bathroom renovations and addition of elevator
multiple adjustments on each floor

just doing the accessibility = $4.6M

OPC projected a 2.5 year build-out with some inflation

School Committee and Town Council were invited to participate in this review
Other than Tom, no Town Councilor participated

School Committee would need to absorb this info and bring it to the joint budget subcommittee

if this were to go with the new school option, would have to get in line (after the high school)

one of the things that present a problem is that the enrollments are fluctuating, increase since Jul 1, likely to the increase in expectations for the new high school

Planning is meant to increase the attractiveness of the Town

is this site a viable site at all?
there is land but there is a challenge with the existing available land
current space is just under 4 acres, MSBA would req about 10-15 depending upon the size of the school
site big enough for 3-400 but not for 6-800

it is a not starter due to the cost/pupil for renovations vs. new school for this size.

$4M would be a bad band-aid
what to do with the building is not this committee's charge. what to do to construct or renovation may be this committee's charge

This was an informational meeting on the Davis Thayer portion

Live reporting - School Building Committee Meeting - Aug 19, 2013

Present: Tom Mercer, Chris Feeley, Jeff Nutting, Mike LeBlanc, Mike D'Angelo, Maureen Sabolinski, Sally Winslow, Paula Mullen, Susan Rohrbach, Ed Cafasso, Peter Light, Sean Fennell, Cindy Douglas, Corinne Minkle, John Jewel (arrived about 7:00 PM), Bob Gilchrist, Joe Milani,

Meeting opens at 6:35 PM

Motion to approve minutes of July meeting, seconded, approved, passed - unanimous

Motion to approve a series of bills, each seconded, approved, passed - unanimous

Bob Gilchrist, from Agostini, Bacon

walked the group through of three pages of pictures (to be added) showing progress in construction




substantial completion scheduled for July 25, 2014

finish coat of paving will be done next summer so all will be new and fresh
striping this week, signs this week, everything on track for completion on Friday

Brian, FF and E process (furnishing, fixtures and equipment) (if building was turned upside down and shaken, whatever would fall out except for the computers (that is technology).

process started several months ago, approach in two tacks, one with furniture; small working group with furniture; second group on needs for equipment

field trip to Robert Lord showroom for furniture, to see a breath of the possibilities, talking the details of the various vendors and manufacture of the furniture; developed direction, prepared list for each room to determine the quantities required

what is equipment, what is reimbursable from MSBA
received listings from the groups last week, preparing the combination of the lists to see what it would come out at for the budget

more detailed review of the listing planned, planning for putting the FF and E out to bid for Dec/Jan time frame with a July delivery and installation

expecting bids to come in within 2-5% below budget more conservative approach than previous projects

Nutting - we still need to figure out how the studio will be paid for by the cable TV group, or what other option would be needed.

used to be approx $6500/room for FF and E, now running about $8K
varies based upon type of classroom setup

study done by architect showed $1600/per study cost; MSBA reimburses $1200, that is okay for elementary schools but not for the high schools where labs increase the cost

technology is separate from FF and E

Mercer - should have a better idea of the real numbers for FF and E in the next 30-60 days
Sabolinski - Peter Light and others at in with the teachers to take a conservative approach in terms of the needs for FF&E
Light - inventory of existing equipment was starting point, would it last 5 years? yes, or no. If no, then on the listing for replacement. Compiled this at the building level. What was submitted was what the teachers needed with review and aligned with the curriculum. Drove to rationale as required.
Sabolinski - I feel comfortable with the process
Light - some of the teachers spent quite a bit of time and due diligence on this planning process. All of the big ticket areas, visited multiple model schools to discuss the details with those now in the schools

What remains in the building is open for Franklin to keep, what we don't keep can be taken by the contractor as part of the demolition

if there is stuff in good shape, can move it to the new building and deploy it in a non-public space where it can be used but not really observed on a daily basis in a public space; as in the library

Plan for listing of FF and E and budget by the meeting in October, 'no later than' is the plan per Mercer
Desire to get the listing a week before the meeting

all the other model schools were using $1800/student as their target despite the MSBA model target at $1200

Fennell - the high schools are coming in over the $1200 that the MSBA has and I understand the logic and numbers presented.

Change order #3
$40,742
additional electrical  discovered as required
credit for supports not needed
electrical outlets to be added at front of stage
underground manhole to accommodate some wire runs
door hardware
revising door widths, should have been 4' were at 3 something
increased seating capacity in language lab (state standard is 30, added 5 as classes generally run lager)
lecture hall seating change to adjust the riser height

motion made to approve, seconded, passed unanimously

two parking lots built this summer have light poles (actually will), will be wired to new building
need to run lighting to power them in the meantime, could be approx 25-30,000 for the additional wiring and conduit - wouldn't be more than 28K. light pole basis should be ready for end of Sep; it is a safety issue

motion to authorize Chair to approve up to $28K for lighting
seconded, passed unanimously

Nutting - can we add a column to show the MSBA approvals for the change orders as submitted

LeBlanc - when are we going to get the 'pending' items
Is there an opportunity cost to not put the top copy out now?
about 25-29K

Cafasso - question on the parking lots
Both paved lots will get turned over, 120 spaces were on old lot, will get over 300 spaces with what is turned over next week

Question on the grading between the old fields and the new building, and new building and the 'new fields' when the current school goes

switching to the Davis Thayer topic

Fallen Hero: Private Charles E. Mason, U.S. Army

Private Charles E. Mason, U.S. Army Signal Corps, was born on February 24, 1916, son of Fred and Minta Mason. Charles lived at 62 Pleasant Street with his parents and sister. Charles attended the Franklin Public Schools graduating from Franklin High School in 1934. During his high school years, he participated in the Memorial Day ceremonies on the Common by reciting the Gettysburg Address. 

Prior to entering the army, Charles was a member of a Naval Reserve Unit located here in Franklin and served under the command of Fred Cook. David Bullukian, another one of our Fallen 23, also served in this Franklin unit. 

Charles attended Boston Radio and Television School prior to his induction in July of 1941. PVT Charles Mason used this special interest in ham radios and used this skill to converse with people in the area while in the army. 

Private Charles E. Mason died of injuries received in an automobile accident at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey on December 28, 1941 at the age of 25.

Fallen Hero: Private Mason

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Ensign William O. Martello, U.S. Navy

Ensign William Olindo Martello, U.S. Navy, was born on April 14, 1920, son of Theresa and Olindo Martelli. Willam was raised by Theresa and her second husband, Nicholas Martello, at 17 Howard Street with his four sisters and one brother. “Willie” attended the Franklin Schools and graduated from Franklin High School in 1937. William went on to Boston University where he graduated with honors with an A.B. degree and was initiated into Phi Beta Kappa. 

William Martello was a student, artist and musician as well as a fighting man. “Willie” was an accomplished concert pianist and was rated as one of the most promising young pianists in New England. Prior to his naval service “Lindy” traveled on the Grace cruise line to South American as an onboard pianist. 

William O. Martello enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves on April 17, 1942 and later began his active naval service on April 8, 1943. William O. Martello attended Columbia’s naval officers training program and was commissioned an ensign upon completion of the program on July 28, 1943. He served as second in command aboard an invasion craft off the coast of the Anzio beachhead below Rome. Survivors of Ensign Martello’s landing craft, which had struck a mine in the waters off Anzio, reported that Ensign Martello had refused to heed the order to abandon ship, had fitted out a life raft with provisions, and when last seen, just as the ship turned over and went down, was hurling life belts into the sea for his crewmen swimming in the water. 

A month before his death Ensign William O. Martello wrote to his mother the following lines in a letter to her: 

“As for the war, we had to adjust ourselves to the personal problems it brought, and if a guy can’t take it, then his life is a failure. That is why I am not even afraid of death. If I did one thing that indicated cowardness, the rest of my life would be miserable.” 

Ensign William O. Martello, U.S. Navy, was lost at sea off Anzio on January 26, 1944 at the age of 23.

Fallen Hero: Ensign Martello

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Survey says: Treasurer/Collector should be appointed

The sample size is small (only 15) so this may or may not be a good barometer for how the real ballot question will be answered in November.

Question: Should the Treasurer/Collector position be changed from elected to appointed?
Yes - 9
No - 6

The question opened on August 4 and closed on August 18.

Other survey question results over the years that you have participated in Franklin Matters can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/12/survey-says.html

"It just needs an extra million bucks a year"

The Milford Daily News catches up to the Franklin DPW Initiative '14 plan introduced at the Town Council meeting earlier this month. It is anticipated that the plan will be part of a funding discussion sometime in the near future. It may come up before the current Council, if not, it should be part of the budget process for FY 2015 with the new Town Council.

"The residents know the roads that are really, really bad, and we know because we get calls about them all the time," said Cantoreggi. "Those roads are very expensive to fix." 

The town faces a roughly $50 million backlog of necessary road projects. And while the DPW plan would not immediately lift that burden, it would kick-start the effort. 

"We won’t get every road," Cantoreggi noted. "On the other hand, it will move things along a whole lot faster. 

"If we get the additional money, we will have a solid five-year plan," he added. "If we don’t, it’s going to take another 50 years (to tackle the backlog)."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369949646/Franklin-DPW-touts-5-year-roads-improvement-plan#ixzz2cPIIcCwR


You can find my reporting from the Town Council meeting here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/it-will-take-lots-of-money-to-fix-roads.html

You can review the full road plan here.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/dpw-initiative-14-plan.html

DCR "added the Southern New England Trunkline Trail to its online database of state parks and trails"

Milford Daily News reports on a significant milestone for the SNETT trail, it is now included in the MA Dept of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) webpage.

"One of our major goals has been for DCR to create a website for the SNETT," said Jean Keyes, of Bellingham, a member of the group. "It’s their property, but it has never been mentioned on any of their sites listing options for recreation. We were really fighting hard to get that on there." 

In the last two years, volunteers have coordinated projects along the trail, from installing signs and gates to grading or widening certain sections. Starting at the Franklin State Forest, the SNETT stretches east to west, winding through Bellingham, Uxbridge, Blackstone, Millville and, finally, Douglas. 

Depending on available funding, there are plans to link the trial to the Blackstone River Bikeway, a proposed 48-mile trail that would travel from Worcester to Providence, R.I.

SNETT sign at Grove St entrance

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369949648/DCR-recognizes-SNETT-trail-with-listing-on-website#ixzz2cPEQrhFd

You can find the listing for SNETT here
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/southern-new-england-trunkline-trail.html

Or find the top link to all the state parks here
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/

Find out about the Davis Thayer Proposal

There are two School Building Committee meetings this week that will be important. The first, on Monday will discuss the proposal to renovation Davis Thayer Elementary School. The second, on Wednesday will  review the construction phases on the high school project and review the new traffic patterns expected in September.

Monday's meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Fl Training Room at the Municipal Bldg.

Davis Thayer renovation plaque 1973

Wednesday's meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Bldg.

Current entrance from Oak St

Fallen Hero: Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini, U.S. Army

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was born on January 29, 1913 in Franklin son of Quinto and Julia Lazzerini. Baldo made his home here in Franklin from age 16 with the Pacifico and Amelia Gianetti Family of 57 Hutchinson Street. Baldo’s active duty began upon his enlistment on March 20, 1941. 

Technical Sergeant Baldo S. Lazzerini served with the U.S. 5th Army, G-2 Intelligence service in Italy as an interpreter for General Mark Clark. T/Sgt Lazzerini was involved in the heaviest of fighting in Italy and had personally witnessed the surrender of Italian generals to Allied generals, with whose staff he was connected. T/Sgt Baldo Lazzerini’s brilliance in military operations, coupled with his knowledge of the Italian language gave him rapid rise in rank. 

T/Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini died as a result of a military vehicle accident in Italy on June 24, 1945. 

Technical Sgt Baldo S. Lazzerini was 32 years old at the time of his death in service during World War II.

Fallen Hero: T/Sgt Lazzerini

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Corporal David Laughlan III, U. S. Marine Corps

Corporal David Laughlan III, U.S. Marine Corps, was born on March 20, 1923 son of David and Elsie Laughlan. David lived with his parents, a sister and a brother at 55 North Park Street. David attended the Franklin Public Schools and graduated from Franklin High School, Class of 1941. David joined the Marine Corps two months before Pearl Harbor. 

Corporal David Laughlan III saw a great deal of action as a member of a rifle company fighting against the enemy on Saipan, the Marianas Islands on June 30 and again on July 1, 1944. CPL Laughlan volunteered to lead patrols into enemy territory obtaining valuable information of great value to his company commander. The information was used by his commander in planning the company’s many subsequent successful attacks against the enemy. Corporal David Laughlan III was injured on Saipan and was awarded the Bronze Star for his performance of valor. 

Corporal David Laughlan III later returned to action for the torrid battle on Iowa Jima and lost his life there on February 24, 1945. 

Corporal David Laughlan III was 21 years old when he became a battle casualty while in combat during WWII.

Fallen Hero: Corporal Laughlan

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Franklin Library: Petting Zoo

The end of summer party will be held at the Library on Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:30 PM.

Barn babies petting zoo

Thanks to one eagle eyed reader who was paying attention to the 'petty' when it should have been "petting"

"a good way to do it"

The Franklin Food Pantry is not the only one to benefit from local gardens. The Milford Daily News reports on a garden that Raytheon employees care for that serves the Marlborough Food Pantry.

While making their thrice-weekly trip to the Marlborough Food Pantry to deliver lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, Raytheon employees Gretel Anspach and Don Jordan encountered a young girl who beamed with excitement about the new produce. 

"She said ‘Gee, mom, we get to have salad tonight,’" said Jordan, an electrical engineer from Franklin. "You hear something like that and it makes it all worthwhile." 

Each week for upwards of 10 hours, Anspach and Jordan leave their air-conditioned offices at Raytheon during their lunch break or at the end of the day to head to the company’s garden to plant and harvest vegetables, which are donated to the Marlborough Food Pantry.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369949553/Raytheon-garden-grows-veggies-for-food-pantry#ixzz2cJzTKmhw

Fallen Hero: First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly, U.S. Army

First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly, U.S. Army, was born on May 28, 1915, son of Michael and Ellen Kelly. Edward lived with his parents and one brother at 129 Fisher Street. 

First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly was an officer in the regular army having enlisted on November 13, 1934. When conflict broke out, 1LT Kelly was sent to a tank outfit for training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was then ordered to the Hawaiian Islands to serve in an amphibious tractor outfit. 1LT Kelly died a short time later on June 20, 1944, at age 29, while serving in Hawaii. 

1LT Edward A. Kelly was survived by his wife, Rose, and a child who were living in Los Angeles, CA at that time. 

First Lieutenant Edward A. Kelly was interred in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 17, 1949.

Fallen Hero: 1LT Edward Kelly

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army

Corporal John J. Kell, U.S. Army, was born in Franklin on November 4, 1924 to parents Archibald and Inez Kell. John lived with his parents, brothers and sisters at 39 Raymond Street and attended the Franklin Schools. 

CPL Kell volunteered from Franklin and served two years with the military police in England before asking for a transfer to active duty on the war front. John received a transfer to the infantry and was on active duty for several months before he was killed in action in Germany on April 17, 1945. 

Memorial services were conducted here in Franklin on May 13, 1945 honoring CPL John J. Kell whose eternal resting place is in an American Cemetery in Germany. 

Corporal Kell was 20 at the time of his death serving his country in World War II.

Fallen Hero: Corporal John Kell

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

In the News: trial set, open house

Former state chemist from Franklin gets trial date

Former state chemist Annie Dookhan of Franklin, who sent ripples through Massachusetts' criminal justice system after allegedly tampering with evidence in drug cases, has a trial date.

Temple Etz Chaim slates open house

An open house in planned at Temple Etz Chaim, 900 Washington St., Franklin, on Friday, Aug. 23.

Fallen Hero: Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps

Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford, U.S. Army Air Corps, was born in Franklin on April 1, 1915, son of James R. and Mary Hosford. William lived with his parents and three brothers and three sisters at 22 Queen Street. William graduated from Franklin High School class of 1933 and later attended Michigan State University. 

William completed his flying course of instruction at Craig Field, Alabama and received his wings and commission on December 12, 1941. Second Lieutenant Hosford was assigned to the 35th Air Pursuit Squadron, 8th Pursuit Group, Port Moresby, New Guinae. On June 1, 1942 he was shot down by Japanese machine gun fire while in aerial combat flying a Bell P-39F. 

Second Lieutenant William Hosford had written in letters to family and friends of his eagerness to serve his country even to the point of giving up his life, should it be necessary. When 2nd LT Hosford was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice, those nearest to him knew that he made it willingly. 

Second Lieutenant William G. Hosford was 27 years old at the time of his death and now eternally rests in the Honolulu Memorial Site on Honolulu, Hawaii.

Fallen Hero: 2nd L William Hosford

For the full series of Fallen Heroes you can visit this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-fallen-heroes-series.html

Fallen Hero: Sergeant Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army

Sgt Timothy J. Hayes, U.S. Army was born on October 14, 1914, the son of Daniel and Margaret Hayes. 

Sgt Hayes was graduated from Franklin High School in 1932 and was the husband of the former Eleanor McGrory. The couple was married in Franklin on May 16, 1943 and lived at 62 Cross Street.\ 

Sgt Timothy Hayes served in the regular army prior to Pearl Harbor and was called back into service when war against Japan broke out. Sgt Hayes was sent to England in October of 1943 for several months to undergo rigorous airborne unit training as a paratrooper in preparation for the D-Day invasion. 

The Normandy assault was in two phases, an air assault landing of airborne troops shortly after midnight and an amphibious landing of Allied Infantry and armored divisions along the coast of France commencing at 6:30 am. 

Sgt. Timothy Hayes was in the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, Company D deployment drop and on June 14, 1944 died of wounds received in combat during the D-Day invasion. 

Sgt Timothy J. Hayes was 29 years old at the time of his death and rests eternally in the Normandy American Cemetery in France

Fallen Hero: Sgt Timothy Hayes

Rep Roy: What's happening in the 10th Norfolk district

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you know anyone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please forward a copy of it to them. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook by clicking the buttons below. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Rep. Roy joins Tech Hub Legislative Caucus Rep. Roy has joined the Massachusetts Tech Hub Legislative Caucus created to increase awareness about the goals, capabilities, and reach of the tech economy and will give legislators the opportunity to connect with some of the top tech executives from companies around the Commonwealth.  Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein (D-Revere) will serve as Co-Chair of the newly formed Tech Hub Caucus with Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). "Massachusetts is one of the hubs of the knowledge economy, and we need to harness technology to produce economic benefits and create jobs," noted Rep. Roy. "I have been visiting businesses in the district to hear about ways to keep Massachusetts competitive, and to help our businesses thrive.The Tech Hub Caucus will offer a forum to build on these ideas and develop an action plan." "As technology becomes increasingly present in our everyday lives, growing our tech sector is paramount to the Commonwealth's long-term economic development," Representative Reinstein said.  "Opening the lines of communication between lawmakers in the legislature and officials in the tech community enables us to learn from one another.  This group will better prepare us to identify polices that foster innovation and drive the tech sector forward.  Sustaining a vibrant tech sector will be beneficial across all industries, spurring job creation and expanding opportunities for our own citizens while encouraging entrepreneurs to locate in Massachusetts." According to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, there are 10,000 firms in the technology sector in Massachusetts, accounting for 180,000 workers and 20 percent of gross state product.  The technology industry is one of the state's most vibrant and important economic drivers, directly and indirectly supporting the employment of nearly half a million residents. Going forward, Tech Hub Caucus meetings will aim to facilitate greater interaction between industry actors and policymakers and drive open conversation around any number of topics relevant to the tech sector, from talent development and the scope of big data to the impact of new tech innovations in health care, energy, and education.  The Caucus platform will hopefully prove to be an important step forward for raising tech's profile among state policymakers and supporting more informed decision-making. Regional dispatch bill becomes law Last month Governor Deval Patrick signed into law Rep. Roy's bill to establish a regional dispatch center for Franklin, Wrentham, Plainville and Norfolk. Known as of House No. 2189, the law allows the four communities to enter into a written agreement for the purpose of establishing a district to construct, equip, operate and maintain a consolidated regional public safety communications and dispatch center.     "This is an important matter for public safety," said Rep. Roy. "Combining the dispatches for all of the towns will improve the response times, save taxpayer dollars, and make the citizens of the region safer."  "The bill would also give the towns quicker access through joint resources. Dispatchers at a regional center will have state-of-the-art tools and the latest technology. Rather than facing the numerous distractions in a typical police station, the dispatchers in the regional center can focus exclusively on taking calls and alerting first responders. In addition, the consolidation of resources and enhanced technology will allow dispatchers to stay on the line with a caller during an emergency—providing CPR instructions, for example—while another dispatcher follows through with lining up the response resources. And the dispatchers will receive training that will get them up to, and keep them at, professional standards set by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International. In short, the center will offer amenities that communities could not afford by going it alone. Franklin slideshow Franklin is featured in a WCVB mystery town slideshow. The slideshow features 43 images from around Franklin, and highlights many of the unique features of the community. Please check it out by clicking here and see why it is such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Interns offer help to community We had three great interns join us for the summer. Each of them brought a fresh perspective, lots of energy and enthusiasm, and a unique sense of purpose. This summer, Tim Featherston, a student at the University of Michigan, Susan Siraco, a student at Framingham State University, and Tim Curley, a student at Babson College, complemented our State House team. "They made some significant contributions to our work on behalf of the citizens of Franklin and Medway, and it was an honor to work along side them," noted Rep. Roy. "They provided help with letters, constituent services, and research, and demonstrated energy, enthusiasm, and diligence at all times." Congratulations and thank you Tim, Susan and Tim. We wish you the best when you return to school this fall. 2013 Pan Mass Challenge Earlier this month, Rep. Roy joined over 5,000 riders in the 2013 Pan Mass Challenge. This was his 11th ride and he is shown above with his team Phil's Phriends. The PMC, which began in 1980, is the nation's oldest and most successful bicycling fundraising event and shows what the determination of each individual can do. "For the past 11 years, I have enjoyed riding in this event, and channeling energy into funds necessary to help research into finding a cure for cancer," said Rep. Roy. "I am honored by the support received from so many people who have joined the effort to eradicate cancer, and look forward to doing it again next year." The event has been instrumental in helping Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's clinicians and researchers learn more about cancer and its causes, and to develop new, increasingly effective treatments for this deadly disease. Over the past 33 years, PMC cyclists have ridden to raise and contribute $375 million to cancer research. You still have time to donate to the cause and can do so by clicking here. Legislature upholds commitment to local aid Last month Rep. Roy joined his colleagues in the Legislature to unanimously pass legislation that provides essential local aid to cities and towns. In addition, he supported the FY14 budget which included some increases in Chapter 70 and local aid for all Massachusetts communities, including Franklin and Medway. You can see more details about the budget by clicking here. "The House has taken decisive action to support the residents of Massachusetts by providing robust local aid and making responsible investments in our state's infrastructure," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). "By overriding the veto of local aid, we are ensuring that municipalities can protect key services and make crucial investments to advance the Commonwealth's economic growth." "The budget reflects the priorities of the Commonwealth and the needs of cities, towns and residents, while also maintaining the highest level of fiscal responsibility and accountability," noted Rep. Roy. "It makes important and thoughtful investments in many of our core services and programs in the Commonwealth, including education, care for the elderly, housing, distressed hospitals and mental health." The budget increases key areas of local education funding including $4.31 billion for Chapter 70, full funding for educating high-needs special education students and $51.5 million for Regional School Transportation. The budget also allocates a $15 million investment in early education that will take approximately 2,000 children off the waitlist for income-eligible child care. The budget also takes decisive action to increase funding for the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges, including $478.9 million for UMass to prevent tuition and fee increases in the upcoming school year. The budget provides numerous health and human services provisions including $187.2 million to elder home care services, an increase of $6.2 million that will eliminate the 1,500 person waitlist for elder home care services, and increases funding for housing programs by $18.2 million to ensure safe and sustainable housing options.  The legislation also implements new oversight within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, which administers the electronic benefits transfer (EBT) program, to bolster the waste and abuse prevention reforms enacted in the FY '13 budget. The budget also creates The Bureau of Program Integrity to provide continuous oversight of public assistance programs while maintaining eligibility verification and ensuring we focus our state resources on those residents who are most in need of state assistance. Lastly, the budget expands and funds numerous economic development initiatives, including more than $20 million in anticipated gaming revenue to a variety of manufacturing-related programs. Locally, the FY14 budget also includes a Chapter 70 increase of $157,550 for Franklin and $60,525 for Medway. It also includes a $20,000 grant for Franklin's sculpture park and $15,000 to help fund the Vietnam Moving Wall in Medway.  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2013 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences