Friday, October 20, 2017

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail StoryWalk® - Saturday - Oct 22




View this email in your browser

Pop Up StoryWalk® on the SNETT

Sunday, October 22nd, 2017
10:00am - 4:00pm


15 Spring Street Trailhead
Wadsworth Farm
Franklin, MA


Welcome to our Pop Up StoryWalk® on SNETT #3!

The featured book is: We're Going on a LEAF HUNT by Steve Metzger. Ages 3 and up, but ALL are welcome to come enjoy the walk and read event.

Stop by anytime between 10am and 4pm. Please note this event is WEATHER PERMITTING. There will be no staff on site.

PARKING: Please park in front of the gate on the left side of the road and along the road where the green house and farm stand of Wadsworth Farm is. Please be courteous and do not block any driveways as there is no dedicated parking area here. Wadsworth Farm owners are allowing us to use their space. Thank you :)

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
For more information, please visit our Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/878525058970658
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Our mailing address is:
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PO Box 68
Franklin, Ma 02038

Add us to your address book



Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp




2 reasons to go to the Bellingham Harvest Fest Block Party - Oct 21

"Bully:The Adjective" is supporting “Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls.

They are going to be at their own tent (alongside ours) at the Bellingham Harvest Fest Block Party in the Whole Foods lot in Bellingham. They are going to be donating 25% of their proceeds to the Franklin Food Pantry.

When: Saturday, Oct 21  noon to 6:30 PM
Where: Whole Foods parking lot in Bellingham


“Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls
Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls
“Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls 1
“Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls 1
“Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls 2
“Knots and Strings”—a labor of love by 3 local Franklin girls 2



More about the Block Party on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/855903024563189

More about Bully: The Adjective  http://bullytheadjective.org/

In the News: FHS prepares for Beatlemania; handicap swing added to Fletcher Field

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

"The Franklin High School music students are preparing for their participation in the Beatlemania concert being held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St. 
The music students will be performing backup instrumentation on a few songs with the national touring production of Beatlemania Stage Show. Students will perform on the songs “Yesterday” with the school’s orchestra; “Sgt. Pepper” with the marching band; and “Yellow Submarine” with the chorus. 
The proceeds will offset some of the expenses for the school’s music department’s trip to Washington, D.C. in the spring for a music festival and competition."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171019/strongfranklin-high-school-students-to-host-beatlemania-concertstrong




From the archives - additional info and links on the upcoming show
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/hold-date-beatlemania-stage-show-nov-3.html



"No one is left out from enjoying this playground. 
Franklin-based charity organization Random Smiles recently donated and installed a handicap-accessible swing next to other swings in front of the basketball courts at Fletcher Park. 
Chairperson of the Franklin disabilities commission Mary O’Neil said she is excited about the kind gesture and what it means for the community. 
“It’s wonderful,” she said. “We’re a very caring community so this will definitely benefit the children in Franklin who couldn’t otherwise utilize the playground.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171019/handicap-swing-installed-at-franklin-playground

early morning view of Fletcher Field
early morning view of Fletcher Field 

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Paige Martins, NYC Vocalist. To Lead Monty Python’s Spamalot At THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents Monty Python’s Spamalot on October 21-22 and 27-29. The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

A hilarious retelling of the legendary tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, the musical parody is inspired by the 1975 classic comedy film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and likewise diverts from more traditional versions of the legend. Monty Python’s Spamalot features irreverent shenanigans including a bevy of beautiful showgirls, a flatulent Frenchman, and killer rabbits. Outside there is plague with a 50 percent chance of pestilence and famine. 

Throughout the show, Arthur, traveling with his servant, Patsy, recruits several knights, including Sir Bedevere, Sir Robin, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Galahad, to accompany him on his quest. They meet such memorable characters as the Lady of the Lake, Prince Herbert, Tim the Enchanter, and Not Dead Fred. With book and lyrics by Eric Idle and music by Idle and John Du Prez, the 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, after receiving 14 Tony Award nominations.

Paige Martins of New York City leads the cast as the Lady of the Lake. Martins is an alumna of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts and toured Europe as a member of Electric Youth. With a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami, her vocal versatility and expertise in a wide range of styles has been showcased in venues worldwide from the Ariston Theatre in Italy to the exclusive Schönbrunn Palace in Austria. 

For the past three years, Paige has traveled to more than 50 countries performing with a variety of bands and captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals. With FPAC, Paige has been seen in Footloose (Ariel Moore), ’Tis the Season! (Featured Vocalist), and The Sound of Music. 

The talented cast of area performers in Monty Python’s Spamalot includes Greg Leach (King Arthur), Nick Paone (Sir Lancelot), Peter Wyner (Sir Bedevere), Jim Braunstein (Sir Galahad), and Jason Barney (Patsy) of Franklin and Griffin Wilkins (Sir Robin) of Walpole. Nick Paone and Raye Lynn Mercer direct the production, with choreography by Mercer, Casey Harkness Andrade and Kellie Stamp. 

The show features a professional orchestra conducted by FPAC Musical Director Hallie Wetzell of Franklin. The show’s lighting design, by Franklin’s Nathaniel Packard, includes the iconic Monty Python animated projections. Original costumes for the FPAC production are designed by Merrie Whitney of Franklin.

Show times are October 21, 27, and 28 at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on October 22 and 29. Tickets are $34. Monty Python’s Spamalot is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, New York. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

NYC Vocalist To Lead Monty Python’s Spamalot At THE BLACK BOX
NYC Vocalist To Lead Monty Python’s Spamalot At THE BLACK BOX

FHS golf and volleyball teams post wins on Wednesday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Wednesday, Oct 18.


Field Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Taunton, 3 – Final
– Taunton erased a pair of deficits and then scored the winner late in the second half to pull off a win over visiting Franklin. Franklin went up 1-0 on a goal from sophomore Erin Walsh on a feed from junior Ashley Reutlinger. Taunton tied the game on a goal from Liana Duarte, but Franklin regained the lead behind a tally from freshman Victoria Quinn, assisted by Cassi Ronan. Taunton senior Kya Enos scored the equalizer to make it 2-2 and senior Diana Brens scored the late winner for the Tigers. Taunton goalie Emma Sheehan (15 saves) received praise from both THS head coach Mike Fox and FHS head coach Lisa Cropper. Fox also noted the strong defensive play of Mabel Smith, Jocelyn Pagliuca, and Riley Murphy.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final
– Mansfield earned a big win in the first game, but Franklin rallied for three straight to earn the win (10-25, 25-10, 25-15, 25-20). FHS junior Lauren McGrath set the offense up with 40 assists and three aces, Hailey Sanders notched 11 kills and three blocks, Ellie Wisniewski had 10 kills and four aces and Maggie Doyle added nine kills and five blocks for the Panthers. For Mansfield, Meg Hill had 17 kills, Julia Harrison had 12 kills and Jolie O’Neil finished with 10 digs.

Golf = Foxboro, 181 @ Franklin, 171 – Final


For all the other results around the Hockomock League on Wednesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-101817/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers




Greg Kessler = mew Baseball Coach at KP

From HockomockSports we share the news on Greg Kessler
"King Philip has hired Greg Kessler as its new varsity baseball coach, athletic director Gary Brown announced last month. Kessler is no stranger to the Hockomock League, having served as freshman coach, JV coach and a varsity assistant at Franklin High over the past four years. 
“I am excited to be a part of the KP baseball tradition,” Kessler said in a release. “I plan to give everything I have to ensure success on and off the field. I have been so impressed by the administration, the grounds crew and the community of KP that makes me really excited to a part of it.”

Read the full article about Greg Kessler online
https://hockomocksports.com/king-philip-hires-greg-kessler-as-baseball-coach/

Greg Kessler = mew Baseball Coach at KP
Greg Kessler = mew Baseball Coach at KP (Hockomock Sports mage)

Franklin Art Association - November 1 - Vincent Crotty

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. 

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 PM followed by a short business meeting and a demonstration by Vincent Crotty, an oil artist, born in Ireland, and now residing in the Boston area. 

Crotty's work has been recognized with awards from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the John Stobart Foundation in Boston, and plein air competitions internationally. 

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information log on to www.franklinart.org.

For more about Vincent, visit his webpage http://vincentcrotty.com/

Franklin Art Association - November 1 - Vincent Crotty
Franklin Art Association - November 1 - Vincent Crotty

"Educators were quick to caution against making direct comparisons"

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

"Just half of Massachusetts students in grades three through eight met or exceeded expectations on the new “next generation MCAS test” in math and English — the first time the test has been administered. 
Massachusetts education officials released the spring 2017 test results on Wednesday. 
Educators were quick to caution against making direct comparisons between a student’s performance on the new test and the original, nearly 20-year-old, MCAS. 
Scoring for the new test falls into four categories: Exceeding Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Partially Meeting Expectations and Not Meeting Expectations. 
As a result, some students who scored “proficient” on last year’s MCAS test may find they only scored “partially meeting expectations” on the new, tougher exam."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171018/just-half-of-massachusetts-students-meet-mcas-test-expectations

The full Franklin 2016 School District profile can be found here (PDF file)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZ3F3OG4wZHFwcDQ/view?usp=sharing

or on the MA DESE page here  http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/


Charter School MCAS 2.0 scores
Charter School MCAS 2.0 scores

Franklin District MCAS 2.0 scores
Franklin District MCAS 2.0 scores

if the screen grabs are too much of an eye test, try the online interactive version at MA DESE
http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/statereport/nextgenmcas.aspx


An second article on the MCAS 2.0 results was also posted by MDN
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171018/local-students-fare-well-on-new-mcas-exams

In the News: Candidates Night - 40B and commercial industrial comment highlights

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

"Candidates for the upcoming town election gathered in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening to discuss hot topics in town and plea their cases for a seat in town government. 
Candidates for Town Council mostly discussed development . Here are a few highlights:"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171018/franklin-town-council-candidates-discuss-development

Thompson Press building on Dean Ave - future site of 200+ condos
Thompson Press building on Dean Ave - future site of 200+ condos

Dinner at UNO's - Oct 26 - fund raiser for Remington

Help support the fund raising efforts at Remington Middle School by enjoying a lunch or dinner at UNO's in Wrentham Village Premium Outlets on Thursday, Oct 26



Dinner at UNO's - Oct 26 - fund raiser for Remington
Dinner at UNO's - Oct 26 - fund raiser for Remington

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Franklin (MA) Candidates Night - Oct 17, 2017

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the Candidates Night held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on Oct 17, 2017.

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.




Moderator, time keepers and part of the crowd in attendance for the evening
Moderator, time keepers and part of the crowd in attendance for the evening

Moderator: Lawrence Benedetto, Retired Chief of Police of Franklin
Timekeepers: Teresa Burr, Town Clerk and Nancy Danello, Asst Town Clerk

The question panel:
  • Anne Brennan: Editor and Chief of Metrowest and Milford Daily News
  • Robert Ficco: Retired Attorney, law office Ficco, Cornetta and Simmler
  • Michael Doherty: Attorney, Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan and Cannon
  • Jack Lank: President, United Regional Chamber of Commerce

November events at the Franklin Historical Museum

Saturday November 4. 10:30 AM

The last full measure of devotion – A LOOK AT HOW FRANKLIN HAS HONORED ITS HEROES
A captured enemy ship, a time capsule, and the generosity of a Franklin-born Civil War veteran all figure in the story of how Franklin got its first two war memorials. Local historian, Alan Earls presents a slide show and tells the story of the town's monuments to its large contingent of Civil War soldiers as well as the related and far more tangled tale of the town's Spanish American War monument.

Sunday November 5, 1:15PM

FASHIONS OF THE WWII ERA


Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion discusses the influence of war and rationing on 1940s Fashions. Despite the restrictions there was still a distinct style and trends that developed in everyday fashion. Join us as she presents dress and style of the WWII era.


Sunday November 19, 1:15PM

YOU REMEMBER WHEN


Joe Landry returns to the museum with his series of presentations on Franklin of Yesteryear! Inspired by the FB Page, You Grew Up in Franklin if you Remember ... Joe's October presentation will highlight the many businesses and buildings on the north side of the bridge. This will include the area from the bridge heading up Main Street towards Dean College. Join us for his lively and interesting presentation and audience discussion.



Hours of Operation: Saturday 10-1, Sunday 1-4, Thursdays 5-8. Always Free and handicap accessible

November events at the Franklin Historical Museum
November events at the Franklin Historical Museum


Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

FHS golf, girls and boys soccer teams post wins on Tuesday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Tuesday, Oct 17.



Girls Soccer = Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
– Anna Balkus scored the game’s only goal midway through the second half to give the Panthers a narrow win and a sweep of the season series. Grace Pimenta made 13 saves in defeat for the Tigers.

Golf = Franklin, 170 @ Sharon, 181 – Final

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 2 @ Taunton, 0 – Final
"If you needed any proof that the final score doesn’t always reflect how the game was played, look no further than Franklin’s 2-0 win on the road at Taunton. 
Despite playing arguably its best game of the season, and creating nearly a dozen good scoring chances, Taunton couldn’t find a way to find the back of the net. 
And Franklin, who was on the defensive for a solid hour of the game, weathered the storm and push from the Tigers, evened the play over the final 20 minutes of the game and netted both of its goals in that same span. 
“We were very fortunate,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “We should have down maybe four goals at halftime. They outplayed us in the first half completely."
Continue reading the game recap by Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief of Hockomock Sportshttps://hockomocksports.com/panthers-prevail-with-road-win-at-taunton/

Check out the game photo photo gallery
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/Franklin-Taunton-Boys-Soccer-10-17-17/

For all the other results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-101717/

Taunton’s Alec Nunes dribbles past Franklin’s Andrew DiLeo in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
Taunton’s Alec Nunes dribbles past Franklin’s Andrew DiLeo in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Business License Scams: A Barrier for Reentrants



Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
by Lisa Lake
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


Many reentrants don't believe they will ever get a business license through the usual channels. That makes them vulnerable to scams. Some reentrants may find themselves frustrated by occupational licensing regulations that don't make sense. Maybe their trade is licensed in some states, but not others. That's confusing.

If you're looking to get a professional or business license, here are three things you should do before you pay anyone money:

Read more


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

In the News: Candidates Night - Oct 17

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

"Twenty candidates for the upcoming town election discussed various topics and issues at a candidates night on Tuesday. 
The event was sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Daily News. The election takes place on Nov. 7. 
Here are highlights from each candidate:"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171017/franklin-candidates-night-hosts-20

The format of the questions for the candidates was differently handled for the School Committee and Town Council. School Committee candidates went first. Each had an opening statement for 1 minute, questions were answered in 1 minute and then the closing statement from each was also 1 minute.

The Town Council had the opening and closing statements the same as the School Committee, 1 minute for each. The answer to the question was 1.5 minutes and then each candidate got up to 30 seconds to add to or provide a rebuttal to the first answer. This allowed all candidates to weigh in a particular question.

Only 7 of the 8 School Committee candidates appeared. Diane Feeley was unable to. All 12 candidates fir the Town Council appeared.

The two Board of Health candidate actually kicked off the evening. Bridget Sweet appeared to present her statement. Bruce Hunchard was unable to attend and his statement was read for him. There were no questions. All the other positions for the Nov 7 election are uncontested.

part of the Council candidates are shown int his photo
part of the Council candidates are shown int his photo


Alive After Five - Dean College

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its "Alive After Five" on October 18 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin.

"Over the next few years both the talent pool we hire from as well as our client base will shift from Boomers and Gen Xer’s to Millenials and the generations behind them. 
If you don’t think these generations are different, you are sorely mistaken. Thea Cerio the Director of Career Planning and Internships at Dean College will be providing information on some tricks and tips for working with the younger generations. 
This session will start at 4:45 so there will still be plenty of time to network."


Alive After Five - Dean College
Alive After Five - Dean College

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Community Forum on Sexting - Twitter Summary

A collection via Storify of the Twitter posts during the Community Forum on Sexting held at Franklin High School, Franklin, MA on Oct 16, 2017.

Be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to view all the posts.




Community Forum on Sexting - Twitter Summary
Community Forum on Sexting - Twitter Summary

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club: Brenda Reed - Nov 8

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club will meet on Wednesday, November 8. We are pleased to host as our speaker, Brenda Reed, currently the Director for Lifelong Community Learning in Franklin. Reed is a former chief executive for the New England Press Association, a former public servant – both elected and appointed – a former founder and co-owner of a successful weekly newspaper, and a former Attleboro mayor and School Committee member.

In those positions Reed has been at the intersection of public policy and business management. She understands the crucial importance of good organization, setting priorities, feasible strategies, attention to detail, the need to collaborate successfully with staff team members, volunteers, and the public.

She will be speaking about the Lifelong Community Learning programs and the opportunities for partnership. Lifelong Community Learning is a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and is dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for residents in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. We meet upstairs at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.


Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club: Brenda Reed - Nov 8
Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club: Brenda Reed - Nov 8

FHS field hockey and volleyball post wins on Monday

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the Franklin High School fall sports results on Monday, Oct 16.


Field Hockey = Oliver Ames, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final
– Franklin junior Anna Jardine had a strong game in net, making nine saves, including a gutsy slide tackle and a beautiful diving save – both in the second half – to help the Panthers preserve the win. Juniors Cassi Ronan and Regan Paterson each scored once in the first half for Franklin. FHS head coach Lisa Cropper said junior Annie Walsh played an outstanding game, creating numerous offensive chances and stopping OA from mounting an attack. Oliver Ames goalie Caitlin Grant made eight saves in net.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 0 – Final
– Franklin mounted a late comeback in the second half to help sweep the Tigers on the road. Junior Lauren McGrath (four aces) put the Franklin offense in motion with 30 assists while Meaghan Maguire had 10 kills and two blocks and Lauren Lockhart chipped in with eight kills.

FHS Hailey Sanders ready for the ball vs. Taunton
FHS Hailey Sanders ready for the ball vs. Taunton (Hockomock Sports photo)


HockomockSports has a photo gallery from the volleyball game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Fall-2017/Taunton-Franklin-Volleyball-10-16-17/


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-101617/

Absentee Ballots now available at the Town Clerks Office

ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE
TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE

BIENNIAL TOWN ELECTION NOTICE
DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017
TIME: 6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.

PLACE: FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ON OAK STREET
*ALL PRECINCTS*

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: Wednesday, October 18th at 8:00pm at the Town Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 355 East Central Street, Municipal Building.
Or, register online at (registertovotema.com).

Absentee Ballot Information: Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on Election Day due to the following reasons may vote absentee in the Town Clerk’s Office up to 12:00 noon Monday, November 6, 2017
(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
(3) Religious belief.

To request an Absentee Ballot:
(1) Email: (tburr@franklinma.gov)
(2) Visit the Town Clerk’s website at (franklinma.gov) to print out an Absentee Ballot request form and either email or fax (508)520-4913.

If you have any questions, please contact Teresa M. Burr, Town Clerk at (508)520-4900 or
Email (tburr@franklinma.gov)



Franklin Election Collection - 2017
Franklin Election Collection - 2017

Help fill the St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets

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

Each year, the St. Vincent de Paul headquarters in Stoughton offers the Franklin St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets ($10 each) for distribution throughout the community. Those in need of assistance can call the St. Vincent de Paul office at 508-918-2291. 
The St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society will be conducting its 9th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on the weekend of Nov. 18-19, to enhance the baskets from HQ and to restock food pantry shelves. Suggested items to donate include applesauce, cranberry juice, popcorn, peanut butter, jelly, jams, cookies, crackers, bread mix, pudding, candy corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing, cereal, fruit cocktail, coffee/tea/cocoa, boxes of chocolate, canned yams and vegetables, rice, chowder and a Thanksgiving tablecloth or decoration.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171016/strongst-vincent-de-paul-announces-food-drivestrong

Help fill the St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets
Help fill the St. Vincent de Paul Thanksgiving food baskets

Monday, October 16, 2017

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Eamon McCarthy Earls

Eamon McCarthy Earls (EME) and I (FM) sat down at Panera Bread to talk about his candidacy for the Franklin (MA) Town Council in the election scheduled for Nov 7, 2017.

FM - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family, and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

EMEI grew up in Franklin, attended public schools here and graduated from Franklin High School. My family lives in Franklin and I have many friends throughout the town. Growing up here, I became interested in our community's history from talking with lifelong residents such as Stella Jeon, or Howard and Sandy Crawford. I was inspired by their stories to research and write a history of the town from colonial times to the present day that I published in 2012.  Today, I'm also a homeowner in Franklin, invested in our town's future and committed to seeing this community thrive.

FM - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

EME - I am well prepared for our complex financial and environmental challenges with an MBA and a bachelors degree in geology from UMASS-Amherst. Town Council is a new way to serve my town, building on the work that I did as an Associate member of the Franklin Historical Commission, helping to set up the Town Museum in 2010, that now anchors our Cultural District. In addition, I've had other longstanding involvements in town whether collecting used bicycles or supporting the Charles River meadowlands initiative.

FM - What do you see as your role's biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it?

EME - Engaging the public is one of the biggest challenges, which requires active outreach on the part of the Council. Councilors complain that nobody cares so they just do what they want. I want to encourage a more active citizenry and more people getting involved in our community.

More transparency is needed so that citizens can find the services they need, express their concerns and participate. Some of this can be accomplished through new technology, even potentially apps. But above all, councilors need to be out talking to citizens and not just a select few.

FM - As you know, Franklin has applied to the state for an official Cultural District designation in town. What do you feel is the role of arts and culture in Franklin, and what is your plan to advance that agenda?

EME - It's a great opportunity to invigorate the downtown as a destination for residents and for visitors from out of town. The exact shape of it will evolve overtime, but between the town museum, our historic library and the resources of Dean College as well the Franklin Art Association we have a great foundation.

It's both an economic development opportunity and a chance to increase the quality of life for residents through new opportunities for visual arts, performing arts. Our existing town codes could be seen as blocking the creation of certain art galleries and antiques businesses that might otherwise be a great element in a cultural district.

FM - Would you like to add a closing statement?

EME - All of the people on the council boast about the same things, bringing in business, reducing taxes, almost the same line the entire time. With the 250th anniversary of the town coming up, it's time to take stock and see if we have the right mix of business and how it may evolve over coming years with the changing demographics of the town. Will the town grow in a way that matches its schools and infrastructure? What are we doing to understand and manage that for the long term. Some of the approaches have tended to be tactical, bringing in specific employers or dealing with the problems of a single property. Active town council that shapes the long term agenda. It's not clear exactly how long it will take to clean up our Superfund site and finally get some closure on our polluted Grove St. brownfields.

Clearly there are public health challenges too, the continued challenges of opiods and the growing threat from new tick-borne illnesses. We should be making sure that our local public health infrastructure and schools are equipped to deal with these things.

As a town councilor, I will rise to meet these challenges and work to make the Council a transparent, responsive and engaged group that talks to citizens and works closely with other parts of town government such as the School Committee.


Eamon's email address is eamon4newftc@gmail.com and his campaign Facebook page is @eamon4newftc.


Offer to Candidates 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html



From the FM archives: 


Eamon's presentation at the Historical Museum on his book  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/talking-about-edge-city.html


and info on his book Franklin: From Puritan Precinct to 21st Century ‘Edge City’

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/historical-museum-book-signing-jan-13.html


Noteworthy: This information is intended to help the Franklin voters when we all head to the ballot box on November 7. The interview candidates have had an opportunity to review the text before publishing to ensure the accuracy of our discussion. 

Franklin Election Collection - 2017
Franklin Election Collection - 2017