opening today - Franklin Farmers' Market

"Join us on the Franklin Town Common every Friday from June 2 to October 27, 12pm-6pm, and support these local businesses from around New England."

• 46 Oak
• A Basket Full of Herbs
• Ackerman Maple Farm
• Amado Ceramics
• Andy's Heaven and Hell Hot Sauce
• Angel Hair Alpacas
• Birchtree Bread Company
• Cactus Pottery
• Clarion Farm
• Claymark Studio
• Cooks Valley Farm
• Eric's Sharper Edge
• Everything Jalapeno and Not
• Fairmount Fruit Farm
• Forest Edge Pottery
• Foxboro Cheese
• Franklin Honey Company
• Grateful Farm
• Kelleys’ Farm
• La Cantina Winery
• Lanni Orchards
• Little Shop of Olive Oils
• Montville Candy Company
• Painted Lady Flower Farm
• The Pumpkin Farm
• #ShopFranklin
• Wenger's Farm

For more information on the Farmers Market and the individual vendors

http://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/vendors.html

opening today - Franklin Farmers' Market

Travel Alert: I-90 Reduction - 2 lanes only on June 3 and 4

Dear EZDriveMA Customer,

I-90 DRY RUN: Upcoming Lane Reductions on I-90 to Prepare for Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project

        •       From 11:59 PM on Friday, June 2, to 5:00 AM on Monday, June 5, MassDOT will reduce I-90 to 2 lanes in both directions between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass.
        •       MassDOT and its contractor will be conducting a "dry run" of the traffic logistics on I-90 for the major construction that will take place from July 26 to August 14 .
        •       A "crossover" on I-90 will direct all vehicular traffic to either the eastbound or westbound roadways at different periods of time – see the map below.

                http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/portals/8/Images/highlightedProjects/CommAveBridge/CommAveCrossover.jpg

Travel Alert: I-90 Reduction  - 2 lanes only on June 3 and 4

About the Project

The Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project will replace the bridge that carries Commonwealth Avenue and the MBTA Green B Line over I-90/Mass Turnpike and the MBTA Commuter Rail. The existing bridge, constructed in 1965, is in poor condition. The project will replace a structurally deficient bridge while adding dedicated bike lanes and extensive pedestrian safety upgrades.

2017 Construction Window – Transportation Impacts

Between Wednesday, July 26 and Monday, August 14, these modes of transportation will be impacted in the Boston University/Saint Paul Street neighborhood:
        •       MBTA Green B Line from Babcock Street to Blandford Street Stations: closed from 9:00 PM on July 26 to 5:00 AM on August 14 (shuttle buses will run between Babcock Street and Blandford Street Stations)
        •       Commonwealth Avenue eastbound and westbound between Brighton Avenue/Packard's Corner and Kenmore Square: closed to private vehicular traffic from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14 (two-way access will be maintained for MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists)
        •       Boston University (BU) Bridge: closed to private vehicular traffic from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14 (two-way access will be maintained for MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists)
        •       MBTA Bus Routes CT2 and 47: detoured from normal routes from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14 (see project website for detour maps)
        •       I-90 (Mass Pike) between the Allston Interchange and Beacon Street Overpass: lane reductions from 9:00 PM on July 28 to 5:00 AM on August 7 and intermittent closures of Exit 20 on/off-ramps (2 lanes in each direction during peak period)
        •       MBTA Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line: service impacts for two weekends (July 29-30 and August 5-6) – service will be maintained during weekdays; shuttle bus service from Boston Landing to Reservoir Station (Yawkey Way during Red Sox games)
        •       Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited Line: service impacts for two weekends (July 29-30 and August 5-6) – shuttle bus service between Albany, NY and Boston

These short-term impacts are necessary for MassDOT's contractor to work continuous shifts 24 hours a day using Accelerated Bridge Construction. This approach reduces the construction duration from four to five years to two intensive construction windows, with the second construction window occurring in 2018.
Please see the project website, www.mass.gov/massDOT/CommAveBridge, for a detailed project schedule, temporary traffic impacts and detour maps.
MassDOT's goal is to anticipate and manage potential traffic impacts. A key to this success is minimizing traffic volume as much as possible in the area. With that in mind, we are asking abutters and customers to:
        •       Reduce – Try to schedule your vacation during this planned construction period. Avoid the construction area as much as possible.
        •       Reschedule – Alter work schedules, commuting times, or work from home, if possible.
        •       Re-mode – Shift to public transportation, walking, or biking. One side of the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and bicycles throughout the project.

Stay Informed!
        •       Visit the project website, www.mass.gov/massDOT/CommAveBridge, to sign up for the project email list and encourage your colleagues, employees, friends, and neighbors to sign up.
        •       If you have any questions about the project, please contact Jim Kersten, MassDOT Legislative Liaison, at (857) 368-9041 or email CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us.


Please visit the following link for additional information.

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx


Thank you,
EZDriveMA Customer Service Center.

Cub Scout Information available at Town Common June 4

Franklin Cub Scout Packs will be holding an info and registration event on Sunday June 4th from 1-3pm on the Town Common. 

If you are interested in Cub Scouts for your son entering K-5th grade in the fall, please stop by and say hello! 

Leaders from the 3 Scout Packs in town will be onhand to answer your questions and help get you registered.

• Pack 92 serves families in Charter. Parmenter, and Jefferson schools. For more information visit us at http://franklinpack92.org

• Pack 17 serves families from Keller and Davis Thayer.  For more information visit http://pack17franklinma.scoutlander.com

• Pack 126 serves families from Kennedy and Oak Street schools.  For more information visit http://franklinpack126.org

https://franklinpack92.org/

MassBudget: Backgrounder - Q&A about a $15 minimum wage

MassBudget Backgrounder Information. Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Democracy. Frequently Asked Questions about a $15 Minimum Wage MassBudget has released a new fact sheet that examines issues related to the introduction of a $15 minimum wage in Massachusetts. It covers the following questions: Who would be affected by a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour - their age and demographics? How big an increase would the average minimum wage worker receive? How are tipped workers like waiters covered under minimum wage laws, and how might they be affected by potential changes? How has the minimum wage rate and its value changed over time in Massachusetts? How has the relationship between wage growth and productivity growth changed in recent decades? Which other states and cities have enacted a $15 minimum wage? Read the new fact sheet HERE.   The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Downtown Partnership: June 1, 2017, General Meeting Agenda

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com FDP General Meeting Agenda Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting Thursday, June 1, 2017, 8:30 a.m. Dean College Campus Center Golder Room (second floor) Open Meeting Adoption of Agenda Member Introductions Town Update - Jeff Nutting FDP Updates - Lisa Piana Strawberry Stroll Membership Discounts FSPA - Raye Lynn Mercer Small Business Marketing Presentation                          Michael Carroll, Senior VP, Dean Bank New Business Adjourn Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: microbrewery tasting room moves forward; ABCC rule creates confusion

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

"A bylaw change that would allow local microbreweries or wineries to have tasting rooms is a step closer to reality. 

The Town Council is set to take up the measure in June after it received approval from the Planning Board at its May 22 meeting. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the board passed the change, but altered one aspect of the proposal - the square footage of a microbrewery’s facility that could be devoted to a tasting room. 

“What we had done originally is allow (a tasting room of) 33 percent of the square footage,” Hellen said. “The Planning Board scaled that back to a quarter.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170531/franklin-council-to-consider-microbreweries-bylaw

"It is a problem many craft beer drinkers run into – the buildup of a large collection of growlers they have purchased at the breweries they have visited. 

But, last week, the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission issued a new advisory, informing breweries they could fill any glass growler (typically a 64-ounce or 32-ounce jug) full of beer as long as the growler is completely blank with no labeling at all from another brewery. 

Although, generally in favor of the move, many MetroWest brewers say the new advisory is confusing and may wait before they start filling growlers other than their own. 

On Wednesday, members of the Mass. Brewer’s Guild – a trade organization for Massachusetts breweries – held a board of director’s meeting to discuss the new guidelines, said board member Keith Sullivan, co-owner of Medusa Brewing Company in Hudson."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170531/new-growler-laws-offer-confusion-to-local-brewers

MBTA: Through Tuesday: Change at Back Bay opening sooner

Due to the Simon Company's Copley Place construction, Back Bay Stations Dartmouth Street underpass will remain closed until June 7, 2017.

Due to Copley Place construction being performed by the Simon Company, the Dartmouth Street underpass leading to and from the west side of Dartmouth Street at Back Bay Station will be temporarily closed until Wednesday, June 7.

Customers are encouraged to use the stations main entrance on the east side of Dartmouth Street during the underpass closure.

Affected routes:

• Orange Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line

Last updated: May 31 2017 10:42 AM
Sent by the MBTA.

entrance to Copley Place under construction earlier this year

The last notification said that the closure would be in place until June 15
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/mbta-update-back-bay-construction.html

FHS Commencement info and All Night Party - June 2

"This is the homepage for the 2017 Franklin High School Commencement Ceremony. You will find all of the information about the ceremony on this site including information about times and locations, ordering tickets, handicap seating, parking and more. We hope this helps our families plan an enjoyable celebration of your students' success."

https://sites.google.com/a/franklinps.net/fhs-commencement/home

The FHS All Night Party will operate for the graduates to have a safe and fun evening from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM

http://www.fhsallnightparty.com/

FHS Commencement info and All Night Party - June 2

Downtown Partnership: Small biz expert to speak at 6/1 Gen. Mtg; last call for stroll booths; discount program

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Get the most out of your paid marketing options: Michael Carroll to speak at June 1 General Meeting Small business owners, you don't want to miss next week's  FDP General Meeting  Thursday, June 1, 8:30 a.m. Dean College Campus Center Golder Room (second floor) Michael Carroll, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications Officer for Dean Bank, will speak about making the most of your "Paid Media" at our June 1 General Meeting.  Michael will discuss determining planning parameters, executing the plan by channel and determining success metrics. He knows what he's talking about. Michael has 20 years of financial marketing experience, having worked at area community banks and credit unions. He currently serves on the board of directors of New Hope Inc., a domestic violence and sexual assault agency headquartered in Attleboro, as well as the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce. Carroll also serves as a trustee of the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation. Last Call to participate in  June 8 Strawberry Stroll The deadline to sign up to participate in the FDP Strawberry Stroll is Wednesday, May 31.  Download the registration form here and email it to Event Co-organizer Beth Wierling at strawberrystroll@gmail.com. All late applications must include $25 late fee.  No applications will be accepted after Wednesday night.  Partnership member discounts - what do you want to offer? We are putting together a list discounts offered by FDP business members to all Partnership members. If you're interested in offering a discount to fellow FDP members please email the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com so we can include you in the June announcement.  We already have some very special offers -- like a discount on a car at Franklin Ford! 10% off car repairs at Nice Car Care! 10% off restaurant orders at Franklin Central Pizza!   It's a great deal for all FDP members and an inexpensive, quick and easy way to get new customers through your door! Don't be left out. Send us your discount offer and we will let the FDP membership know about it through our website and social media. Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today