FHS boys lacrosse, baseball, softball, boys tennis, girls tennis post wins on Monday

Josh Perry, Managing Editor Hockomock Sports writes:

"The FOGO (“face-off, get-off”) position can sometimes be overlooked, as the players may only be on the field for a few minutes and many times are on the bench or heading back to the box when the ball finds the back of the net. But when a FOGO dominates a game, those few minutes of playing time can play a critical role in the final result. 

Freshman Jake Alexander has come in this season and provided a spark for Franklin and on Monday night his domination of the face-off ‘X’ (winning all but three face-offs) provided a platform for the Panthers to break away in the second half and get one step closer to a fourth straight league title. 

Franklin turned a two-goal lead at halftime into as much as a 10-goal lead in the fourth quarter and rolled to a 13-6 victory over the Warriors at Pisini Field, leaving games against Oliver Ames and Milford between the Panthers and a perfect league record."

Continue reading the article online
http://hockomocksports.com/alexander-helps-panthers-roll-king-philip/

For additional photos from Hockomock Sports for the KP-FHS lacrosse game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Spring-2016/Franklin-King-Philip-Boys/

Jake Alexander (2) dominated the face-off ‘X’ again on Monday and helped Franklin
pull out a win against KP. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Baseball

• Taunton, 2 @ Franklin, 6 – Final 

– Franklin turned a two run lead in the fourth inning to a comfortable cushion in a league win over Taunton. Nick Santucci connected for a two-out RBI triple in the inning, finishing the game 3-4 with a run. Jake Lyons added two RBI while Joe Corsi was 2-3 with an RBI and three runs scored. Josh Macchi added two hits, including a double, and scored a run for the Panthers. Sophomore Jason Ulrickson was solid on the mound in a complete game effort, scattering five hits while walking one to get the win. Ulrickson struck out four with just one walk. Taunton’s Kevin Griffin went 2-3 with an RBI while Luke Figueira (2-3) and Joe Manchester (1-3) each scored a run for the Tigers.

Softball

• Taunton, 6 @ Franklin, 2 – Final 

– The Tigers’ offense cashed in in the fifth and sixth innings to get the win over the Panthers. Taunton scored four runs in the fifth and then tacked on two more in the sixth inning while Franklin scored twice in the seventh. Aimee Kistner got her 11th win of the season, striking out five while scattering four hits in a complete game effort. Kistner also paced the offense, going 4-4 with a pair of RBI while Jordan Wade was 3-3 with a triple, a walk and an RBI. Jaime Brown went 1-2 for the Tigers with a sac bunt, a walk and an RBI and Kya Enos added a double and an RBI. Allie Shea went 1-2 for Franklin with a pair of walks and knocked in both of the Panthers’ runs.

Boys tennis

• Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 

– It was a clean sweep for Franklin, who won all five matches in straight sets. Rahul Herur won 6-2, 6-1 at first singles, Eli Brooks ton 6-2, 6-0 at second singles and Dan Barrow won 6-3, 6-2 at third singles. Cam Piana and James Johnston took home a 6-1, 6-1 win at first doubles and Tyler DiPalma and Derek Wu won 6-0, 6-1 at second doubles.

Girls tennis

• Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 2 – Final 

– Franklin went on the road and extracted a bit of revenge by avenging an early season loss to the Tigers. The Panthers used a sweep in singles play to edge of the Tigers. Junior Hannah Sweeney won 6-1, 6-0 at first singles while senior Anna Humphreys won 6-0, 6-1 at second singles and junior Anja Deric swept 6-0, 6-0 at third singles. Taunton’s Ashleigh Eason and Emily Moor won 7-6 (7-2), 3-0 (forfeit) at first doubles and Caroline Hebert and Jillian Pagliuca won 6-2, 6-0 at second doubles.

Boys and Girls Outdoor Track

Hockomock League Championships (@ Taunton High), 2:30

• The FHS girls team finished 3rd overall and the boys finished 9th

For all the results from the track and field meet
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/May16_Hockom_set1.shtml

For additional photos from Hockomock Sports for the track meet
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Spring-2016/Hockomock-Outdoor-Track/

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Monday
http://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-051616/

We don’t like to waste things. Our forefathers understood this was common sense.”

Franklin is not like a lot of New England communities where the rivers running through the city/town have been dammed and once upon a time used to generate electrical power. 

"As the turbid currents of the Hoosic River tumble over his backyard dam, a century-old barrier of concrete and limestone, Ken Egnaczak sees a cascade of lost opportunity. 

Day after day, the water flows by without generating even a spark. 

“It’s such a waste,” he said. 

As the state seeks new sources of clean energy to replace power lost from the closures of nuclear and oil-fired plants, the retired mechanical engineer sees promise in the unharnessed power on his property, and at the nearly 3,000 other unused dams across the state."

Ken Egnaczak sat on a wall by the small backyard dam that he is trying to get approval to repower.
(photo credit - MATTHEW CAVANAUGH FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE)

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/05/14/state-and-towns-looking-tapping-into-hydropower/DzhV2W1YHJwHX38GrEJueI/story.html


I ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway several times a year and there are many dams along the Blackstone River that could generate electrical power.

comparison of water flow at the Pratt Dam along the Blackstone River

Additional photos of the Blackstone River Bikeway can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157622053236460/with/4485646180/

Rain Garden Training and Demonstration - June 4

The Town of Franklin, in conjunction with the Charles River Watershed Association, is hosting a rain garden training and demonstration on Saturday, June 4 at the Department of Public Works, 257 Fisher St, Franklin.  

Learn to design, build and maintain a home rain garden to treat polluted rainwater from your driveway and roof while adding beauty and visual interest to your property. 

Register for the program online at www.soakitupfranklinma.org/rain-garden-training.html. 

For questions, contact Kate Sjoberg at ksjoberg@franklin.ma.us

one of the many rain gardens around Franklin can be found at the Parmenter School

Dean Baseball moves on to Regional Playoffs

Dean Baseball won the Region XXI championship and will move on to the regional playoffs next weekend. Dean swept the best of 3 series. Gary Peralta named MVP of the series, pitching a no hitter in game 1 and batting 2-4 with a home run and 2 RBI in game 2.

Dean Baseball team poses in celebration of win!

Game 1 recap:

Washington Park, Groton, CT

• Dean College 14  FINAL  UCAP 0

Gary Peralta throws no-hitter as the Bulldogs defeat University of Connecticut at Avery Point 14-0

Friday was a day Gary Peralta will set aside for the scrapbook as Peralta threw a no-hitter in the Bulldogs' 14-0 victory over University of Connecticut at Avery Point.

No University of Connecticut at Avery Point batter was able to locate Peralta's pitches during the game. Peralta threw a no-hitter, striking out 11 batters and walking one while recording his momentous feat. He got Avery Santos to fly out for the final out of the game.

The Bulldogs continued to add runs until the end of the game. The Bulldogs scored five runs in the last one innings to finish off the win. The Bulldogs scored six runs in the second on the Bulldogs scored in the second on an RBI single by Christopher Wood, a walk by Brandon Valls, an RBI single by Jesse Archambault, a sacrifice fly by Rosario Missiti, and a two-run single by Kevin Ciprian.

Valls racked up three RBIs on two hits for the Bulldogs.

Matt Fasoli took the loss for University of Connecticut at Avery Point. He lasted just two innings, walked one, struck out two, and allowed one run.

The Bulldogs got one-run boosts in each of the third, fifth and sixth. In the third, the Bulldogs scored on an RBI single by Valls, scoring Seth Leslie.

The Bulldogs piled on five more runs in the top of the seventh. The inning looked promising, as Archambault singled, plating Ben Keeping and Wood to kick things off. That was followed up by Dion Austrie's three-run blast, bringing home Archambault and Daniel Blazejewski.

Gary Peralta named MVP of the series

Game 2 Recap:

• Dean College 15  FINAL  UCAP 6

University of Connecticut at Avery Point falls 15-6 at the hands of the Bulldogs

The Bulldogs beat University of Connecticut at Avery Point on Saturday 15-6 at Groton, CT.

The Bulldogs scored six runs in the eighth on the Bulldogs scored in the eighth on an RBI single by Dion Austrie, a walk by Seth Leslie, a two-run error, a passed ball, and an error.

The game was back-and-forth heading into the fifth, with five lead changes.

The Bulldogs finally managed to grab the lead after a strong fifth inning. An error scored Ben Keeping and gave the Bulldogs the lead for good.

Brenden Smith recorded the win for the Bulldogs even though he allowed five runs over six innings. Smith struck out four, walked one and gave up nine hits.

Jesse Archambault, Keeping and Gary Peralta helped lead the Bulldogs. They combined for five hits and five RBIs.

Josh Vincent was the game's losing pitcher. He allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings, walked three and struck out none.

The Bulldogs scored two runs in the second inning, and then followed it up with two more in the sixth. In the second, the Bulldogs scored on an RBI single by Christopher Wood, plating Leslie.

The inning looked promising, as Rosario Missiti singled, bringing home Archambault to kick things off. That was followed up by Peralta's double, scoring Austrie.

Division II - Regional Champions 2016

Thanks to Matt Harrington, Dean College, Director of Baseball Operations for submitting this info to share.

FHS baseball and softball teams post wins on Sunday

Baseball

• Franklin, 8 @ St. Peter Marian, 4 – Final 

– Franklin rallied from a 4-0 deficit in the sixth inning, plating eight runs in the top half to take the lead for good. Senior Nick Santucci went 2-4 with a double, a run scored and a pair of RBI, Ryan Hodgkins had an RBI and a double and Mike Skaza was 2-4 with a pair of RBI and a run scored. Bryan Woelfel, who had a pair of strikeouts, earned the win after an inning and two thirds in relief. Ryan Morse struck out one in 1.1 innings of work for the save.

Softball

• Foxboro, 2 @ Franklin, 14 – Final (6 inn.) 

– Junior Alexx Niss continued her hot streak for the Panthers, knocking in seven runs with a single, double and a three run home run. Olivia DiGiacomo went 2-3 with a double and two RBI and Maddie Connelly was also 2-3 with an RBI, scoring three runs. Allie Shea reached bases three times for Franklin and Rachel Cousineau went 2-2 with a pair of runs scored. Caroline D’Aprile struck out four, allowing just one hit in three innings of work for Franklin.


http://hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-051516/

FHS Panthers

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: April '16 Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on April '16 Real Estate Activity Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported a mixed bag when it came to Norfolk County real estate activity for April 2016. The Register stated, "There was definitely some conflicting statistics when it came to comparing April 2016 versus April 2015. While we saw a 7% rise in the amount of commercial and residential real estate transactions in 2016, we also witnessed a 7% slide in the volume of dollars associated with these transactions. In addition, the average real estate sales price, both commercial and residential combined was $602,722, a surprising 22% reduction." "Additionally there was also a little softness in the mortgage financing market for the same period of time," noted Register O'Donnell. "The mortgage market was flat for the month of April. The total number of mortgages increased a slight 1% compared to the same time last year. Total mortgage financing dollars actually fell 2% to $1.02 billion compared to $1.04 billion figure posted in April 2015." On the consumer front, Homestead recordings, which provide limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000, decreased 2% from April 2015 to April 2016. A total of 884 Homesteads were recorded versus 905 during this comparative time period. Further information regarding the Homestead Act can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. A disconcerting note regarding the April 2016 real estate activity was the continuing increase in foreclosure activity in Norfolk County. The total number of foreclosure deeds recorded during the month was 16, the same figure that was recorded during April 2015. However, the number of Notices to Foreclose Mortgages recorded, the first step in the foreclosure process, jumped to 68 for the month of April compared to 36 recordings in April 2015, a rise of 82%. "For many months," stated Register O'Donnell, "lending institutions have been working to process foreclosures dating back to the 2008 economic slowdown. While there is some evidence that there are more and more new foreclosures happening, we are still seeing foreclosure activity with residents that have been struggling with this issue for some time. My office continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 for those who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. In conclusion Register O'Donnell stated, "The number of real estate sales transactions recorded during the month of April 2016 clearly tells us that Norfolk County continues to be a destination location for individuals and families to live and work. I would say, however, that prospective homeowners are being more cautious in making their real estate purchases. As long as the county's inventory levels do not fall significantly, I believe the late spring and summer months could produce solid real estate results for Norfolk County." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

In the News: no room for fireworks this year, environmental oversight budget cuts hurt

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Council member Thomas Mercer said the fields at the new high school - where the fireworks would be launched - were the holdup. 

"We have not accepted the fields from the contractor," Mercer said, adding that the town would have to take ownership of the fields before it could hold the display there. "As the chairman of the building committee, I'll tell you they're not ready." 

The town, said Nutting, did not have any other proper launch locations, which would include adequate parking, decent visibility and a certain amount of space. 

"We had the state fire marshal out here, and we went everywhere," he said. "We went from place to place to place with him, and couldn't get any satisfaction."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160515/franklin-does-not-have-place-to-launch-fireworks-officials-say

"Basic environmental protections for Massachusetts residents have unraveled in the last 15 years as deep budget cuts and shifting political priorities take hold. 

The state has slashed bacterial testing of lakes, rivers and other surface water by more than two-thirds in the last decade, according to state-reported data analyzed by The Eye. Inspections of contaminated properties and waste and water sites, meanwhile, have dropped 24 percent from fiscal year 2001."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160515/years-of-budget-cuts-disarm-massachusetts-in-environmental-fight

“Everything about Daily Table is not normal”

From the Boston Globe Magazine, one of the Game Changers for 2016

"As the executive chef of Daily Table, the nonprofit grocery in Dorchester that has been an experiment in bringing food rescue efforts to the marketplace, Samad is faced with these challenges every day. The store is the creation of Doug Rauch, the former president of Trader Joe’s, who worked at the company for 31 years. 

Daily Table receives shipments of excess food donations from groceries, suppliers, and food rescue organizations throughout Greater Boston, sometimes without much warning. Then, Samad and his team must find ways to make healthy food on the fly, using creative methods to prep, prepare, preserve, and serve inexpensive food for its low-income neighborhood store, all while ensuring as little as possible goes to waste (it’s like the Food Network’s hit show Chopped, only the one with the fewest leftovers wins). Adding to the challenge: All of their prepared meals must meet their strict nutritional guidelines. Remarkably, most meals cost from $2 to $4, allowing shoppers using food stamps to get the most for their money."

Daily Table turns donations of excess food into prepared meals, most costing $2 to $4.
(Globe photo: JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF/FILE)

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/05/13/daily-table-mission-stop-food-waste-and-feed-hungry/z7BtUqM6uhmsPAi6CUkgHO/story.html

• For more info about Daily Table, visit them on the internet  http://dailytable.org/

Find other Game Changers online
http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2016/05/12/who-made-globe-list-game-changers/F8JzcyATcJSBoPFFXDVpxL/story.html

Recap: Town Council - May 11, 2016

The recap of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, May 11 can be found here.

• Franklin FISH

Barbara Steele presented on the Franklin FISH organization. It is an all volunteer non-profit organization that volunteers to drive folks to appointments. They have been providing this service for 43 years, number of rides has doubled over the past couple of years. Radius of about 20 miles but some do go to Boston, Providence etc. Call 508-528-2121 to volunteer.

• Council on Aging/Senior Center

Director Karen Alves provided several updates on program enhancements for the Senior Center. They are excited to be able to move upstairs to the new space in Sep/Oct timeframe. This will allow programing to be expanded. They will also conduct a survey this summer. 

Karen thanked the Town Council for their support. "We are the envy of all the Senior Centers in the area." The new space will include a conference room, a card room, the gift shop will be expanded downstairs. Upstairs there'll be a large multipurpose room. An elevator will provide access to the 2nd floor. There will also be a lending library in honor of Stella Jeon.

• Cottage Court

The issue here is that while the town has been providing some maintenance for the narrow roadway (it is still dirt/stone dust), there is no sewer service. The residences are all using septic systems. The water service is via a 'spaghetti pipe' that flows out from the center connection to each house. The residents have been paying taxes but getting services for a roadway that is private and legally the Town should not continue to do so. After discussion, the Council asked the Town Administrator to "look at our legal options."

• DPW water efficiency rebate to start June 1

The DPW will be offering rebates to residents to replace older toilets and clothes washing machine with more efficient (uses less water) models. It could be up to 200/rebate for the one clothes washer machine, or 2 toilets per household. Bring the purchase receipt to DPW to get the rebate. The program would start June 1. Links will be added to the DPW website to show what is eligible.


The published "Actions Taken" can be viewed here. The PDF contains active links to the documents for each blue link

• The Council approved funds for chip seal and crack seal work

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/May%2011%202016/Resolution%2016-31.pdf

• For reference, the listing of roads planned for rework during 2016 can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PublicWorks/Construction_Projects/S01426F5B

repairs to the playground were completed last week, assuming inspection confirms
they are good, the playground should be able to open after May 16

My notes from the meeting recorded live can be found here

• Live reporting: Legislation through Closing
• Live reporting: Town Council - May 11, 2016
• 
  

Recap: School Committee spends time on FHS updates and choses to keep school vacations as they are for 2017-2018

The School Committee meeting this past Tuesday was a long and good one finishing after 9:00 PM.

Franklin High School presented a number of updates on the following topics:

a. Math Team - Robert Akie, FHS Teacher  

b. Robotics at FHS -  Alyssa Taranto, FHS Teacher  

c. Computer Science Programming - Jason Chetlen, FHS Teacher  

d. Poetry Out Loud - Ron DiBona and Dan Hudder, FHS Teachers  

e. Video Production - Autism Awareness PSA, Heather Moreau, FHS Teacher  

f. Science NHS - Family Science Night, Ann Butler, FHS Teacher  

g. Empty Bowls - Partnership with Franklin Food Pantry, Brenna Johnson, FHS Teacher  

h. MASS Academic Excellence Awards - Emily Waite & Domenic Narducci

Details on each of the updates can be found in the live reporting section here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/live-reporting-fhs-update.html

Emily Waite, Dominic Narducci, School Committee Chair O'Malley, Superintendent Sabolinski

After all the high school updates, the School Wellness Advisory Committee provided an update on their work. (see link for details)

The school calendar discussion resumed with the choice between the two options. Option 1 was approved as the 'recommendation' by a vote of the committee as a whole. It was then voted to amend twice, one to make the Wednesday before Thanksgiving a full no school day, and two, to move the Professional Development Day from the Monday of the last week of August to the Friday before the Labor Day weekend. All three votes were approved 7-0. So after much ado, additional sub committee work, etc. the possibility of a change to one vacation (either Mar or Apr) from the Feb/Apr schedule the district has today will wait for the 'next time'.

When the 'final' 2017-2018 calendar is posted it should appear here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_SchoolCalDocs/index


The detailed notes taken live during the meeting Tuesday can be found here

• Live reporting: to Closing
• Live reporting: Calendar discussion and action ite...
• Live reporting: School Wellness Advisory Committee...
• Live reporting: FHS Update
• Live reporting: School Committee - May 10, 2016
• 
  

Petition to the Franklin Town Council: Plastic Bag Ban for the Town of Franklin, MA

"A single use plastic bag takes 20-1,000 years to decompose. This means that a plastic bag used once can remain in the environment for up to 1,000 years. As the bag decomposes, the chemicals from the manufacturing process, such as high density polyethylene (also known as HDPE), leach into various environments such as land and sea. On land, HDPE clogs soil and prevents aeration, causing poor absorption of water and nutrients. In marine environments, animals often mistake these bags as food. Once these organisms consume the bags, they often clog the digestive system and lead to a slow, painful death. 

In Franklin, if improperly disposed, the bags contribute to visual pollution and accumulate in nearby landfills- contributing to the startling statistic that only .25%- 1/4 of 1%- of plastic bags get recycled per year in the US. The US uses over 100 billion plastic bags per year. 

Although it might seem like a small, insignificant step for one town to ban plastic bags, no step is too small in protecting our planet. An average consumer family goes through 1,500 of these single use plastic bags per year. We have upwards of 32,000 people living in Franklin. Evidently, this is a large number of bags NOT contributing to the startling national statistics of plastic bag usage. 

This is where YOU come in. By signing this petition, not only are you pledging your support to our cause, but you are also promoting global sustainability. Your actions can make a difference- so start by signing this petition."

You can sign the petition here:

https://www.change.org/p/franklin-town-council-plastic-bag-ban-for-the-town-of-franklin-ma?recruiter=22322018&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=mob-xs-share_petition-no_msg

screen grab of petition to ban plastic bags in Franklin, MA

Memorial Day - Veterans Breakfast

This event honors Franklin’s Veterans and is held at the Franklin Elks Lodge on Pond St. It is scheduled for Friday, May 27, 2016 at 9:00a.m.

Hosted by Franklin’s Veteran Agent, Dale Kurtz

Seating is limited. Sign up at the Senior Center by calling (508)-613-1315
or RSVP by email dkurtz@franklin.ma.us

one of the many war memorials on the Franklin Town Common, this one commemorates World War I

In the News: Cultural Festival applications, adult coloring at the Library

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The performance opportunities application for this year's Franklin Cultural District Festival is now available. 

The festival will run from July 27-30, with opening ceremonies taking place at Franklin Town Common, located on Union Street. The closing ceremonies will take place at THE BLACK BOX, 15 W. Central St. 

Applications are due no later than May 23. For information and the application: franklinsculturalfestival.org.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160514/franklin-cultural-district-festival-releases-application

The application to propose a performance for the Festival can be found here
http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/2016/05/2nd-annual-franklin-cultural-festival.html

2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27-30

"With coloring a popular activity for children and adults, the Bacon Free Library has created a family coloring group that has become quite popular. Jain said participating in an activity like coloring makes it easier for older kids to talk with their parents and adults. 

"You don't have to make eye contact," she said. "That makes it a little easier to talk." 

Though Franklin does not have a group, adult coloring is sometimes offered on Saturdays as a special coffee and craft program, said Felicia Oti, director of the Franklin Public Library."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160514/local-libraries-show-that-coloring-isnt-just-for-kids-anymore

"This pipeline will cost us $4 billion with a tariff on our electric utility bills"

Dear Franklin residents,

Here are a few reasons why the Franklin Town Council should join Sharon and Walpole in passing resolutions against the proposed Spectra Energy natural gas pipeline that would run dangerously close to homes and the existing old pipeline.

1. The Marcellus shale fracked gas contains radon and benzene.
2. Shale fields pollute water and release greenhouse gases causing climate change.
3. Fracking has increased earthquakes exponentially.
4. There have been numerous gas explosions throughout the country.
5. A Spectra pipeline exploded on 4/29/16 in Pennsylvania destroying homes and badly burning a man.
6. Old and new gas pipes leak methane into the atmosphere causing climate change.
7. According to heetma.com there are 41 leaks in Franklin and over 20,000 in Massachusetts.
8. According to Representative Roy, if they repair 17% of the worst leaks we could save 40% of the gas.
9. There's no motivation to repair leaks as consumers pay for all the escaped gas on their utility bills.
10. According to numerous publications and recent permits most of this gas will travel to Nova Scotia for export.
11. This pipeline will cost us $4 billion with a tariff on our electric utility bills.
12. The Attorney General's independent study indicated we don't need more pipelines.
13. According to Distrigas, LNG by ship can make up the difference until we have more renewable energy.
14. There are an average of only 30 days a year when electric companies might need imported LNG.
15. There are plans for two hydroelectric lines from Quebec and for three large offshore wind farms.
16. Spectra is allowed to take as much as 150' on each side of the pipeline corridor decreasing property values and damaging the environment and possibly aquifers.
17.The future of our children and grandchildren depend on decreasing the use of fossil fuels.
18. Both Sharon and Walpole have passed resolutions against the proposed Spectra Energy pipeline.
For more information, please visit NoSpectraMa.org

Jim Hill

No Spectra sign on Franklin lawn

2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) - draft for review and comment

"Enclosed please find a copy of the Town of Franklin’s draft 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan for your review, comment. The official comment period is 5/16/16 through 6/16/16 and a public hearing on the Draft Plan has been scheduled by the Conservation Commission on May 26, 2016 at 7:20 in the Town Council Chambers. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information."

George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent


To submits comments contact the Conservation Commission at:

Town of Franklin 

Attn: Conservation Commission 

355 East Central Street 

Franklin, MA 02038 

508-520-4929

conservation@franklin.ma.us

SECTION 1: PLAN SUMMARY

This 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is an update of the Town of Franklin’s 2001 and 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plans. The 2001 Plan was prepared for Franklin as well as two other communities, Bellingham and Blackstone, and addressed the region as well as each community. The 2008 OSRP document addressed only the open space and recreation issues and resources relevant to the Town of Franklin. The 2016 OSRP continues with a detailed a practical approach to preservation of public and privately owned open space through growth management techniques, public awareness, management of existing Town owned open space, enhancement of existing and development of new recreation resources and the continued protection of natural resources.

In fall 2015, the Franklin Conservation Commission assumed the task of overseeing and preparing the update of the OSRP. Assisted by Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development, Park and Recreation Department and Public Works Department, the Commission assessed the Town’s open space preservation and recreation needs; gathered input from residents regarding personal priorities, desires, and perceived needs; developed the OSRP’s goals, objectives, and five year action plan; and reviewed and edited draft versions of the OSRP. In addition, a re-evaluation of the accessibility of the Town's open space and recreation facilities was conducted (see Appendix C), an inventory of the Town's open space, recreation, and conservation properties (see Appendix B) was updated, and descriptions of the Town's substantial resources were compiled, updated and included in the OSRP.

Since the 2008 Plan was approved, progress has been made on the Goals and Objectives included in that Plan. Among them are:

• Through a student project working with the Conservation and Engineering Departments, installed informational signage at the DelCarte Recreation Area (Goal 1, objective 1.1)
• Created a map of the entire Town’s recreation and park areas. (Goal 1 objective 1.2) (Also objective 4.4a in the 2013 Master Plan)
• A butterfly park was constructed in the King Street Memorial Park in 2014 as a school project and it has been well received and highly successful. (Goal 1, objective 1.2)
• DCR and the Franklin Conservation Commission have permitted improvements to the SNETT trail from Prospect Street in Franklin into Bellingham. (Goal 3, objectives 3.4 & 3.5)
• A major dam renovation project, canoe launches, a boardwalk over portions of a pond and a 5-12 age appropriate playground were completed in the DelCarte Recreation area all of which increase access to all sections of the area. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2) 
• Developed a 2-12 age appropriate playground at Fletcher Field (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
• Developed an ADA compliant sculpture park, with walking areas and benches adjacent to the Franklin Police station (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
• Erected a bridge via an Eagle Scout Project in conjunction with the Town Conservation and Engineering Departments over a stream crossing in the Town’s disk gold course. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
• Developed a dog park at the Dacey Recreation Area. (Goal 3, objective 3.2)

The 2016 OSRP includes numerous goals, objectives and proposed actions that were the result of input from a large number of Town residents. This input was provided at two public hearings, during regular committee meetings, in letters and emails, during meetings with Town personnel and non-profit organizations, and through two citizen participation questionnaires (see Appendix F). Based on this input, it was determined that there is a desire to develop additional passive recreation areas within the Town and to improve existing recreational facilities. Specifically, Franklin’s residents’ wish for the Town to provide new bike trails, obtain and increase management of conservation lands, and provide community based areas such as bike trails, hiking trails, a youth center and swimming pools.

The open space and recreation planning process resulted in four main goals and related objectives and a five-year action plan that outlines specific tasks to meet the Town's open space and recreation goals. The goals within the updated 2016 OSRP were developed based on public input and the Conservation Commission believes these goals reflect the priorities of the Town’s residents. In general, the goals of the community should be to obtain (as needed), improve, and make fully accessible, the proper balance of active and passive recreational and conservation resources, while maintaining the community as a suburban center with a rural quality. The Town’s primary open space and recreation goals are as follows: 

GOAL 1: Increase public awareness of open space and recreation opportunities in Franklin
GOAL 2: Preserve and enhance existing Town open space resources.
GOAL 3: Maximize recreational opportunities to meet the community’s evolving needs by maintaining current inventory of facilities and programs and by providing new facilities and programs for both active and passive recreation.
GOAL 4: Protect natural, historical and cultural resources and maintain Franklin's New England character.
GOAL 5: Preserve and Protect the Town’s Water Resources.


The OSRP’s implementation, and achievement of the above goals, will require the
commitment of a broad variety of organizations and individuals, including non-profit
organizations, state agencies, resident volunteers, and Town departments, boards,
commissions, and committees. Through the combined efforts of all parties mentioned
above the Town feels confident that the OSRP can be implemented to meet the prescribed goals over the five-year planning period.

overflow parking lot at Wachusetts St for Fletcher Field

The full report can be found here or on the Town of Franklin webpage

FHS softball and girls lacrosse post wins on Friday

Baseball

• Franklin @ St. Peter Marian – Postponed to 5/15 at 12:00

Softball

• Milford, 4 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 

– Each time that Milford made a move, Franklin seemed to have an answer on Friday. The Scarlet Hawks took a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth only for the Panthers to match it in the bottom half of the inning. Base hits from Olivia Haba and Alyssa DaSilva as well as a sacrifice fly from Julia Arms knotted the game 3-3. Milford’s Jess Tomaso (3-3) belted a solo home run in the top of the fifth but once again, Franklin had an answer. Allie Shea walked and Clara DeCarvalho’s base hit put two on. Junior Alexx Niss connected for a two run double in the inning to put the Panthers ahead 5-4. Caroline D’Aprile struck out four while scattering six hits for the Panthers. Haba came up with three catches in the final innings to help Franklin preserve the win.

Girls Lacrosse

• Franklin, 12 vs. Grafton, 7 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-051316/

FHS Panthers

In the News: Senior Center expands programs, Franklin Art Center summer registration

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Town Council, at its most recent meeting, heard an update on services provided to local seniors where the subjects of mental health and substance abuse were raised. 

Senior Center Director Karen Alves spoke about upcoming initiatives to address the mental health of the elderly. She said she had recently taken a course in which the subject was covered, and was surprised to learn that older people are often an under-served population. 

"Primary care physicians are not necessarily primed to talk to older adults about depression and anxiety," she said. 

Another concern, she said, is substance abuse among seniors, something she said is an emerging trend. 

"It's called a silent epidemic because no one wants to talk about it," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160513/franklin-senior-center-to-tackle-mental-illness-substance-abuse

Franklin Senior Center

Franklin Art Center, 391 E. Central St., is now taking registrations for summer classes. Classes are available for pre-K to adults. Some new classes have been added this year. Updates will be posted on Facebook weekly over the summer.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160513/franklin-art-center-releases-summer-schedule