In the News: Franklin intervenes on Medway power plant, Laflamme to perform in Seussical

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Although a state board’s hearings on a proposed expansion of Exelon’s power plant in Medway are underway, Franklin has filed a petition to become the fifth intervener in the process. 

In its petition to intervene with the state Energy Facilities Siting Board in its process of permitting Exelon’s proposed project, the town said it is “substantially and specifically” affected by the plant. 

According to the petition, filed Thursday, the proposed 200-megawatt expansion of the 117-megawatt Summer Street facility would be located less than 3,000 feet from the Franklin town line “and may potentially have a number of significant impacts to Franklin and its residents…”

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151213/NEWS/151218332/1994/NEWS

If you want to see the set of documents as filed to intervene, follow this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/motion-for-leave-to-file-late-petition.html

Sara Laflamme, of Franklin, will perform in the ensemble during Bridgewater State University Family Performing Arts Center’s production of “Seussical.” 

The performances will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 and 15; 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 9 and 16; and 2 p.m. Jan. 10 and 17 in the Rondileau Campus Center Auditorium, 19 Park Avenue, on campus at Bridgewater State University.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151213/NEWS/151219265/1994/NEWS

SPIN PARTY to benefit your health and the Franklin Food Pantry!

Wednesday,December 16th Time: 6-7:30pm Instructors: Sarah, Megan, Gabriella Enroll: At the front desk or online PLEASE BRING A FOOD DONATION FOR THE Franklin Food Pantry sign up at the front desk or on line! Contact Chris Avedisian  or stop by the front desk if there are any questions! Team Fitness Franklin | 508-541-8330 | chrisa@teamfitnessfranklin.com|  www.teamfitnessfranklin.com

Forward this email Team Fitness Franklin | 100 Franklin Village Drive | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 16, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS 
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is also being recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 
- 2016 Annual Alcoholic Beverages Licenses Renewals

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
- Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, 

• Snow Presentation  

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/022A5381-000F8513

• Wetlands Protection Bylaw Amendment

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-75: Authorization for Municipal Aggregation of Electricity
2. Resolution 15-84: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2677

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
– Pending or threatened litigation

1. Proposed Excelon expansion of Medway electric generating facility pending before Energy Facilities Siting Board.
2. Proposed Spectra gas transmission line through Franklin.

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building

The documents released for the published agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/12162015.pdf

Motion for Leave to File Late Petition to Intervene and Request for Expedited Ruling

The Town of Franklin has filed as an 'intervenor' in the siting process for the peaker plant expansion in Medway.

The formal action has been filed with the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB)

The documents can be found on the EFSB webpage (or below for your convenience). Use docket number  "EFSB 15-01"

screen grab of EFSB docket page

-----

- 12/10/2015           

Filer: Intervenor         
Document Type: Motion         

On behalf of the Town of Franklin for filing a Cover letter, Motion for Leave to File Late Petition to Intervene and Request for Expedited Ruling, Affidavit of Matthew Kelly, Petition to Intervene of the Town of Franklin and Certificate of Service.

Files: CertificateofService.pdf    CoverLetter.pdf    PetitiontoIntervene.pdf    MotiontoFileLatePetitiontoIntervene.pdf   AffidavitofMatthewKelly.pdf 

FHS wrestling takes second; boys girls Indoor track top Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS results for wrestling and indoor track on Saturday, Dec 13. Wrestling's "A" squad came in second in their meet and both the boys and girls track teams beat Attleboro.

Wrestling

Mt. Hope Tournament (Franklin, Stoughton)

– Franklin’s A squad finished in second place at the tournament.

FHS Panthers

Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis Center)

Boys
Attleboro, 44 vs. Franklin, 55 – Final

– Franklin got first place finishes from Luke Gordon (38.35) in the 300M and the high jump (league best 6-01.00), Jimmy Robbins (2:51.40) in the 1000M, Paul Kroushl (1:34.50) in the 600M, Ryan Spelman (4:44.39) in the 1 Mile and both the 4×200 and 4×400 relay teams. 

Attleboro was paced by first place finishes from Isaiah Rodrigues (6.87) in the 55M dash and in the long jump (18-10.25), Brett Szlachciuk (10:47.38) in the 2 Mile, Jacob Hardy (league best 50-05.00) in the shot put. Attleboro’s Patrick Collins (44-07.50) and Nathaniel Joyal (41-08.50) finished second and fourth, respectively, in the shot put.

Girls
Attleboro, 16 vs. Franklin, 84 – Final

– Franklin’s Jessica Kroushl came in first in the 55M dash at 7.71, the 300M race at 43.54 and the long jump at 16-02.25. Meghan Doherty had a league-best time of 1:43.55 in the 600M, Brittany Robinson (league-best 3:14.00) and Sabrina Roche (3:16.13) came in first and second respectively in the 1000M, Ella Gutkowski grabbed first in the 1 Mile in 5:56.82, Sarah Goodermuth was first in the shot put at 28.02.25 and Lauren Farnan was first in the high jump at 4-07.00. 

Attleboro’s Quincy Harding took first in the 55M hurdles at 9.72 and was second in the long jump at 16-00.00.

For all the Hockomock League results on Saturday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedules-scoreboard/

Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts

Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts   The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts today published Race to Equity: A Report on the State of Black Massachusetts, prepared in partnership with MassBudget. This report examines progress and obstacles on the path to creating a Commonwealth where all of our people, of every race and background, have the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive. We find some significant progress: many more Black students are completing high school, with the dropout rate declining 45 percent over the past seven years, and Black people are more likely to have health care coverage in Massachusetts than in almost any other state. But the progress has been very uneven. There has been little to no income growth for low and middle income Black workers. This is connected to a broader problem of incomes barely growing for low and middle income workers of all races. But the stagnation has been most acute for Black workers. Gaps in wealth are even larger. And the neighborhoods in which many black families live lack the open spaces, markets with healthy food, and good housing that help people to stay healthy. Black and Latino students are disproportionately in our lowest income school districts. Those districts don't have the resources of our highest income districts and we see significant gaps in outcomes. Yet our low-income districts are better funded and more effective than similar districts in other states: low-income Black eighth graders here do better than their counterparts in other states -- ranking first in math and second in English on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In short, while deep challenges remain, we have a foundation for progress that we can build upon. To read the full report, please click 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

You can also find the report directly here
http://massbudget.org/reports/pdf/SOMB.pdf

"we need to win the hustle plays"

"There are a lot of new faces on the Franklin bench this season. The Panthers bring back only one starter from last year’s team, which reached the Div. 1 Central final, and it is expected that there will be an adjustment period for new players in new roles. 

The pieces, new and old, fit perfectly on Friday night in the season opener against Holy Name. 

Utilizing a tenacious full court press, Franklin jumped out to a 26-0 lead and never looked back. The Panthers won the opener 70-41 in a rematch of the last two district semifinals, which the teams split."

Lauren Rudolph (25) scored 15 points to lead the Panthers to a 70-41 win over Holy Name in the season opener. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/relentless-panthers-roll-to-win-in-season-opener/



In other FHS sports action on Friday, the girls swim team beat Stoughton and the boys team results were not posted.
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-121115/

"Package thefts rise during the holiday season"

A timely post to share from the MA Consumer Affairs blog

"With holiday shopping in full swing, millions of consumers are expected to ship gifts to their family and friends. However, sending the packages to the right address does not guarantee that they will be received by the intended recipient. Package thefts rise during the holiday season, and some thieves will even follow delivery trucks to scoop up packages as soon as they are delivered.

To make sure your package is properly received this holiday season:

• Require a signature upon delivery
• Request tracking and delivery confirmation
• Insure your packages
• Specify delivery instructions, such as “leave at back door”
• Arrange to pick up packages at the post office or delivery service location
• Ask a friend or neighbor to look out for your order and accept/pick up your packages
• Ship packages to your workplace if your employer allows it

If you are sending a package, let the recipient know that it is coming and when to expect it to arrive (and not to open it just yet!). Be sure to follow up with them to make sure it was received."

Continue reading the tips from the MA Consumer Affairs blog here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/lost-or-stolen-packages/

image from USPS.com webpage

• The link to file a claim on a Fedex package can be found here

http://www.fedex.com/us/fcl/pckgenvlp/online-claims/index.html

• The Holiday Help Center for UPS can be found here

https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/help-center.html?WT.svl=PNRO_L1

• Holiday shipping dates from the US Postal Service can be found here

https://www.usps.com/holiday/

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Annual Holiday Food Drive to Continue to the End of the Year

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Says Annual Holiday Food Drive to Continue to the End of the Year Saying that the demand this year appears to be greater than ever, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell announced today that the Registry's Annual Holiday Food Drive will continue to run through December 31, 2015. "Here in Norfolk County," noted Register O'Donnell, "some of our less fortunate neighbors continue to face economic hardship. We know this because we see each month the Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings that take place. Furthermore, at a statewide level, Project Bread noted that 1 out of every 10 households in Massachusetts is food insecure. The Greater Boston Food Bank has distributed more food product the week before Thanksgiving than ever before, including produce. The signs are visibly out there that people need help." Local pantry officials agree food donations, especially as we head into the winter and holiday months, are critical to their operations. "The holiday season is the busiest time of year. For the past 40 years, we have relied on the generosity of our local communities to donate food and help neighbors in need," noted Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services of Quincy. Unfortunately, the issue of hunger does not stop at any border. Rene Feuerman, Director of the Brookline Food Pantry noted, "Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals and families needing assistance. Just this past summer, we added 100 families to our needs list. Currently, we are feeding 850 households here in Brookline." "Non-perishable food items such as rice, canned vegetables and soups, spaghetti, tomato sauce and paste are quite popular. Toiletries and paper products are also greatly appreciated," noted O'Donnell. These and other items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham from Monday, November 23, 2015 through Thursday, December 31, 2015. A donation bin has been set up in the Registry building lobby which is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Those who wish to donate but are unable to travel to the Registry can do so by donating food supplies at their local pantries across Norfolk County. "Dropping off a food donation at the Registry or a local food pantry could make the difference in a family's holiday. Working together, we can make a huge difference this holiday season," concluded Register O'Donnell. For a list of local food pantries, please visit the Registry of Deeds website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds for 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

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

listing of Food Pantry's in Norfolk County

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/11/15 - THU 12/17/15

FRIDAY 12/11/15
Dec 1- Dec 12   Food Elves: 12 Days of Donating -  annual fundraiser for Franklin Food Pantry. For locations for donations click HERE.
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Winter Lighthouse at the Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 12/12/15
9am-3pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center
2pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves
5:30pm   The Nutcracker presented by Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center at the Bellingham High School
7:30pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves

SUNDAY 12/13/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library
12-4pm   Dog pictures with Santa at Destination Dog (7 Forge Parkway, Franklin)
2pm   FPAC presents: The Nutcracker at the Franklin High School
1 pm   The Nutcracker presented by Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center at the Bellingham High School
2 pm   The Black Box: Snow White and the Seven Elves
3pm   Holiday Sing Along with Jamie Barrett at Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 12/14/15
12-4pm   Dog pictures with Santa at Destination Dog (7 Forge Parkway, Franklin)

WEDNESDAY 12/16/15
5:30-8pm   Santa at the Learning Express in Franklin

THURSDAY 12/17/15
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones - call Franklin Senior Center to register
6:30pm   Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar: acoustic and a cappella performers welcome
7pm   Franklin Forte Adult Chorus: FREE Winter Music Concert at Franklin Senior Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

This weekend in the Blackstone Valley

Holiday stroll, shopping, lighting, and of course...Santa!

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eNewsletter: December 10, 2015 Holiday fun happening all around Rhode Island's Blackstone Valley. In the community... Main Street Holiday Stroll Saturday, December 12th 1 pm - 8 pm  Between Market & Monument Squares Main Street Woonsocket, RI This winter-themed event will bring neighbors and business owners together to celebrate the holidays while renewing interest in Woonsocket's historic downtown Main Street area. Aside from shopping along the brightly decorated storefronts, attendees can enjoy carolers, street and musical performers, children's activities, arts & crafts, free Christmas movie screenings, a visit from Santa Claus, and much more! MORE INFO Foundry Artists Holiday Show Continues this weekend... December 11th (12 PM - 8 PM) and 12th and 13th (10 AM - 6 PM) The Pawtucket Armory 172 Exchange Street Pawtucket, RI For thirty years, this popular New England holiday tradition has offered the opportunity to both view and purchase work by 60+ top regional artists. With a juried selection of artists, caliber of work is high. Categories of fine art and crafts range from art glass to wood, and include painting, sculpture, metal, fiber, mixed media, jewelry, ceramics, photography, millinery, artisan beauty products, handmade books, and furniture. MORE INFO Santa at Stillwater Saturday, December 12th 1 PM - 3 PM Stillwater Mill Complex 100 Tinkham Lane Burrillville, RI  Head up to Burrillville for their annual "Santa at Stillwater" celebration. Santa arrives by Harrisville Fire Truck for you to tell your Christmas wishes. He'll even have a small gift for those on his "good" list.  Warm up with hot chocolate and donuts, and enjoy holiday music provided by the Burrillville Middle School Chorus. Plus, get your face painted in the Library Café & decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus in the library's community room. DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA! and bring Christmas to the Burrillville Animal Shelter by donating pet food, treats, & pet products in the drop box at the event. After that... Stop over at Mapleville Farm's 1st Annual Holiday Lighting starting at 4 PM. This quaint family-run farm will have caroling, hot cocoa and cookies, and a festive lighting at 4:45!  CLICK HERE for more info. __________________ MORE INFO An Old-Fashioned Christmas - Open House December 12th (4 PM - 7 PM) and 13th (2 PM - 6 PM) Hearthside House 677 Great Road Lincoln, RI  With a chorus of traditional carols being sung by costumed carolers, visitors are welcomed into the cozy warmth of Hearthside. Take a leisurely self-guided tour through the house to enjoy the treasured elegance of Christmas by the amber glow of candlelight and the twinkling lights of the ornate trees.  Enjoy the sounds of the season and capture memories with a picture taken with our Victorian-style Santa Claus.      MORE INFO Upcoming Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Events... THE POLAR EXPRESStm Train Ride Weekends from Nov 20th - Dec 20th Historic Woonsocket Depot 1 Depot Square Woonsocket, RI  Celebrating our 16th year, this holiday experience has become a classic for families far and wide. Join us for a 90-minute train ride complete with storytelling, holiday songs, games, delicious hot chocolate served in a souvenir mug, and a special gift for all the kids from Santa. Put on your pajamas...grab your camera...and get ready to make some memories on this "magical trip".  PURCHASE TICKETS Rent the "Center by the Blackstone"  for your next event this holiday season Blackstone Valley Visitor Center 175 Main Street Pawtucket, RI  The "Center by the Blackstone" meeting & event facility is a great alternative to banquet halls, traditional meeting rooms, and conference centers. This unique and trendy multifunctional facility provides a spacious interior that includes a gallery space and intimate 90-seat theater. It boasts a beautiful interior design with ample parking and close proximity to Slater Mill on the banks of the Blackstone River. Located just 5 minutes from I-95, the "Center by the Blackstone" is the perfect location to host your holiday party or upcoming public event.  MORE INFO Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 401-724-2200 | TourBlackstone.com STAY CONNECTED:

Forward this email Blackstone Valley Tourism Council | 175 Main Street | Pawtucket | RI | 02860