Guided Nature Walk - Saturday, Jun 11 at 8 AM

The Stony Brook Nature Center in Norfolk is hosting a free event in Franklin this Saturday. Please see the attachment. We would appreciate any assistance that you can provide to spread the word.

one of the trails in the Franklin Town Forest off Summer St

Paving operations delayed (again)

Paving operations have been cancelled again tonight (Thursday) due to asphalt's mix test failing the states required specs. 

The contractor will be adjusting and re-testing the mix again hopefully tomorrow (Friday) or early next week. 

Please contact the Town Administrator's Office at 520-4949 with any questions. 

We will continue to keep the public informed through our website, Twitter and Facebook.

construction downtown Franklin

In the News: legislators meet with Town Council, Charter School plans for new building

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

"Members of the Town Council shared their concerns - largely regarding future benefits owed to employees - to the town's legislative delegation at a meeting this week. 

The council met with State Sens. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, at its meeting Wednesday night. 

Many of the councilors said they had concerns about other post-employment benefits (OPEB) - the cost of benefits other than pensions that will come due to retired town employees. Franklin's unfunded liability for such benefits is more than $90 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160609/franklin-councilors-share-concerns-with-legislators

Senator Ross, Senator Spilka, Representative Roy speaking with the Town Council (Town of Franklin photo)

"In an effort to expand its enrollment, the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School has sought town approval for a new location. 

This is the latest step in a multi-year process that school officials hope will end with a new Washington Street facility opening in September 2017. 

"About four years ago, our Board of Trustees made the decision to try to move out of our current (Main Street) facility," said Heather Zolnowski, the head of the school, adding that the building is shared with the Catholic Archdiocese, which runs a large religious education program. "Our partnership has been amazing, but we need to vacate the building after 3:45 p.m., which makes it difficult to run after-school programs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160609/franklin-charter-school-hopes-for-new-building

Article Two would also ensure “all cushioning materials are encapsulated”

The Medway Town Meeting voted to move away from crumb rubber on artificial turf fields.

"Residents voted to reject a proposed three-year moratorium on artificial turf during a standing vote at a Special Town Meeting Thursday night. 

However, voters accepted a motion for a different article that officials said could help address some of the concerns that the moratorium sought to ease. 

Article One, which asked the town to adopt a three-year moratorium on “the engineering, planning, construction or installation of any synthetic turf,” or loose crumb-rubber infill. Filed as a citizen’s petition, it would not have affected existing fields or turf used on private property. Proponents said chemicals used in crumb rubber — or recycled tire pieces — can pose potential health risks. 

The public accepted Article Two, which sought the approval of $450,000 of Community Preservation funds to be used for playground renovations and enhancements — including handicap accessibility — at local parks, according to the warrant."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160609/medway-residents-vote-down-turf-moratorium-proposal

the new artificial turf field at FHS has good softness with its new infill although it is
crumb rubber and is controversial

Electric Youth Bon Voyage Concert At THE BLACK BOX - June 18

Electric Youth (EY), the international touring ensemble of singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), will perform at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin on Saturday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m. The event is a Bon Voyage Concert for Electric Youth, coming just days before the ensemble departs on June 23rd for a three-week concert tour of Austria and Italy. The group’s 13th European tour will include a return Fourth of July show at Aviano Air Force Base to entertain U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad.

Electric Youth shows offer high-energy family entertainment, delivering fully choreographed performances of classic rock, contemporary pop and Broadway hits for audiences of all ages. The group is backed by an eight-piece band of Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison. The Bon Voyage concert at THE BLACK BOX will feature two full sets including the best of Adele, Beyonce, Imagine Dragons, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Pink, Louis Prima, Queen, Frank Sinatra, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder and more.

Electric Youth performing at THE BLACK BOX

Electric Youth’s 2016 tour will also feature performances in Vienna, Kirchberg, Gmunden, Melk and St. Polten, Austria, including a benefit concert for pediatric cancer and patient family support. Performances in Italy will include multiple shows in Lignano, Bibione and Concordia along the Adriatic Coast, concerts in Todi and Cortona within the Tuscany-Umbria region, and at Lake Como.

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 14-18, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at FSPA. Electric Youth 2016 includes Madison Asgeirsson, Brooke Collins, Aaron Frongillo, Jocelyn Jones, Lauren Szczepanowski and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans and Colie Vancura of Medfield; Katie Gray of Milford; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham.

EY’s show band features Kenny Hadley on drums, Arnie Krakowsky on tenor saxophone, Bill Miele on bass, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Ken Reid on baritone saxophone, Mark White on guitar and Director Raye Lynn Mercer on piano. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Poniatowski, Mark White and Ben Whiting. Hallie Wetzell is Electric Youth’s Vocal Director. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Tickets for the Bon Voyage show are $26. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. To learn more about Electric Youth or the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.electricyouth.com and www.fspaonline.com.

Northgate / Coronation Drive Neighborhood meeting - Thursday, June 9

I had picked up via the grapevine concerns about work to be done in the Northgate/Coronation Drive neighborhood and sent an email to the DPW which resulted in this response:

"There is a neighborhood meeting tomorrow night at 6PM at regarding the reconstruction of the Northgate area, which includes Coronation Drive. 

Yes, it is planned for roadway surface reductions for stormwater, traffic calming, and most importantly costs. Also there will be sidewalk reductions, but we are aware of the poor drop off area behind the Kennedy School so we are making improvements there."

Thanks,

Robert A. Cantoreggi
Director
Department of Public Works
Town of Franklin

--------------

Re: Construction Notice – Neighborhood Meeting

Dear Residents:

The Franklin Department of Public Works will be working with a private contractor to reconstruct the roadways in the Northgate Neighborhood where the Town recently replaced the water mains last year. Specifically, road work will occur along Northgate Road, Coronation Drive, Parliament Drive, Regent Circle, Royal Court, Baron Road, and Brian Road. The road work will begin this summer and is expected to continue through the fall.

During construction, portions of the road may be closed or restricted to one lane of traffic, but normal two-way traffic will be resumed at the end of each work day.

We will be holding a neighborhood meeting on Thursday June 9, 2016 at 6:00pm, located under the awning at the front entrance to the Kennedy School to discuss possible roadway changes.

In accordance with the Town of Franklin By-Law Amendment 03-513, Paragraph 155-1.2 street openings will not be allowed within five years of the final paving. If you anticipate excavating in the street within the next five years, you should make arrangements prior to have the work completed as soon as possible.

We appreciate your patience during construction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (508) 553-5500.

Sincerely,



Robert A. Cantoreggi,
Director of Public Works

--------------

an image of the letter to the neighborhood which prompted the email exchange.

Become A French Wine Scholar

Developed by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. 

This is NOT an introductory wine class; students should have professional wine experience or previous classroom study. Students must be familiar with the concepts of viticulture and vinification, major grape varieties, wine regions, and wine styles from across the globe, and have experience tasting wine in a formal setting.

Our next session starts September 6 and will run on nine consecutive Tuesday evenings.

Dates: September 6-November 1; Review November 15; Exam date: November 29, 2016 

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 

Location: Franklin Liquors, 363 E. Central Street, Franklin MA 

Instructed by: Kim M. Simone, CSW, FWS 

Tuition: $999Seating is limited, and you must be 21+ to participate

Sign Up Here: https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=2068

Wine Scholar Guild

For additional information check out the posting on Franklin Liquors webpage
https://franklinliquors.wordpress.com/2016/06/08/french-wine-scholar-program-now-in-franklin-ma/

Survivor Carnival - Jun 25

Survivor Challenges

On Saturday, June 25th from 12:00-3:00 pm the Hockomock YMCA we will be hosting a “Survivor” themed carnival. The winner of Survivor, Jeremy Spencer will be there to meet and greet with families as well as sign autographs. 

The day will incorporate “Survivor Challenges”, bounce house, obstacle course, carnival games, a cook out and of course the outdoor pool and splash park. It will be $10 per family (tickets for carnival games are sold separately) and all proceeds will benefit the Reach Out for Youth and Families campaign.



For additional info visit the Y online -->>  http://hockymca.org/

In the News: Holocaust survivor speaks, Tri-County graduation, pipeline talk at Milford Library

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

"Horace Mann School eighth-graders have been reading the names of Holocaust victims as part of the school's "Days of Remembrance" week. 

When Janet Applefield appeared in front of them Wednesday morning, she told them she nearly became one of them. 

"You could've been reading my name," the Holocaust survivor said at the school while recounting her experiences during World War II."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160608/franklin-holocaust-survivor-speaks-at-horace-mann

"Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School handed out 218 diplomas to the Class of 2016 during the school’s 37th graduation ceremony, held June 5. 

Joining Superintendent-Director Stephen Dockray at the stage were school committee Chair Steven Trask; school committee Vice Chair Donna Cabibbo; Principal Michael Procaccini; Vocational Director Jean George; Director of Guidance Scott O’Brien; class valedictorian Jennifer Bowness, of North Attleborough; class salutatorian Thomas Vagnini, of Medfield; and class president Stephanie Brousseau, of North Attleborough."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160608/tri-county-holds-graduation-ceremony

"A local group opposed to Spectra Energy’s proposed pipeline is holding an informational meeting at the Milford Town Library Thursday night. 

Carolyn and Rand Barthel from 350 Massachusetts, a network of volunteer activists from around the state, will give a fact-based PowerPoint presentation about the pipeline, which is proposed to run through Milford and several other Milford-area towns. 

The presentation is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m. at the library, 80 Spruce St."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160608/pipeline-presentation-at-library-thursday

Strawberry Shortcake booth location for Thursday's Strawberry Stroll

Due to construction delays, organizers are moving the Strawberry Shortcake booth location for Thursday's Strawberry Stroll. 

Cheerful employees from Dean Bank will scoop up the sweet, juicy treats on the grassy lawn at the corner of East Central and Summer streets. Normally the booth is located on the sidewalk in front of the bank on Main. 

Sponsorship Row booths and entertainment provided by Music Odyssey Productions will be located in the parking lot next to Century 21 Commonwealth. Businesses located inside the Depot Street building will also be open.

More entertainment and vendor booths will fill the Simon's Furniture parking lot on Summer Street, and new businesses Silver Tree Jewelry and Maven Hair Company will be open. 

Don't miss Jamie Barrett performing at Jane's Frames on East Central, the Touch-A-Truck event at the Fire Station, or the lemonade, cookies and displays at the Historical Museum.

More than 30 businesses and groups are participating! Pick up a "Stroll Happenings" listing at participating businesses Thursday afternoon. 

Strawberry Stroll Sponsors

Don't forget our newest sponsor, Tom Fricker Heating and AC, Inc.!

• This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/06/strawberry-shortcake-booth-to-be.html

"we’re not going to underestimate them"

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of Hockomock Sports, provides the write up on the FHS girls lacrosse match Tuesday:

For the second time in three seasons, Franklin will be playing in the Div. 1 East final, following a 14-7 victory on Tuesday night against fifth seed Bishop Feehan at Pisini Field. 

The Panthers beat Feehan for the second time this season (Franklin won 10-3 in the regular season meeting) and the experience of playing a regular season schedule loaded with tournament-caliber opponents, including many ranked in the top 10 in the state, is paying off, according to head coach Kristin Igoe. 

“I definitely think strength of schedule is a big factor,” she explained. “We’ve been in games where we’re up, we’ve been crushed, and we’ve been close at half…we’ve had every situation and I think that helps in the tournament.”

Continue reading the article online at Hockomock Sports
http://hockomocksports.com/battle-tested-franklin-girls-lacrosse-return-d1-east-final/

Kenzie Pleshaw (15) led the Franklin girls lacrosse team to its second D1 East final in three years with a win over Feehan. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Additional photos from the FHS vs. Feehan match can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Spring-2016/Franklin-Bishop-Feehan-Girls/

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Reports Solid Real Estate Results for May

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Solid Real Estate Results for May Spring roared in like a lion when it came to May real estate sales in Norfolk County, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. The Register noted, "For the month of May, a total of 1,554 property transactions, both residential and commercial, were recorded in Norfolk County. This activity represented a 7% increase from the previous May. In addition, the total dollar volume of residential and commercial real estate transactions was $682 million, an impressive 13% increase year over year. These are encouraging numbers and point to continued momentum in the real estate market." Results were however mixed for lending activity. "May 2016 saw 2,814 mortgages recorded against Norfolk County property, representing a 5% increase over the previous May. However, the total dollar amount borrowed during May 2016 was actually a decrease of 5% from May 2015. While these numbers may appear contradictory, I would remind readers that this figure can be significantly impacted by just a small number of commercial loans," stated O'Donnell. Last month's statistics clearly indicate that Norfolk County homeowners continue to take advantage of the Homestead Act, an important consumer tool. For the month of May, a total of 1,114 Homesteads were recorded, a 12% increase from last May. A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Foreclosure activity continued to be a cause of some concern during May 2016. The total number of Notices to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, came in at 84 compared to 63 in May 2015. Foreclosure deed recordings, the final step in the foreclosure process, were flat. A total of 22 foreclosure deeds were processed in May compared to 25 in May of 2015. O'Donnell noted, "There is no question that some of this foreclosure activity stems from the economic downturn that took place between 2008 and 2009. There is also no question that some of our neighbors are facing economic hardship today. The Registry is proud 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 consumers is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333." Register O'Donnell concluded, "May was a solid month for real estate activity in Norfolk County. The strong eastern Massachusetts economy is clearly the driving force behind these results. While the Federal Reserve is again talking about raising interest rates in June or July, I am confident that both the real estate and lending markets will withstand this potential increase. My primary concern is that real estate inventory levels do not slip. Overall, given May's current data, I am cautiously optimistic that the real estate market will continue on a favorable trend in Norfolk County through the summer months." 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

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Downtown Project Update - #33 - 2 way traffic likely after the 4th of July

It is now anticipated that the Two-Way Traffic system in downtown will take effect after the Fourth of July and the annual parade and festival. The Town will continue to keep residents and downtown businesses informed when a specific date has been identified. The Town will have five electronic boards and plenty of signage when the actual date takes effect. 

The construction crews plan to begin paving late this week (at night after 8:00 PM) and anticipate two days next week, the week of June 13th. 

Tomorrow (Wednesday) and early Thursday of this week should have the brick sidewalks completed on the Century 21 side of the downtown sidewalks. 

If anyone has a question, please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.

new brick walkways downtown

In the News: Tri-County safety day, Franklin 5K, suspended license

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

"A Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School program has begun a "Public Safety Days" initiative, aimed at helping students make good decisions. 

The event, which kicked off Tuesday, is held by the school's Legal and Protective Services program. It invites students from Tri-County's other programs to take part in a series of activities relating to safety. 

"We're kind of new - my oldest kids are juniors," said Heidi Bastien, an instructor in the program. "We held the first Public Safety Days last year in the gym. We did a public service announcement and had some activities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160607/franklin-tri-county-hosts-public-safety-days

"The Hockomock YMCA will hold the Franklin 5K walk/run family event from 10 a.m. to noon June 26 at 628 Washington St. 

Now in its 12th year, this community event supports programs for children with disabilities at the YMCA. The event is free. 

The race, formerly called Run for Bob, was started by Kris and Kayla Biagiotti in memory of Kayla’s dad Bob Biagiotti and his belief that no child should be left on the sidelines. Kris continues her advocacy through this event. Inspired by Team Hoyt, Kris and Kayla (The K Girls) became the first mother/daughter team to finish the Boston Marathon in 2013."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160607/hockomock-ymca-to-hold-franklin-5k-walkrun

"Reports from the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs indicate a Franklin assisted living facility violated several state regulations and failed to submit timely reports of stolen painkillers and resident injuries. 

According to the results of a Freedom of Information Act request, there are several documented instances of the facility, The Estate at Franklin, not complying with state regulations as well as lost and injured patients. 

The facility had its assisted living certification suspended by the state Executive office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) on Feb. 5 due to several incidents at the facility dating back to November of 2015."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160607/stolen-meds-injured-patients-led-to-suspension-of-franklin-elder-care-facility-license

The Franklin 5K invites the community to run on June 26

The YMCA is pleased to announce the return of the Franklin 5K walk/run family event, which will be held on Sunday, June 26. Now in its twelfth year, this fun community event supports programs for children with disabilities at the Y.

The race will take place at Remington Jefferson School and the scenic surrounding neighborhood at 628 Washington Street in Franklin. Free activities for families will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Franklin 5K - June 26

The race, formerly called Run for Bob, was started by Kris and Kayla Biagiotti in memory of Kayla’s dad Bob Biagiotti and his belief that no child should be left on the sidelines. Kris continues her advocacy through this event. Inspired by Team Hoyt, Kris and Kayla (The K Girls) achieved the incredible accomplishment of being the first mother/daughter team to finish the Boston Marathon in 2013. But it was not easy. Kris and Kayla were 50 yards from the finish line when the first bomb went off, and instead of raising their hands in victory, they were forced to shield themselves from flying shrapnel. A month later, they got to cross the finish line and receive their medals at The Franklin 5K. The race has raised more than $80,000 over the past several years to benefit children with special needs.

“The Hockomock Area YMCA is to be commended for creating such a wonderful program for the youth in the communities it serves,” said Dick Hoyt upon receipt of the Legends Award in 2012 at the Y’s Legends Ball, the annual gala at the Hockomock Area YMCA raising funds for the Integration Initiative. The initiative was born 11 years ago at the Hockmomock Y out of an emerging need in our community to provide inclusive programs for children with special needs and their typically developing peers.

Register today at hockymca.org. Cost is $25, but will increase to $30 after June 10. 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. On the day of the event, walk-in registration will be offered starting at 9:00am. Pre-event bib pickup will be offered. The 5K will start at 10:00am.

Free family activities include: Kids Fun Run, inflatable obstacle course, refreshments, games, DJ entertainment, and more.

Thank you to event sponsors Ashworth Awards, Bay State Physical Therapy, Design Elements for Business, and the Rodman Ride for Kids. Questions, please contact Sr. Director of Youth Programming Tim Shaw at 774-235-2746 or tims@hockymca.org.

About The Hockomock Area YMCA

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

With over 31,000 members, the YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable community driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and the Mansfield Arts & Education Center. For more information, visit hockymca.org.