Franklin 5k this Sunday at Remington

Franklin 5k this weekend at Remington Middle School on Sunday, Sep 13 at 9:00am to noon. You can run or walk it.

Franklin 5K - Sep 13

Register here
https://hockymca.ejoinme.org/MyPages/2015Franklin5K/tabid/699574/Default.aspx

Additional information on the race can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/08/the-franklin-5k-invites-community-to.html

In the News: EDC meeting, Ride for Leanne

The Franklin Economic Development Committee meets this week to discuss, among other things, the use of a town-owned parcel on Pond Street. 

The committee has on its Wednesday meeting agenda a discussion on proposals received for the 33-acre property, which abuts Interstate 495. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the land had once been used by the town, but not since 1978.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150908/NEWS/150907318/1994/NEWS

When the revived Ride for Leanne Motorcycle Ride is held Saturday, it will be nearly 10 years to the day since the event's namesake passed away. 

“We miss her every day, no matter what,” said Randy Schmall of his daughter Leanne, who died Sept. 14, 2005, of complications stemming from a Stage Four melanoma diagnosis. She was 16 years old. 

The ride will rekindle what was an annual event. For the first five years after Leanne’s passing, her family put on the ride and used it to fund a scholarship for Franklin High School and contributions to Dana Farber that now totals close to $30,000.

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20150907/NEWS/150907315/1994/NEWS

How do you define 'best' by money spent or results achieved?

Realtor Warren Reynolds does the analysis on the Boston Magazine school rankings to summarizes that the methodology "penalizes Franklin."

"For its 2015 school rankings, Boston Magazine says it chose a methodology that lessens the importance of academic performance (as measured by standardized test scores). Instead, in a self-described effort to reward school districts that spend more money, Boston Magazine says its calculations intentionally favor districts with high costs per pupil, small class sizes and high teacher to pupil ratios:

“. . .we rewarded schools that have smaller class sizes, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and higher rates of per-pupil spending, among other characteristics. In response to criticism of such rankings, we’ve also tried to deemphasize test results. We still take standardized test scores into account—but we reduced the weight of those scores within the overall rankings.”

This “spending over academic performance” weighting seems to have penalized Franklin in Boston Magazine’s analysis. Franklin schools are known for achieving solid test results while spending LESS per pupil than many other top performing school districts in the Commonwealth. The Franklin School District’s limited budget helps keeps Franklin’s real estate taxes a lot lower than most other communities in MA that have good schools, but that seems to count for little in the eyes of Boston Magazine."

screen grab of 02038.com

Continue reading Warren's article here:
http://02038.com/2015/09/boston-magazine-rankings-penalize-franklin/

So for good school performance with less out of your pocketbook, chose Franklin!

FHS Volleyball and Field Hockey players to watch

Hockomock Sports has announced their preseason listing of players to watch for volleyball and field hockey. FHS has representation on both listings.

Volleyball

Aubrie Kutil, Senior – Franklin

Not many schools have both top offensive and defensive players back, but with Dayna McCue, Beth Neal and Aubrie Kutil, the Panthers have a lot of pieces back. Kutil had a team-high 116 kills in 2014 and had a near 40% kill percentage. With 16 blocks, Kutil is the Panthers’ top returning blocker at the net. Beth Neal (31 aces, 39 digs, 184 assists) will play a big role in getting Kutil the ball this year and could also be one of the standout players at the season’s end.

FHS Panthers

Dayna McCue, Senior – Franklin

The Panthers are fortunate enough to have back one of the best defensive players in the league this year. McCue had a whopping 538 serve receives (average 33.8 receives per match) last year and added team-high 217 digs. She also was a big boost in terms of serving with 30 aces, which was third for the Panthers last year. With the Kelley-Rex title race wide open heading into the season and no clear favorite, McCue’s reliable defense could be something that pushes Franklin to the front of that race.

For the complete listing of volleyball players to watch in the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/players-to-watch-on-the-volleyball-court-in-2015/

Field hockey

Sam Jones, Senior – Franklin

Franklin will once again be considered a favorite for the Kelley-Rex crown and goalie Sam Jones is one of the reasons why. After graduating some of the top scorers from last season, the Panthers will be counting on Jones, a HockomockSports.com Second Teamer from 2014, to backstop a tight defense. Jones, who had 10 shutouts last season, has the size and agility to be once again one of the top goalies in the Hock.

Taylor Reutlinger, Senior – Franklin

The Panthers will rely on the leadership of Reutlinger, who will be captain for the second straight year and will be in the stating lineup for the third straight year. Reutlinger controls the midfield and is a key player on corners, both on offense and defense. His distribution and vision will be key for the Panthers this season.

For the complete listing of field hockey players to watch in the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/field-hockey-players-watch-2015/

Franklin Food Pantry Announces Dean Bank as Official Bag Sponsor

"Dean Bank is now the Pantry’s official shopping bag sponsor, donating hundreds of re-usable shopping bags – a supply that we count on every day. As we approach our busiest time of year, the new supply of bags will be used in a number of ways as we serve our clients. 

They are used for emergency food packages for new visitors who come to our doors; to package our holiday meals for Thanksgiving; and to give to new clients who register with the Pantry for ongoing assistance. Clients bring in their re-usable bags each time they visit the Pantry. 

Thank you, Dean Bank, for caring about our community!"

Kevin Goffe, Dean Bank president, presents Erin Lynch, Pantry executive director, with one of the re-usable shopping bags Dean Bank has donated to the Pantry.

This was shared from the Franklin Food Pantry page

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2015/09/pantry-announces-dean-bank-as-official.html

"This brand and logo will relate directly to what downtown is."

Franklin Downtown Partnership

"Partnership members, speaking at the organization's Thursday morning session, said they had been in touch with the college about creating a formal program - to be called something along the lines of "Dean Discounts" - to attract students. The college will resume classes on Tuesday. 

"Our members can offer a discount to students," partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana said, noting that, while the original plan was a blanket discount, it had been loosened somewhat. "(The business owners) come up with the discount - 10 percent off, buy one get one or something else." 

Piana said the plan would be to have a visual marker - possibly a paw print sticker - at the business to indicate that it participates in the program."

Continue reading the article online
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150907/NEWS/150907413/1994/NEWS

Franklin Rod and Gun Club: Friday Fish Fry - Sep 11

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY 

SEPTEMBER 11th!! 

Public Welcome!

Franklin Rod and Gun Club

Please join us for our Friday night Fish Fry September 11th. Dinner starts at 6pm and the cash bar opens at 5pm. Dinner includes fish & chips, coleslaw and a cup of chowder.

Donation: $10 per person



Visit the Franklin Rod and Gun Club webpage for additional info
http://www.franklinrodandgun.org/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 9, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
– August 5, 2015, Executive Session June 24, 2015

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS 
– Conservation Commission - Tara Henrichon

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 
- Transfer of Hotel/Innholder License – Residence Inn

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-52: Order of Layout, Acceptance & Taking of a portion of Lewis Street, Currently a private way – Referral to Planning Board
2. Resolution 15-53: Funding Horace Mann Statue
3. Resolution 15-55: Ratification of the Franklin Public Library Staff Association Contract
4. Resolution 15-56: 2015 Amended Schedule of Town Council Meetings
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – 2nd Reading – 2/3 Vote
6. Bylaw Amendment 15-751: Changes to Chapter 181, Wetlands Protection – 2nd Reading
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-752: Nonconforming Buildings, Structures, and Uses – Referral to Planning Board

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN

Lewis St newly repaved and up for approval for the portion that is a 'private way' to be taken over by Franklin

The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/09092015.pdf

FHS Soccer Players to watch

Hockomock Sports has published their soccer players to watch list for the coming season. FHS boys and girls soccer have key players mentioned.

For the girls

Bailey Knous, Senior – Franklin

Knous is a dynamic forward and one of the leading scorers for the Panthers, who reached a third straight sectional final last fall. Knous scored double digit goals again in 2014, despite occasionally battling injuries. When healthy, she can be one of the most prolific scorers in the Hockomock and fits into the Panthers style as a striker that can play on the shoulder of the last defender as well as drop in and allow the wide players to push forward. With Knous on the pitch as a focal point to the attack, Franklin looked more dangerous, as evidenced by the opening 15 minutes of the final against Whitman-Hanson when Franklin created chance after chance. This could be a big year for the senior. 

Victoria Stowell, Senior – Franklin

The Assumption-commit has continued to grow well beyond her stature and can dominate the game with her passing ability. Stowell rarely gives the ball away in midfield and, although she’s not the biggest midfielder in the league, can also get stuck in and win the ball back. The Panthers have an explosive attack and much of it stems from Stowell, a two-time HockomockSports.com Best XI choice, finding the right pass to unlock the defense. With Taylor Cogliano graduated, Stowell may be asked to push even further forward to help spring the attack.

For the other Hockomock League girls soccer players to watch
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-soccer-players-to-watch-in-2015/

FHS Panthers

For the boys:

Austin Kent, Senior – Franklin

The Panthers graduated a ton of talent (16 seniors), with nearly its entire starting lineup gone. One name that is back is senior Austin Kent. Kent has been making plays since his sophomore year and it’s likely Kent will be one of Franklin’s top threats this year. Kent has shown over the past two years his ability to find the back of the net, which will be key in the battle for the Kelley-Rex division title, which is very much up for grabs this year. It’s typical for a Franklin team to have a balanced scoring attack but expect Kent to be a key part of the Panthers’ success in 2015.

For the other Hockomock League boys soccer players to watch
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-soccer-players-watch-2015/

Missin' Matt Walk - Sep 12

Meghan Giacomuzzi knows first-hand the effects drug addiction can have on a family. 

Giacomuzzi lost her brother, Matthew Bertulli, a Hopedale native who was living in Milford, to a heroin overdose in 2012. As she continues to grieve her brother’s death, Giacomuzzi is organizing a walk to raise awareness about opiate addiction and the need to properly dispose of unneeded prescription medications. 

“This has definitely helped me get through (Bertulli’s death),” she said of organizing the Sept. 12 walk at 11 a.m. at Milford Town Park. “If I can save one life through doing this it’s worth all the work I put in.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150905/NEWS/150907472/1994/NEWS/?Start=1

Missin' Matt

Register to walk online
http://www.missinmatt.myevent.com/3/online_payment.htm

A Parent's Wishes for His Child's Teachers: Chris Kennedy at TEDxWestVancouverED

"Chris Kennedy is the father of four young children and the husband to an amazing woman. 

When not busy as a husband and father he is the Superintendent of Schools with the West Vancouver School District. 

Chris is a passionate teacher and strong advocate for public education. You can connect with Chris through his Culture of Yes blog—cultureofyes.ca and on Twitter @chrkennedy."

Hero Walk - Tri-County - Sep 20

The John R. Elliott Hero Walk is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 20 at The Tri-County Regional Tech Vocational High School, 147 Pond St. 

Registration begins at 9 a.m. The three-mile walk will take place at the school’s track. Members of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders will be on hand for photo opportunities and to lead the teams and individual walkers in warm-up exercises prior to the start of the walk.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150903/NEWS/150908305/1994/NEWS

Hero Walk at Tri-County Sep 20

Register for the walk online here
http://herocampaign.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=529

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Sees Positive Results for August Norfolk County Real Estate Market Reviewing the latest housing and financial data, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell believes there was some good news coming out of the Norfolk County real estate market for the month of August; which saw property transactions rise by nearly double digits. "The total number of deeds recorded for the month of August increased 9% compared to August 2014. These numbers are confirmation of my strong belief that Norfolk County is a destination location for individuals and families to live and work. Reinforcing this belief is the 5% increase in total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales to $737 million," noted Register O'Donnell. On the flip side, the average sale price of Norfolk County property decreased 2% to %597,009. O'Donnell stated, "We need to watch this figure closely to see if this decrease that took hold in August was an aberration or a slight market correction that is taking hold." The mortgage market continued its improvement. Statistics showed that in August, 2,607 mortgages were recorded compared to 2,394 during the same time period in 2014. Total mortgage indebtedness for the month was $1.058 billion, a 47% decrease compared to the previous August. This decrease is explained by a large mortgage that was taken out against commercial retail property in Dedham, Canton and Medfield in August of 2014. Another positive result that occurred in August was the reduced number of foreclosure deeds filed and maybe more importantly, a significant reduction in Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings. There were 19 foreclosure deeds filed in August as compared to 21 in August 2014. "Lending institutions have been working through a backlog of foreclosures that resulted from the economic downturn that occurred in 2008. Hopefully, this reduction in foreclosure deed filings will continue," said the Norfolk County Register. Even more encouraging was the reduced number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings. "There were 31 Notice to Foreclose Mortgages recorded in August as compared to 52 year over year. Notice to Foreclose Mortgage is the first step in the foreclosure process. While one foreclosure is one too many, it is hoped these numbers are an indication that the worst of the crisis is behind us," stated Register O'Donnell. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. Homestead recordings increased by 9% in August compared to one year ago. Homestead recordings provide limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Register O'Donnell stated, "In several ways, August was a solid month for real estate activity in Norfolk County. Growth in the number of deeds and mortgages recorded were a clear indication a strong economy is propelling a robust real estate market. In particular, the increase in mortgage filings was a result of low interest rates and property owner's taking advantage of equity in their homes." While the trend lines are positive, there are 3 notes of caution, noted Register O'Donnell. "First, I continue to be concerned about the level of housing inventory. Increased inventory is critical to maintaining growth in the real estate market. Secondly, while August was a volatile month for the stock market, I remain concerned about a potential move by the Federal Reserve Bank to increase rates and the effect it might have on borrowing. Finally, we need to keep a close eye on the new federal disclosure rules, scheduled to go into effect in early October, and the resulting impact it will have on real estate closings and mortgage processing, particularly as we enter the 4th quarter." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

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

Pick your Flight for the Progressive Dinner - Sept. 27

The Franklin Downtown Partnership would like to invite you out to dinner. Instead of choosing just one restaurant, why not go to four different eateries? You can by joining us for the inaugural Progressive Dinner on Sunday, September 27, in downtown Franklin. 

Your culinary exploration will begin with appetizers at one restaurant, soup at another, an entrée at a third, and then dessert. You can choose from two different flights, with each flight featuring four downtown restaurants. Flights will be staggered to begin every half hour starting at 5:30 p.m. The evening will end on a sweet note with dessert at The Black Box while you’re entertained by Franklin School for the Performing Arts students. 

“We created the Progressive Dinner to remind the community that our businesses are open during the road construction project. What better way than to have people walking through downtown, enjoying local restaurants and entertainment with friends?” says event organizer Jane Curran, owner of Jane’s Frames. 

"The Rome Flight" includes Crab Rangoon at Hang Tai, Tofu with Vegetable Soup at Bamboo House, Chicken Parmesan with Penne at The Rome, and a Chocolate Whoopie Pie from Making Whoopie. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership's Progressive Dinner - Sep 27

"The Artistry Kitchen Flight" includes an Assorted Sushi and Appetizer Plate at Maguro House, Manchow Soup with Vegetables at Chinese Mirch, Butternut Squash Flatbread with Arugula at Artistry Kitchen, and a Sticky Toffee Cupcake from The Cake Bar. 

Tickets are $50 per person, including tips and taxes. Beverages are not included. Choose your flight when you purchase tickets, which are on sale now through September 16 online at the Partnership’s Eventbrite.com Progressive Dinner page. You can access the page on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. and its Facebook page. 

Thank you to the Franklin Historical Museum, NHS Print, Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, Simon’s Furniture and The Mac Deli for sponsoring this event. Sponsorships are still available. Contact FDP event co-chairperson Jane Curran at janeframe@verizon.net for more information or with questions.

For convenience, you can get your progressive 'dinner flight' tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-downtown-partnership-progressive-dinner-tickets-18319948459?ref=elink

MassBudget: Labor Day 2015: Important Gains, Many Challenges for MA Workers

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Labor Day 2015: Important Gains, Many Challenges for MA Workers By Kurt Wise, Senior Policy Analyst Labor Day will arrive again this Monday, offering all of us a chance to remember and to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. While Massachusetts workers have seen some improvements recently - including lower unemployment, a higher minimum wage and earned paid sick time - unfortunately, since the late 1970s, our national and state economies have not given workers much cause for celebration. The fact is, we have a problem.   Both our national and our state economies are unbalanced: Since the late 1970s, wages and incomes for most working families have stagnated. By contrast, for the highest income households, incomes have grown at ten times the rate of income growth for the bottom 90% of the population. (MassBudget report on the State of Working Massachusetts) This trend has harmed our state's ability to make important investments that can make life better for working people. (MassBudget factsheet on tax cuts) The highest income residents in Massachusetts, who have captured so much of the gains from our state's economic growth over the last several decades, actually pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than the rest of the population. (MassBudget factsheet on tax fairness) If the highest income households paid the same share of their income in state and local taxes as the rest of us, this would allow for increased investments in key drivers of economic prosperity, like high-quality public education and efficient transportation systems. (MassBudget report on the benefits of a well-educated workforce) The good news is there are solutions. One federal-level solution is to reform outdated rules for determining which workers qualify for overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours in a given week. Currently, hourly workers are entitled to be paid 1.5 times their regular hourly rate when they work more than 40 hours. For workers who are salaried (i.e., instead paid a fixed amount for a year's employment), guaranteed overtime pay depends on both their salary level and on the nature of their work duties. Salaried workers who currently earn more than $23,660 per year AND are classified as managers or supervisors are not guaranteed overtime pay. The current overtime salary threshold of $23,660 per year, however, is less than half of what it was in 1975, when adjusted for inflation. As a consequence, many salaried workers classified by their employers as "managers" or "supervisors" today are not guaranteed overtime pay even if they often perform duties no different from ordinary rank-and-file workers. In 1975, 60 percent of salaried workers nationwide were guaranteed time-and-half pay when working overtime, but today less than 10 percent enjoy the same guarantee. The Department of Labor has proposed a plan to raise the salary threshold to $50,440 annually, close to its inflation-adjusted 1975 level. Under this proposed update, an additional 260,000 Massachusetts workers would be guaranteed time-and-a-half pay when working more than 40 hours in a week. (Economic Policy Institute & Center for American Progress factsheets on updating and improving overtime rules) There are many other federal policies that could help to restore wage growth (Economic Policy Institute report on How to Raise Wages) At the state-level, Massachusetts could invest more in high-quality public education and in transportation systems that get people to work and get customers to businesses. One proposal would generate new funds for such investments by applying a higher tax rate to income above $1 million, also making our tax system fairer. High income taxpayers currently pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes. (MassBudget factsheet on tax fairness) Massachusetts also could raise wages for big box retail and fast food franchise workers. (National Employment Law Project report on the Growing Movement for $15) Happily, in the last year, Massachusetts has taken some important steps to help boost wages and improve working conditions, including raising our statewide minimum wage, requiring most employers to provide earned paid sick time, and increasing the value of our state Earned Income Tax Credit. There are meaningful steps that could be taken at the state and national levels, to reverse the negative trends of recent decades, improving working conditions and raising wages and incomes for millions of working families. Significant progress towards creating an economy that supports broadly shared prosperity is possible. This would give us all something to celebrate, not just on Labor Day, but every day of the year. (See also U.S. Department of Labor website for more on the history of Labor Day) 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