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| newly seeded |
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| included the sign to confirm the location |
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| a 'new' look |
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| sidewalk is planned to be completed |
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| sprinklers in action |
The modulars (photos from July 2015)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/davis-thayer-modular-units-to-be-removed.html
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Davis Thayer is growing grass
On the walk Saturday morning, the sprinklers were out to water the newly seeded lawn. The modular units as reported were removed. New loam was added and leveled. The sidewalk sections needed to be placed but the work to restore the area at the corner of Davis Thayer is well underway.
The modulars (photos from July 2015)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/davis-thayer-modular-units-to-be-removed.html
The modulars (photos from July 2015)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/davis-thayer-modular-units-to-be-removed.html
Offer to candidates for the Franklin Election Nov 3, 2015
To the citizens and potential candidates for Franklin's election this November 3
I extend an offer to conduct and post an interview with you here on Franklin Matters and on the corresponding Facebook page. The interview can be either text or audio.
You are running for a position to conduct business on behalf of Franklin. Together, we can share your views, your objectives, and help to spread the word to create an informed voter.
Send me an email (shersteve at gmail dot com) and we can arrange a mutually convenient time.
Be aware that this is my public service effort conducted solely to enable informed voters here in Franklin.
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| Franklin Town Common |
This is not an advertising site. This is an information sharing site.
My disclosure statement can be found here.
My comment/editorial policy can be found here.
A similar offer was made for the Franklin, MA elections in 2013, 2011, 2009 and 2007.
The interviews for the candidates in the prior elections can be found in the archives
2013 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html
2011 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html
2009 - http://www.franklinmatters.org/2009/10/2009-election-collection.html
2007 - http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/11/franklin-election-2007.html
5 Reasons You Should Check Your Credit Report Right Now
From the MA Consumer Affairs Blog they have a recent post on why you should get one of your free annual credit reports.
You can read the full posting here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/5-reasons-you-should-check-your-credit-report-right-now/
Consider this:
There are three credit report companies and you can get a free report every year from each. One way to manage your credit is to request one per quarter.
So for a few minutes each quarter, three times a year, you know what is up and you can take timely action. Alternatively, you could request all three at once and then wait a full year to request the free one again.
- "Spot Identity Theft
- Correct Inaccuracies
- Know Your Credit History
- Plan For Your Future
- You Can Get It For Free"
You can read the full posting here
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/5-reasons-you-should-check-your-credit-report-right-now/
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| MA Consumer Affairs Blog |
You can get your credit report free once per year from each of the three major credit reporting companies at www.annualcreditreport.com. If you are a victim of identity theft, get a second free copy by contacting the credit reporting companies.
Consider this:
There are three credit report companies and you can get a free report every year from each. One way to manage your credit is to request one per quarter.
January 1 - request from Experian
April 1 - request from TransUnion
July 1 - request from Equifax
So for a few minutes each quarter, three times a year, you know what is up and you can take timely action. Alternatively, you could request all three at once and then wait a full year to request the free one again.
FHA's Audette named president of Mass. housing association
Lisa Audette of Cumberland, executive director of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA), has been elected president of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, making her the lead advocate for public housing in Massachusetts.
As president, she will lead an organization that represents more than 240 local housing authorities across Massachusetts, and she will preside over major changes in the delivery of housing services as last year's public housing reform law is implemented.
Audette, who has served as executive director of the Franklin Housing Authority since 1995, has made significant contributions to MassNAHRO as a member of the board of directors, as treasurer, and as a member of several committees.Continue reading about Lisa here
http://www.valleybreeze.com/2015-08-05/cumberland-lincoln-area/cumberlands-audette-named-president-mass-housing-association#.VcarMPlViko
For more about the Franklin Housing Authority visit their page here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/housing
or read their entry in the Annual Report for 2013 here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/annual-report-2013-housing-authority.html
or find their entry for 2014 here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2014report.pdf
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| Franklin Housing Authority |
“To prevent measles from spreading with herd immunity, you need 90-95 percent of people vaccinated"
"After a Disneyland measles outbreak last year sickened people with a disease typically associated with years long gone, the California legislature put a stop to the personal belief vaccine exemption that allowed parents to refuse immunization for their children on the grounds they disagreed with the requirement or questioned the need or safety of the vaccine.
With the return of a disease once thought eradicated in the U.S., a Massachusetts bill is now moving to bring in what California just ruled out.
Federal and state laws mandate all children must be vaccinated to enter school, with some exceptions. In Massachusetts, parents can opt their children out or delay vaccination for only medical or religious reasons. A bill proposed by Joan Lovely, D-Salem, on behalf of a constituent, would add personal belief exemptions to state law."Continue reading the article here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150808/NEWS/150807168/1994/NEWS
Franklin Lions Club
Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world every day because they share a core belief - to serve their community.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization. We have 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs in more than 206 countries and geographic areas.
Lions have a dynamic history. Founded in 1917, we are best known for fighting blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects - including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
Lions give sight. By conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease, Lions work toward their mission of providing vision for all. We have extended our commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts and through our international SightFirst Program, which works to eradicate blindness.
Lions serve youth. Our community projects often support local children and schools through scholarships, recreation and mentoring. Internationally, we offer many programs, including the Peace Poster Contest, Youth Camps and Exchange and Lions Quest.
Our Leo Program provides the youth of the world with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. There are approximately 144,000 Leos and 5,700 Leo clubs in more than 140 countries worldwide.
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| Franklin Lions |
Lions award grants. Since 1968, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded more than US$700 million in grants to support Lions humanitarian projects around the world. LCIF was also ranked the number one nongovernmental organization in a 2007 study by The Financial Times.
Lions help during disasters. Together, our Foundation and Lions are helping communities following natural disasters by providing for immediate needs such as food, water, clothing and medical supplies – and aiding in long-term reconstruction.
Lions are active. Our motto is "We Serve." Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities.
For more about Lions Clubs, go to http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/franklinma/
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Pond St community takes exception to Councilor comments
Several members of the Pond St community took the opportunity to make their presence and feelings known at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. During the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting, they made and reiterated several points that they believe some of the Councilors continue to forget.
Why take this action? As reported, the recent Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting was conducted on Monday, July 27th beginning at 5:00 PM which is not exactly a convenient time for most working folks. To have some of the EDC members state something to the effect that 'since the community didn't bother to show up, they must not be too concerned about what's happening.'
As this comment has been made previously, and objected to as well, the Pond St community members took turns stating their case:
The EDC committee contributes to the problem by not being explicit about their intentions. They don't publish minutes of their meetings. They don't spend a few minutes explaining the process which would save them time in the long run (not everyone knows their process). Further, to have a Town Councilor state that the Town Council is not aware of the RFP responses (while technically correct) is stretching it as the EDC is officially made up of four Town Councilors and other Councilors tend to participate in the meetings.
The EDC is a subcommittee of the Town Council. It will review and make a recommendation to the Council. The Town Council then as a whole will have an opportunity to discuss the matter before making a decision. Depending upon the nature of the discussion and decision to be made a public hearing made be required, or it may simply be an agenda item on a regular Council meeting. If the public hearing is required, there are notification requirements to be met.
Is the EDC really going back out with a new RFP? Was one of the developers asked to redo their proposal? It would be good to know. We'll find out some day if and when the minutes of the meeting are published. I do know experience that if it is the intent to go back out with a new RFP, that would require both an EDC vote and a Town Council vote. The Council met for the only time in August this Wednesday which means if there is to be a return, it won't happen anytime soon.
The timing of the discussion and potential decisions also makes it highly likely that this sitting Council will not have the final say on the Pond St property. That would fall to the new Council decided on by the voters in the November election.
In other matters covered during the Wednesday meeting:
For the full set of notes as I was reporting live from the meeting:
Why take this action? As reported, the recent Economic Development Committee (EDC) meeting was conducted on Monday, July 27th beginning at 5:00 PM which is not exactly a convenient time for most working folks. To have some of the EDC members state something to the effect that 'since the community didn't bother to show up, they must not be too concerned about what's happening.'
As this comment has been made previously, and objected to as well, the Pond St community members took turns stating their case:
- They are united in objection to any development that will increase traffic.
- The traffic in that area is already a problem (text notes from 3/25/15 meeting or audio recording of same meeting).
- They understand and appreciate the need for revenue but also want to keep the neighborhood family friendly.
- When one or two of the group show up, they are representing the group. Not all of the group can show up for all of the meetings.
- They are willing to work with the condo proposal and would not want to see a new RFP for a hotel.
The EDC committee contributes to the problem by not being explicit about their intentions. They don't publish minutes of their meetings. They don't spend a few minutes explaining the process which would save them time in the long run (not everyone knows their process). Further, to have a Town Councilor state that the Town Council is not aware of the RFP responses (while technically correct) is stretching it as the EDC is officially made up of four Town Councilors and other Councilors tend to participate in the meetings.
The EDC is a subcommittee of the Town Council. It will review and make a recommendation to the Council. The Town Council then as a whole will have an opportunity to discuss the matter before making a decision. Depending upon the nature of the discussion and decision to be made a public hearing made be required, or it may simply be an agenda item on a regular Council meeting. If the public hearing is required, there are notification requirements to be met.
Is the EDC really going back out with a new RFP? Was one of the developers asked to redo their proposal? It would be good to know. We'll find out some day if and when the minutes of the meeting are published. I do know experience that if it is the intent to go back out with a new RFP, that would require both an EDC vote and a Town Council vote. The Council met for the only time in August this Wednesday which means if there is to be a return, it won't happen anytime soon.
The timing of the discussion and potential decisions also makes it highly likely that this sitting Council will not have the final say on the Pond St property. That would fall to the new Council decided on by the voters in the November election.
In other matters covered during the Wednesday meeting:
- The rezoning for Dean Ave had its first public hearing. This seems to be a good move despite the convoluted and confusing answer I received about the potential tax revenue implications of the change from commercial to residential. I'll need to watch the video recording when it is posted (as of Saturday morning (8/8/15 - 7:00 AM), it was not yet made available).
- The manager of the liquor license for Incontro was acknowledged as changed.
- The Town Council approved a measure that will be on the November ballot asking the Franklin voters to approve NOT taxing farm animals and equipment. Apparently, the Town has neglected to do so for 25 years and in order to be compliant and officially not tax, they need the voters approval. If we fail to approve, it will cost more to implement the tax than the revenue would be received from it.
- There was an update on the Community Opportunity Grant which will enable some funds for refurbishment of homes for folks who meet the income qualifications.
- Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri provided an update on the timeline and process running up to the Town Election on November 3rd.
- The purchase of the building and land at 275 Beaver was completed. An eminent domain process was also initiated to ensure the town has full and clear rights to the land for the records. Renovation of the building has begun. The funds for the sale of the building were the proceeds from the sale of Emmons St and other 'open space' funds available to Franklin.
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| The Thompson Press building - proposed to be rezoned from commercial to residential |
For the full set of notes as I was reporting live from the meeting:
"Franklin Liquors was voted the Readers Choice for Best Liquor Store in Franklin"
State Sen. Richard Ross recently visited Franklin Liquors, a family-owned business that has been providing high-grade wine, beer and liquor products to its customers for over 30 years.
Franklin Liquors is run by lifelong Franklin residents Mark and Mike Lenzi. In 2014 and 2015, Franklin Liquors was voted the Readers Choice for Best Liquor Store in Franklin and the 16 town region.
“With a strong online presence and an emphasis on wine education, Franklin Liquors has consistently redefined what it means to shop smartly and locally,” said Ross. “Over the past three decades, Mark and Mike have taken their business and expanded, making it not just a great place to buy fine wine, but a place to discuss, learn and grow as a community. “
Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150807/NEWS/150807498/1994/NEWS
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| image from Franklin Liquors webpage |
News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
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| screen grab of Norfolk County Deeds webpage |
125,000 kids in eastern MA have a secret: Hunger
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| Dear Neighbor When Jack and Sara leave school at the end of the day, they carry an embarrassing secret: there's not enough food at home, and hunger makes it hard to study or sleep. Like so many in eastern Massachusetts, Jack and Sara's family is unable to put enough food on the table. But fortunately, once a month, families like theirs get relief from our School-Based Pantry program that allows them to select from a variety of fresh, healthy food to help make ends meet. Our School-Based Pantry program is just one of the many child-focused programs that can help End Hunger Here in eastern Massachusetts, and that's why I'm asking for your help today. Please donate now to help keep our programs going for children like Jack and Sara. Today, more than 125,000 children like Jack and Sara face hunger in eastern Massachusetts, but with your help we can ensure every child gets the wholesome food they need to learn, grow and thrive. Thank you for giving today. Sincerely, | |||||||||||
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In the News: Tri-County Adult Ed, tax free weekend
Registration is now open for the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District’s fall 2015 continuing education courses.
Course offerings include basic cake decorating, how to start a profitable business, Social Media 101, archery, Kripalu yoga and a three-course home improvement course.
The school also offers industry certification courses that include electrical apprentice training, plumbing apprentice training, OSHA 30 Hour training and ServSafe certification.
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| Tri-County Adult Education |
https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/categorySearch.cfm?category=1
Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150807/NEWS/150807505/1994/NEWS
Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday morning signed into law the bill suspending the state's 6.25 percent sales tax for most purchases that weekend.
"This tax-free weekend is not only an opportunity to save a few dollars for consumers, but it's also an opportunity for people to buy local and keep more business here in the Commonwealth," Baker said, citing a Retailers Association of Massachusetts report that showed the sale tax holiday boosts retail by over $100 million.
The sales tax will still apply to sales of telecommunications items, tobacco products, motor vehicles, motorboats, gasoline, electricity, meals and items priced at more than $2,500.Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150806/NEWS/150807938/1994/NEWS
Friday, August 7, 2015
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/7/15 - THU 8/13/15
12-6pm Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
1pm Family Sing-along with Jamie Barrett at Franklin Public Library
6:30pm Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
SATURDAY 8/8/15
1pm Zentangle Workshop at Franklin Art Center
MONDAY 8/10/15
10:30am Mike The Hatman at Franklin Public Library
1pm Drop In Craft at Franklin Public Library
TUESDAY 8/11/15
10:30am Get Ready For Kindergarten (ages 3-5) at Franklin Public Library
6:30pm Drawing Superheroes, Manga and Other Heroes at Franklin Public Library (grades 6-12)
7:30pm Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting at the Franklin YMCA, public welcome.
WEDNESDAY 8/12/15
10:30am Incredible Insects with Kevin Kopczynski at Franklin Public Library
1pm Stories of the Night Sky with Kevin Kopczynski at Franklin Public Library
6pm Concerts on The Common: Westwood Swing Band, Children's Program: Storyteller Elaine Kessler
7pm Franklin Coalition on Opioid Abuse - 2nd Meeting. Guest speaker: Dr. John F. Kelly, the director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service at Mass General Hospital
THURSDAY 8/13/15
10:30am Story and Craft (ages 3-6) at Franklin Public Library
1pm Wii Club Franklin Public Library
6-10pm Feast of St. Rocco
For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.
For event details click HERE.
For FPL Summer Programs details click HERE
*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com
Don't forget family movie night is Aug 21
Don't forget family movie night is happening in a couple weeks on Friday, August 21st. Come meet and interact with your favorite, live toy story characters and watch the Toy Story movie on the Beaver Pond field!!! The movie will begin at dusk, but come anytime after 6:30 to play with sporting equipment, get hair streaking, enjoy cupcakes, goodies and treats, and of course meet the characters! The vendor marketplace will be open at 6:30, characters arriving at 7:00, and movie starting at dusk. We hope to see you there!!!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1466436143653149/ | ||
Finally, a Top 50 that has Franklin Schools
Via the Westwood Patch, the radar reveals:
The Top 50 listing for teachers has Franklin in the 14th position for MA.
"Niche.com, a national research group started by Carnegie Mellon University, recently released its 2015 list of school districts with the best teachers throughout the nation, as well as the commonwealth of Massachusetts."
The Top 50 listing for teachers has Franklin in the 14th position for MA.
"Here is a look at the commonwealth’s 50 school districts as ranked by Niche.com
- Westwood Public Schools
- Newton Public Schools
- Lexington Public Schools
- Northboro-Southboro Regional School District
- Westford Public Schools
- Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
- Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District
- Masconomet Public Schools
- Brookline Public Schools
- Needham Public Schools
- Braintree Public Schools
- Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District
- Shrewsbury Public Schools
- Franklin Public Schools
- Cambridge Public Schools"
Click through to https://k12.niche.com/ to explore the other listings
Franklin Election: Who are the candidates?
As of Thursday, Aug 6, 2015 the current listing as provided by Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri is as follows:
These folks have taken out papers to run for the position indicated, they have not yet turned them in to be certified as on the ballot. There is time for that according to the timeline shown below.
The time line leading to the election is as follows:
| NAME | ADDRESS | POSITION |
| W.Kenneth Norman | 18 Daniels St. | Assessor |
| Philip M. Brunelli | 26 James Street | Bd. Of Health |
| John S. Power | 211 Union St. | Constable |
| Philip M. Brunelli | 26 James Street | Constable |
| Kenneth B. Hiscoe, III | 19 Red Gate Lane | School Com. |
| Trevor A. Clement | 9 Secret Garden Ln | School Com. |
| Vanessa A. Bilello | 5 Symphony Dr. | School Com. |
| Diane M. Padula-O'Neill | 102 Pine Street | Town Clerk |
| Elizabeth F. Simon | 6 Monterey Dr. | Town Clerk |
| Paul J. Cheli | 6 Pearly Lane | Town Clerk |
| Teresa M. Burr | 27 Brushwood Hill | Town Clerk |
| Brett S. Feldman | 37 Meadowbrook Rd. | Town Council |
| Deborah L. Pellegri | 181 Pleasant St | Town Council |
| Glenn F. Jones | 172 School St. | Town Council |
| James D. Schultz, Jr. | 21 MacKintosh Street | Town Council |
| Judith Pond Pfeffer | 37 Arlington St. | Town Council |
| Peter E. Padula | 14 Fort Apache Dr. | Town Council |
| Richard W. Power, Sr. | 10 Royal Ct | Town Council |
| Thomas D. Mercer | 14 Mercer Lane | Town Council |
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| Thompson Press building, part of the property proposed to being rezoned for residential |
The time line leading to the election is as follows:
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