Franklin Matters

Friday, April 19, 2013

A quiet moment

Given the rapidly developing events in the search for the Marathon bombing suspects, we can take a moment or two to reflect on the natural good life around us.

spring flowers

The residents of Watertown, Newtown, Belmont, Cambridge, Alston/Brighton are being asked to stay indoors. Businesses are being asked not to open. No vehicle traffic in or around that area.

Be safe folks!

MBTA Service Suspended - All routes

Service on the Franklin Line is ~~listed as "normal" at this time~~ suspended

All Southside Lines/Routes Attention Customers: per order of the MBTA Transit police all service is suspended until further notice. 4/19/2013 5:39 AM

For more current updates visit the MBTA webpage and subscribe to Alerts.
http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/

"a symbol of respect and sorrow"

Gov. Deval Patrick on Tuesday ordered that the flags of the United States and commonwealth be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing - three of whom were killed and more than 170 others injured.

From the Franklin Historical Museum to the Bellingham Fire Station and nearly every post office and school in between, lowered flags waving in the wind this week signify the grief.

The order from Patrick stands until further notice, and applies to all state and administrative buildings, including town halls.

President Barack Obama also issued a proclamation ordering flags at all public buildings and grounds - from parks to schools yards - to fly at half-staff until sunset on Saturday. He encouraged homes and businesses to do the same.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545202903/Lowering-of-flags-helps-represent-grieving-communities#ixzz2QtsL75HU

Additional information about the US Flag code, how to care for it, display it, etc. can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Flag_Code

Thursday, April 18, 2013

On Saturday, May 4th, make a difference not only in yourself, but in the community, at The Franklin 5K (formerly called Run for Bob). All ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. What began as a way to honor the life and spirit of Bob Biagiotti, a member of the Hockomock Area YMCA who passed away unexpectedly, has evolved into an event celebrating children of all abilities – through this amazing 5K race.

Hockomock YMCA

Since she started the event 9 years ago, Kris Biagiotti has afforded local children with disabilities the opportunity to participate in programs and activities that would not have been offered otherwise. In a fashion similar to Dick and Rick Hoyt, who were honored at the 2012 Hockomock Area YMCA Legends Ball, Kris has participated in road races pushing her daughter Kayla in a stroller modified for her disabilities. Kayla enjoys it, and Kris can give back to local charities whose events they attend, including The Franklin 5K.

Since 2005, this 5K event has raised $75,000 for the Hockomock Area YMCA Reach Out for Youth and Families financial assistance program and the YMCA’s Integration Initiative. This Initiative at the Y began in 2004 to allow children with special needs to participate alongside their typically developing peers in social and recreational programs and activities. “Since its inception, the integration program has become a fabric of the Y culture,” says Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Anyone who walks through our doors is welcomed, no matter their ability or financial circumstance, in all of our programs and activities.”

Over 500 families have been positively impacted. In 2012, the Y hired its first full time Association Director of Integration. As summer approaches, more children than ever will enroll in New Horizons, the Y’s fully inclusive camp setting offered in Franklin, Foxboro, and North Attleboro.

Kris and Kayla, “The K Girls”, have a story which parallels Dick and Rick Hoyt, the father son team known for their enduring spirit, teamwork and commitment to individuals with special needs and disabilities. At a Hockomock Area YMCA event this past July at the TPC Boston, Dick Hoyt spoke to the youth of the Initiative. “Through efforts such as the Integration Initiative, disabled children will be afforded access to participate in athletic programs and activities.” Continued Hoyt, “The Hockomock Area YMCA is to be commended for creating such a wonderful program for the youth in the communities it serves.”

When you come out on Saturday, May 4 at 10am, you will help to improve social skills, build self-esteem, increase physical activity and independence, and enhance mutual respect among people of all abilities.

Location for the event is Marsh & McLellan Companies, 431 Washington Street, in Franklin. The event will include kids’ activities, touch-a-truck, refreshments, silent auction, raffle, music, and more. Day of registration begins at 9am.

Register today by visiting www.hockymca.org. Those who register prior to April 27 will be given a free dry-fit shirt. The cost is $25 through April 26 and will increase to $30 afterwards.

Medals will be awarded to the top 3 men’s and women’s finishers from several age categories and all participants will receive a finisher medal.

The event is presented by Iron Mountain. To find out more about the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth and Families program, Integration Initiative, or THE FRANKLIN 5K RUN • WALK • ROLL, contact Michael Bordonaro at 508.643.5225 or michaelb@hockymca.org.

Franklin Public Schools: Updates

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

By now we are all trying to make sense of the irrational tragedy that occurred at the Boston Marathon. This tragedy has touched our community as our many of our teachers,parents, neighbors and students were participants in this annual event. I know we will keep the victims in our thoughts and in our hearts. During these times channeling our actions into good can help us to remember that most of the people we meet are good and caring.

We want to welcome a new community group that serves to help any member of our community who may need assistance. The Franklin Neighbor Brigade is a community of volunteers from Franklin dedicated to helping an making a difference. They are ready with a meal, a ride or to help with household errands. If you know anyone who needs a helping hand please reach our to the Franklin Neighbor Brigade.

Here is the link for more information http://www.neighborbrigade2.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/General-Flyer.pdf

Tour of Franklin HS / April 24

The School Committee and administration will be hosting a tour of Franklin HS on Wednesday April 24 at 6:00 pm. Meet in the lobby. Please join us.

Regards and enjoy the rest of the week,

Maureen Sabolinski

This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

Hockomock Sports profiles Elizabeth Alie

HockomockSports has a profile on Franklin's Elizabeth Alie

Why do you play lacrosse?I play lacrosse because it’s a fun sport and I love the team aspect of it. Our team is really close and I have so much fun playing on the field with all my friends. Lacrosse is a growing sport, so the competition gets better every year.

Why is the 2013 season going to be a good year for Franklin High School?
We have a strong team this year with a lot of juniors and seniors who have played together for a couple years now. We also have a new coach who plays for the US lacrosse team and was the captain of the BC team. She has taught us so much in just a few weeks, and her experience with the game of lacrosse is really helping us. She is a great role model for us and we can see ourselves improving every day.

Read the remainder of Elizabeth's spotlight article here

Reminder: Mosquito Control

Good Morning. This is Communications Director Gary Premo calling with important information regarding mosquito control. The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District is conducting spraying by helicopter. You may see blue/yellow/silver helicopters flying very low. In light of Monday's tragic events in Boston, we know that your sense of security may be heightened. Rest assured there is no cause for concern. Thank you for listening; goodbye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

To get your own alert you can subscribe here

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news

"Four stop signs aren't going to keep us quiet"

The Milford Daily News reports on the four way stop signs coming to the intersection near BJ's.

MassDOT expects to complete the signs and pavement markings by the middle of May. Its engineers have requested that the town put up message boards along West Central Street a couple of weeks in advance to inform drivers of the change.

"We asked them to investigate the feasibility of a roundabout, which will take them at least six months," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.

In the meantime, Nutting said, town officials will monitor the number of accidents at the intersection to judge the effectiveness of the four-way stop.

"I think it’s going to be a great interim step," he said, adding that there are still questions about whether a roundabout would work at the relatively small intersection.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1545202495/Four-way-stop-outlined-for-troublesome-Franklin-intersection#ixzz2Qo5ULJPW

Related post
The Town council meeting on Apr 3rd had the intersection issue raised during the Citizens Comment and then a discussion at the end of the meeting under New Business
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/town-council-040313.html

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

The One Fund Boston

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino today announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support,” Governor Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.”

The One Fund - Boston

According to Mayor Menino, support from the business community was immediate. “Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy has had on individuals, their families, and friends. And they want to do everything they can to help these people physically and psychologically in the future.”

The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a $1 million commitment from John Hancock. “John Hancock is honored to contribute to The One Fund Boston, aiding those who were affected by this terrible event,” said Craig Bromley, President. “The Boston Marathon is about courage and resilience and community. John Hancock, which has been headquartered in Boston for more than 150 years, will continue to stand by our city, the people of Boston, our
community partners, the runners, and the Boston Athletic Association as we unite in recovery and in renewal of our commitment to the Boston Marathon.”

Other individuals and corporations making commitments to The One Fund Boston include Jack Connors, John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction, Brian Moynihan, President and CEO of Bank of America, Paul Grogan, President of The Boston Foundation, Steve Pagliuca, Managing Director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Boston Red Sox, and Mike Sheehan, CEO, and Karen Kaplan, President of Hill Holliday.

Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize The One Fund Boston and has applied for 501(c)(3) status. One Fund Boston, Inc. will apply for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. Although the Fund cannot guarantee that the IRS will make a determination that the organization qualifies as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, if approval is received within the expected time frame, the determination will be retroactive to the date of the Fund’s formation, which is April 16, 2013.

“We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said.

To contribute to The One Fund Boston, click on onefundboston.org.

Cupcakes for Jefferson

Come to The Cake Bar on Thursday, April 18th and help support the Jefferson Elementary PCC!

Cupcakes for Jefferson
Thursday, April 18th
6:30am-7:00pm

The Cake Bar

The Cake Bar
17 E Central St.
Franklin, MA
(508) 553-8700

The Cake Bar specializes in gourmet sugar confections, made from scratch in small batches. Their cupcakes, and dessert bars promise to please your palette through their unique twists on classic dessert favorites. Some of their flavors include Sticky Toffee, Trifecta, Pinkalicious, Simply Carrot and Cookie Monster – just to name a few!

No forms are necessary - just drop in and pick up some cupcakes. We'd love to see you there!

"it's almost like the innocence is gone”

Local runners shared their experiences of the Marathon on Monday with the Milford Daily News:

Kimberly Austin, 39, of Franklin, was on Hereford Street heading toward Boylston Street when she heard the first explosion.

“As I ran down Boylston, I made it to the 26 mile marker when I heard and saw the second explosion, and there was still the smoke from the first,” Austin wrote in an e-mail. “The police ran in and made all of the runners stop and everyone, including spectators on Boylston, turned around and moved out.”

Austin is still rattled from Monday, but said that her family and running teammates are all fine.

“It was a horrific and chaotic scene - the worst experience I have ever witnessed,” she said. 　

Senator Spilka: Statement on Monday's Events

April 16, 2013
Dear Steve,

Yesterday, we experienced a horrific tragedy as a state with the attacks on the 117th running of the Boston Marathon. I am confident in the resiliency and strength of Massachusetts and its residents and I know that we will bring those responsible for this terrible event to justice. We will overcome this tragedy.

In the coming day, more details will emerge. Right now, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and all those who were affected by these unconscionable acts. Once again, our heartfelt gratitude goes to the first responders as well as the volunteers, runners, and spectators who rushed to aid the victims at the scene and showed their capacity to sacrifice their own needs to help their fellow human beings.

We experienced unfathomable horror and tremendous sadness on a day when we come together as a state, nation, and global community to celebrate and witness our nation's oldest and most prestigious race, the Boston Marathon. This day celebrates the spirit of the marathon run as a global phenomenon that transcends national boundaries.

The Boston Marathon was inspired by the Battle of Marathon, which took place in Marathon, Greece in the year 490 BC. An Athenian army messenger ran 26.2 miles from Marathon to Athens to announce the Athenians' victory over the Persians.

The very first running of the Boston Marathon began on Pleasant Street in Ashland in 1897 and stayed there for the next 26 years. The starting line was moved to Hopkinton in 1924 to increase the length of the race to 26.2 miles and MetroWest plays an important role, with the first 16 miles of the race traveling through our communities.

While emotions are still raw and the feelings of sadness and anger are high, we must focus on coming together to show our strength as a Commonwealth and as a nation. We must show our sense of community, honor, resilience, and our dedication to remain a strong, vibrant state, pushing forward to overcome tragedy. This is a time to gather together. A time to work together, no matter how different our backgrounds are or our lives may seem because, quite simply, we are all members of the Massachusetts community and we are all Americans. Facing such a tragedy together helps us understand that we have a stake in each other. We are bound by a common thread that makes us more alike than any of our differences.

Today, the Battle of Marathon is celebrated as a triumph of democracy over empire. In the coming days, weeks, and months, I believe that the communities and residents of the Commonwealth will be lauded for our ability to triumph over such terrible tragedy. We will show the nation and the world our courage and selflessness to care for those in need, and our capacity to remain hopeful. We will focus on looking towards a bright future and a better tomorrow even as we face some of our darkest hours.

I remain committed to keeping that sense of honor and unity with me. In my work, I promise to focus on building bridges and bolstering our communities so that we remain the strong and vibrant state the world knows us to be.

As always, if I can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov or call my office at (617) 722-1640.

Warm Regards,

Karen E. Spilka
2nd Middlesex and Norfolk
http://www.karenspilka.com/

Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka

Room 511-C, State House

Boston, Massachusetts 02133

(617) 722-1640 phone - (617) 722-1077 fax

Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov

http://www.karenspilka.com/

Office of Karen Spilka | Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Room 511-C, State House | Boston, MA 02133

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Franklin Interfaith Council - Prayer Service - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Interfaith Council will host a Prayer Service at 7 PM on Wednesday, April 17th at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St. in Franklin. This communal service is for all who are still feeling shock and grief over the horrific events at the Boston Marathon and who would like to join their neighbors in the greater Franklin community in a time of fellowship and prayer. All are welcome. An offering will be taken to benefit The One Fund.

Chalk walk on the SNETT (photo essay)

Helen and Harriet Chalk took a walk on the SNETT trail this past weekend and sent in this photo essay. My thanks to the Chalk's for sharing their fun time on the SNETT.

the perfect day for a walk on the Franklin stretch of the SNETT

SNETT in Franklin

We decided to explore some of the smaller trails leading from the SNETT

exploring a side trail

The perfect trail for adventurous preschoolers!

up and down the trail

Just the bridge for a game of 'Pooh sticks'. Every family member finds a small stick, drops it in the water and watches the sticks race down the stream. First stick to reach the finish line of your choice wins.

Pooh sticks bridge

Beauty and tranquility on our doorstep...

fresh water stream

Examine nature close up...

checking out nature up close

Practice your writing skills....

a good place to practice writing

Take your kids outside this April vacation week and boldly explore our beautiful surroundings here in Franklin!

the excitement of the trail

Where is the SNETT Trail?
Off Grove St in Franklin

View Larger Map

To find out more about the efforts of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, visit their website
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

"the day was scary, and reminded her about priorities"

Some Franklin runners were able to finish the Marathon on Monday, some were among those stopped.

Jamie Tighe, of Franklin, was another one of thousands of runners who never made it across the Boylston Street finish line.

After Tighe and her Dana Farber charity teammate had passed mile 21 but before they reached mile 22, police received word of the finish line bombings and immediately ordered runners off the road.

“The police were just in the middle of the roads saying ‘You cannot be on the roads,’” she said.
Tighe said at first, she was disappointed when police stopped the race. She said her training went very well and she had been running faster than she expected as she approached the 35-kilometer mark.

“Then when I heard what happened to other people and what serious it was, that takes a back seat,” she said.

....

“I finished about an hour before the blasts and I was two blocks away,” said Katie Rizzolo of Franklin. “Some people started screaming and running, but for the most part, everyone whipped out their phones, called their loved ones and got out.”