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| NationalGrid outage map as of 8:00 PM 2/6/16 |
Sunday, February 7, 2016
NationalGrid: Snow Storm Restoration Update - 2/6/16 AM
Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends February Meeting Information - Feb 10
Please join the Franklin Newcomers and Friends for our version of Antique Roadshow, starring Lydia Kirchthurn, a Newcomers alum. We'll be upstairs in a private room at Restaurant "3" at 7:30pm on Wednesday, Feb 10.
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| Franklin Newcomers |
Lydia Kirchthurn is an old soul, and she has always loved antiques and the stories behind them. So in 2005 when she left her career in education to raise her children she started her new adventures with antiques. First she started buying antiques at yard sales and thrift stores and selling them on EBAY. Then she started selling her friend's antiques on EBAY, then whole houses of antiques, eventually working at a high end auction house run by an Antique Roadshow Alum. While at the auction house she realized that her passion for antiques and their stories included something unexpected - a connection to the spirits of the people who owned them.
In 2014 Lydia left the Auction business and enrolled in the Rhys Thomas School of Energy Medicine where she is currently studying and honing her unique gift. Now she is uniting her worlds and offering unique antique appraisals and communication with the spirits attached to them.
If you have a small, antique, family heirloom, feel free to bring it. Lydia will examine as many pieces as she can to reveal their value and possibly a story! Something personal, like jewelry, would be best.
As always, we welcome all to join us. Heavy appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary.
- To keep up with Lydia, you can read her blog here
http://lydiadustin.blogspot.com/
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Town of Franklin: Post Storm Update
Good Morning. Gary Premo calling with an post storm update.
National Grid reports appr 1400 customers without power in Franklin. They will continue to work on restoring power throughout the day, and report all should be restored by 9pm tonight.
- If you encounter a downed wired, do not approach; call 911.
- If you need a hot shower, the YMCA has offered their facility at 45 Forge Hill Road.
- If you need to recharge electronic devices, you may do so at Fire HQ, 40 W Central St.
Thank you for listening; stay safe.
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.
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| sunset post storm on Friday, Feb 5 |
MA Senate Passes Public Records Reform Bill
Today (2/4/16) the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed legislation reforming how the state handles public records. The legislation, originally sponsored by Senator Jason Lewis, is the first update to the public records law since the early 1970s.
"An accessible, transparent government is fundamental to the democratic process," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This bill strengthens our public records law to improve access and make the process of requesting records simpler, clearer and more fair. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate and advocates on all sides of this issue for engaging in a collaborative effort to bring our public records law into the 21st century, while providing flexibility for municipalities and agencies."
The legislation will reduce costs for records requestors and ensure timely compliance with public records requests. The bill also brings Massachusetts in line with 47 other states and the federal government in allowing attorney's fees to be awarded to plaintiffs who are victorious in court when denied records. The bill requires attorney fees to be awarded, except in certain defined situations.
Under the legislation, each state agency and municipality is required to appoint at least one public records access officer to serve as the point of contact for all public records requests and coordinate a timely and thorough response. The public records officer does not have to be a new employee.
The bill limits the amount that state agencies and municipalities can charge for production of the records. The limits are set at 5 cents per page for copies, down from 20 to 50 cents per page under current law, and the cost of a storage device. The bill requires state agencies to provide four free hours of employee time and two free hours for municipalities. Charges for requests that require more time are limited to $25 per hour.
The bill prohibits charging for records if the agency or municipality does not provide the record within 15 days of the request or does not respond to the requestor within ten days. It also requires punitive damages up to $5,000 if a court determines the government entity did not act in good faith.
Finally the bill requires state entities and encourages municipalities to post online many commonly requested public records. In addition, records are required to be provided in electronic format unless requested otherwise.
The bill will now be reconciled with the version passed by the House of Representatives before being sent to the Governor.
HMEA: Beatles concert - February 27th, 2016
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Foreign Language Classes Start Soon
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In the News: Coaches vs Cancer, foreign language classes
The Franklin High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and head coaches C.J. Neely and John Leighton will team up with the American Cancer Society to participate in the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative during the 5:30 and 7 p.m. games on Feb. 5 at 218 Oak St.Note: due to the snowstorm on Friday the games have been rescheduled for Sunday, Feb 7. The girls play at noon, the boys at 1:30 PM.
During the Panthers’ games against King Philip, fans will have an opportunity to take part in fundraising activities that will benefit the work of the American Cancer Society and its Coaches vs. Cancer initiative.
Donations will be collected onsite. The girls’ game begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by the boys at 7 p.m.
For more information, contact or Greg McKeever at 508-270-4823 or greg.mckeever@cancer.org.
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that empowers all coaches, their teams and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
For more information, visit coachesvscancer.org.http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160205/franklin-high-school-basketball-to-host-coaches-vs-cancer-games
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| FHS Panthers |
The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning, a program of the Franklin Public School’s Lifelong Learning Institute, will offer foreign language classes beginning Feb. 23 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St.
The offerings will include French I for Travelers, beginning Feb. 23; Italian I for Travelers, beginning Feb. 24; and Intermediate Conversational Italian II, beginning Feb. 25.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160205/franklins-adult-education-program-to-offer-foreign-language-classes
Franklin Art Association - meeting March 2
The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, March 2, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.
Franklin Art Association
Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30
The program will feature Rockport artist Chris Coyne. Chris will do a watercolor demo.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
For more information please visit our web site at www.franklinart.org or www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc......
Chris Coyne is a Rockport Massachusetts based plein air painter working in the Cape Ann tradition. Using Gruppe's palette he paints in both oils and watercolors and is comfortable in the field or in the studio.
A member of numerous art associations, he plies his trade from mountain to sea, producing marine art, landscapes and village scenes, as well as the occasional portrait and still life.
Both traditionally trained and self taught, Mr Coyne enjoys giving back to the art by sharing his love of painting and art through teaching and demonstrating in the classroom and in the field.
website: www.coynefineart.com
Friday, February 5, 2016
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/5/16 - THU 2/11/16
6:30pm Art Night Uncorked at the Franklin Art Center
8pm Choreographer’s Concert at Dean College
SATURDAY 2/6/16
8am-1pm Bone Marrow Registration Drive for Jennifer Felicetti at the Franklin YMCA
10am-12pm Information Session and Building Tour of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
2pm FSPA in The Box: Grease
7:30pm FSPA in The Box: Grease
8pm Choreographer’s Concert at Dean College
SUNDAY 2/7/16
7:30-10:30am Sunday Morning Breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club
TUESDAY 2/9/16
6:30-8pm Knitting Circle for Adults at Franklin Public Library
7:30pm Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee monthly meeting at the Franklin YMCA. Public welcome.
WEDNESDAY 2/10/16
6:30-7:30pm Open House at the Franklin High School for course selection for incoming 9th graders.
THURSDAY 2/11/16
6:30-8:30pm Relay For Life Fundraiser: Wine Tasting, food, raffles at Pour Richard's
For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.
For event details click HERE.
*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com
Franklin Police: Telephone scam claiming to be IRS agent
We are aware of an ongoing telephone scam where an individual claiming to be an IRS agent calls residents, states there is an arrest warrant or legal proceedings against the victim, and that the matter can be cleared up by making an immediate wire payment by such services as Western Union or Money Gram.
The IRS does not conduct business in this manner. They will contact people by certified US mail. They do not call and demand immediate payment to avoid criminal charges.
If you receive this type of call, hang up. DO NOT give any information to the caller.
Thank you
Chief Stephan H Semerjian
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| Franklin Police Station, 911 Panther Way |
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.
Franklin Student’s Collect Clothes for Foster Children
From February 1 through February 12, the Student Government at Jefferson Elementary School in Franklin is conducting a pajama and sock drive to benefit the Friends of Foster Care and Comfort Cases for kids. All collected pajamas and socks will be included within a backpack and delivered to the children as they begin their journey with a new foster home.
Representative Jeffrey Roy and Senator Richard Ross will be visiting the Jefferson Elementary School on February 12 at 9 a.m. to present the resourceful Student Government members with citations from both the House of Representatives and Senate congratulating them for their success.
"It is the small but sincere acts, like ensuring a foster child has new warm clothes, that can make all the difference in the world in the life of a young person," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "I am heartened to see that these kids took it upon themselves to take on this project, and recognize the difference they can make in the world. I am honored to represent such a creative and thoughtful group of young people."
"Our Student Council members worked together to organize this collection to help other children," said Principal Linda Ashley. "As educators we are very proud when our students extend our school's core values of responsibility and investment to help others in our community."
"A warm pair of socks and pajamas are comforts that many take for granted, yet these items are necessities in the cold winter months," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The compassionate, proactive students at Jefferson Elementary School are supporting other young people and setting a terrific example of generosity and caring in our community."
"I am so pleased that students at Jefferson Elementary School have organized such a fantastic initiative. Entering a new foster home can be hard, but a new set of clothes can go a long way to truly change someone's life for the better. These students are an inspiration for our community and I am so proud of the work they put into this," said Senator Ross. (R-Wrentham)
For anyone who may be interested in donating NEW and UNUSED pajamas and socks can feel free to bring these clothing items to the lobby of Jefferson School (628 Washington St, Franklin, MA 02038).
Representative Jeffrey Roy and Senator Richard Ross will be visiting the Jefferson Elementary School on February 12 at 9 a.m. to present the resourceful Student Government members with citations from both the House of Representatives and Senate congratulating them for their success.
"It is the small but sincere acts, like ensuring a foster child has new warm clothes, that can make all the difference in the world in the life of a young person," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "I am heartened to see that these kids took it upon themselves to take on this project, and recognize the difference they can make in the world. I am honored to represent such a creative and thoughtful group of young people."
"Our Student Council members worked together to organize this collection to help other children," said Principal Linda Ashley. "As educators we are very proud when our students extend our school's core values of responsibility and investment to help others in our community."
"A warm pair of socks and pajamas are comforts that many take for granted, yet these items are necessities in the cold winter months," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The compassionate, proactive students at Jefferson Elementary School are supporting other young people and setting a terrific example of generosity and caring in our community."
"I am so pleased that students at Jefferson Elementary School have organized such a fantastic initiative. Entering a new foster home can be hard, but a new set of clothes can go a long way to truly change someone's life for the better. These students are an inspiration for our community and I am so proud of the work they put into this," said Senator Ross. (R-Wrentham)
For anyone who may be interested in donating NEW and UNUSED pajamas and socks can feel free to bring these clothing items to the lobby of Jefferson School (628 Washington St, Franklin, MA 02038).
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| Jefferson Elementary School |
Recognition from the MBTA on Franklin Line troubles
After a 4 hour commute on Wednesday, on top of delays on Tuesday evenings commute, the MBTA issued a letter to all the Franklin Line riders on Thursday.
The proposed schedule line changes can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/franklin-line-schedule-changes-possible.html
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| letter from the MBTA |
The proposed schedule line changes can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/franklin-line-schedule-changes-possible.html
Citizen Comment: Jim Hill to Town Council, Feb 3, 2016
Good evening, Mr. Chair and Fellow Town Councilors, I’m James Hill and I live at 5 Gloucester Dr.
I’m here as a follow-up to the No Spectra Natural Gas Pipeline presentation of January 6th. I’m not here tonight to talk about the environmental damage caused by fracking and gas leaks. I’m not here to talk about exporting natural gas or having to pay an additional utility fee to pay for the pipeline. And I’m not here to restate that the Attorney General and the Conservation Law Foundation reports indicate that there’s no need for another pipeline.
I’m here to share the concerns of many residents of Franklin who worry about the safety of gas pipelines. At the Spectra Energy Open House two weeks ago, we observed aerial views of the existing and proposed pipelines. We’ve been to many of these areas and observed that the current pipeline appears to be within twenty feet of some homes, and close to many others. Most of these homes were built after the pipeline was installed in 1963, and before people knew the potential dangers. According to the PHMSA, the HCAs (High Consequence Areas) are at least a 660’ radius. According to a Spectra employee, the old 24-inch Algonquin pipe contains about 700lbs per square inch of pressure and the proposed 30” line would be at least that. In some areas on the Spectra maps the current pipe and the proposed pipe appear to be very close each other.
Given the fact that there was a serious gas leak in Medway on January 5, the close location of these pipes is frightening to us. According to a January 6th Milford Daily News article, several homes were evacuated for six hours while the leak was repaired. In addition to the Medway Fire Department, the Milford, Millis and Holliston fire departments were on hand. In our opinion, the fact that the pipes, in some areas, will be within feet of each other would increase the incineration zone exponentially. If one pipeline exploded, the other probably could too. A leak and a spark would cause a catastrophic event. This could have happened in Medway or here given the fact that gas leaks are common.
According to the US Department of Transportation’s Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration from 1994 through 2013, there were 110 serious incidents with interstate gas transmission pipelines, resulting in $448,900,333 in property damages, 195 injuries and 41 deaths. From 2002 to 2015 there were 589 resolved civil penalty cases totaling $47, 447,675. At this time there are another 637 open cases with proposed penalties of $64,856,000.
On November 30, 2015 Steve Aklquist of RI Future.org wrote an article based on an interview with two former safety inspectors who worked for Spectra in nearby Burrillville, Rhode Island. The two safety inspectors were working on a section of Spectra Energy’s AIM pipeline system and stated that the company cut corners when it came to project, worker and environmental safety.
One inspector was quoted as saying, “Right now, what they’re hoping to do, is they’re hoping to slam all this through, and then at the end ask for forgiveness,” They’ll say, “Oops, sorry about that, I didn’t know, let me write you a check. Because once this thing’s turning meter, they’re going to be making millions of dollars a day. It doesn’t matter what your problems are.” According to the article the other inspector added , “These pipes have to last underground for at least 50 years…. If there’s the smallest mistake in their cathodic protection, that’s what’s going to corrode. All of a sudden you’ve got, even at 800-900 pounds of pressure, doesn’t sound like much, but when you’ve got a 42-inch pipe, traveling that distance and it goes ka-bang, you’re not talking about taking out a block, you’re talking about taking out a large area. You’re talking about a humongous ecological impact, you’re talking about displacing hundreds of families, you’re talking about leveling homes, killing people instantly, I mean, if one of those places were to go up, it’s going to be a bad day.” End of quote.
As I said, we’re not here to talk about the environmental damage caused by gas leaks and fracking. Or the fact that both the Attorney General and the Conservation Law Foundation’s research indicates that there are better ways to address peak winters days than adding another pipeline.
We’re here to say that given the track record of pipelines and the extreme pressure and proposed location of a new pipeline, we ask that you, the Town Council members, consider the safety of our citizens and consider legal ways to protect our town from undesirable development.
To that end I have emailed each of you a link to a document entitled “Local Government, A Guide to Pipelines” written by the Pipeline Safety Trust with a grant from the US Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Administration. Thanks for your time.
I’m here as a follow-up to the No Spectra Natural Gas Pipeline presentation of January 6th. I’m not here tonight to talk about the environmental damage caused by fracking and gas leaks. I’m not here to talk about exporting natural gas or having to pay an additional utility fee to pay for the pipeline. And I’m not here to restate that the Attorney General and the Conservation Law Foundation reports indicate that there’s no need for another pipeline.
I’m here to share the concerns of many residents of Franklin who worry about the safety of gas pipelines. At the Spectra Energy Open House two weeks ago, we observed aerial views of the existing and proposed pipelines. We’ve been to many of these areas and observed that the current pipeline appears to be within twenty feet of some homes, and close to many others. Most of these homes were built after the pipeline was installed in 1963, and before people knew the potential dangers. According to the PHMSA, the HCAs (High Consequence Areas) are at least a 660’ radius. According to a Spectra employee, the old 24-inch Algonquin pipe contains about 700lbs per square inch of pressure and the proposed 30” line would be at least that. In some areas on the Spectra maps the current pipe and the proposed pipe appear to be very close each other.
Given the fact that there was a serious gas leak in Medway on January 5, the close location of these pipes is frightening to us. According to a January 6th Milford Daily News article, several homes were evacuated for six hours while the leak was repaired. In addition to the Medway Fire Department, the Milford, Millis and Holliston fire departments were on hand. In our opinion, the fact that the pipes, in some areas, will be within feet of each other would increase the incineration zone exponentially. If one pipeline exploded, the other probably could too. A leak and a spark would cause a catastrophic event. This could have happened in Medway or here given the fact that gas leaks are common.
According to the US Department of Transportation’s Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration from 1994 through 2013, there were 110 serious incidents with interstate gas transmission pipelines, resulting in $448,900,333 in property damages, 195 injuries and 41 deaths. From 2002 to 2015 there were 589 resolved civil penalty cases totaling $47, 447,675. At this time there are another 637 open cases with proposed penalties of $64,856,000.
On November 30, 2015 Steve Aklquist of RI Future.org wrote an article based on an interview with two former safety inspectors who worked for Spectra in nearby Burrillville, Rhode Island. The two safety inspectors were working on a section of Spectra Energy’s AIM pipeline system and stated that the company cut corners when it came to project, worker and environmental safety.
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| Cathodic protection |
As I said, we’re not here to talk about the environmental damage caused by gas leaks and fracking. Or the fact that both the Attorney General and the Conservation Law Foundation’s research indicates that there are better ways to address peak winters days than adding another pipeline.
We’re here to say that given the track record of pipelines and the extreme pressure and proposed location of a new pipeline, we ask that you, the Town Council members, consider the safety of our citizens and consider legal ways to protect our town from undesirable development.
To that end I have emailed each of you a link to a document entitled “Local Government, A Guide to Pipelines” written by the Pipeline Safety Trust with a grant from the US Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Administration. Thanks for your time.
Death with Dignity Informational Presentation
A Death with Dignity Informational Presentation will take place at the First Universalist Society, 262 Chestnut Street on Sunday, Feb 28th, from 1-2:30 p.m.
The presenter will be Marie Manis, Massachusetts Campaign Manager for Compassion and Choices, which is the leading nonprofit organization working to improve care and expand choice at the end of life.
Compassion and Choices
For more than 30 years they have increased people's quality of life and given them added peace of mind in their final days – even when injury or illness takes their voice. They work to change attitudes, practices and policies so that everyone can access the information and options they need to have more control and comfort in their final days.
You will hear more about the national aid in dying movement and the bill currently in the MA legislature co-sponsored by 29 lawmakers, and find out what you can do to support it.
This event is open to the public.
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