"too late for homeowners to protect their trees"

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

"The MetroWest area is one of several across the state that has been hit hard by the gypsy moth caterpillar and local arborists say there is little homeowners can do now to protect their trees from the insect. 

Throughout the past few years – and particularly this year – the gypsy moth caterpillar population has been on the rise, likely due to dry springs the past few years. The dry weather has repressed the growth of entomophaga maimaiga, a soil-based fungus that kills gypsy moth larvae. 

“We’ve seen a lot more the past five to 10 years,” said Eric Taylor, consulting arborist with Lynch Plant Health Care in Sudbury."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160619/metrowest-hit-hard-by-gypsy-moth-caterpillar

tree on the Franklin Town Common whose leaves are being decimated by the gypsy moth (or something else?)

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is providing a friendly reminder to consumers that you don't have to spend time and money to drive to the Registry to view land records since they are available online via the Registry's internet-based document research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "Consumers can see up to 5,000,000 scanned land document images dating back to the founding of Norfolk County in 1793. These documents are available via our internet-based document research system. "Providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information, coupled with our on-site customer service center, is critical to our success at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," said Register O'Donnell. Elaborating on the Registry's research capabilities, O'Donnell said, "Land record information can be researched by multiple options, including the name of the property owner and property address. Consumers can access our internet-based document research system for many endeavors, to determine property ownership, to research land titles, to review land plans (not plot plans which are not recorded at the Registry) and finally to confirm that documents affecting a person's property - such as mortgage discharges - have been duly recorded." The Registry's website also provides information on how to obtain copies of land documents. The Registry copy charges are $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry. Norfolk County residents and businesses deserve a Registry of Deeds that provides them with access to land record information in an easily accessible and consumer friendly manner. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org does that by bringing the Registry records into your homes and businesses." 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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 22, 2016

The agenda for the Town Council meeting Wednesday, June 22 has been released with the associated documents.

• The annual committee appointments was tabled from last meeting and is up for vote at this one
• Thomas Lynch gets sworn in as Police Chief, James Mills gets sworn in as Deputy Chief
• The plan for parking downtown is up for discussion

The PDF file here contains links to the supporting documents:

parking spots by the Bank of America building along Emmons St that are part of the
easement agreement up for approval on this agenda

Franklin Recreation Department Introduces Pickleball

The Franklin Recreation Department is excited to announce that this summer we will be introducing a new program for the sport of Pickleball. According to USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) it is one of the quickest growing sports being played all across the country. Pickleball is a fast paced paddle sport that combines elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

This program will be open to anyone ages 10 and up! Join us as we have open court time at the Franklin High School tennis courts on Tuesdays starting on June 28th and continuing until August 9th from 7-9 PM. Take this time to learn the rules and master the skills of the game or if you are already familiar with the sport use the time to compete against your friends in doubles matches each week. All necessary equipment will be provided, including nets, paddles, balls, etc. Registration is now open, free of charge and can be completed online, by visiting the Recreation Department at 275 Beaver Street in Franklin or by calling us at 508-613-1666.

• To register online

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recreation/online

USA Pickleball Association

• For more info on starting pickleball

http://www.usapa.org/what-is-pickleball/

• From YouTube pickleball video tips for players

Downtown Parking Proposal - for discussion at the Town Council meeting June 22

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting writes to the Town Council:

"The goal of parking management in the downtown is to provide for turnover of spaces for customers at reasonable time intervals. The parking “problem” has several issues including:

1. Keeping MBTA commuters from using spaces reserved for customers
2. Parking for some downtown employees
3. Parking close to business establishments
4. Underutilization of some spaces

After several meetings with the business community and discussion with staff and the police department I offer for discussion the following suggested changes to the downtown parking:

1. Streets - Generally the colored lines are as follows: 

a. Red – No Parking. 

b. Purple – 2 hour parking enforced Monday – Friday from 8 AM - 2 PM. This is generally the immediate down town area. 

c. Blue – 2 hour parking enforced Monday –Friday from 6 AM – 10 AM. These areas are currently a mixed bag of 2 hour parking with various restrictions or residential parking. The intent is to prevent commuter parking in these spaces in the AM. 

d. Green – Merchant Parking enforced Monday – Friday 6 AM – 2 PM If there are no colors than parking is allowed 24/7 except for snow and ice or other events.

2. Downtown Parking Lots - 

a. Commuter Parking 

–i. Currently there are 53 spaces in the Depot Street lot and 17 Spaces in the West Central Street Lot. 

ii. Hours = I propose that we sell commuter spaces Monday-Friday 6 AM – Noon. 

iii. If spaces are available after noon anyone can park in the space. The current fee is$480 per year ($125 per quarter) or about $2 per day. 

b. Merchant Permits 

–i. Currently 22 spaces – I propose to sell merchant parking.

ii. Hours = Monday – Friday 6 AM- 2PM. After 2 PM anyone can park in the spaces. 

iii. The current fee is $360 per year ($180 for six months) or about $1.35 per day.Currently one business uses 16 spaces, one uses 5 spaces and 1 uses 1 space. I suggest the Council consider increasing the fee to match the Commuter space fee of $480 per year. The spaces have the same value and cost the same to maintain. 

iv. Add an HP spot in the Ferrara lot. 

v. Keep 5 spaces for customers and continue to sell the rest for commuter rail. 

vi. Adjust the number of customer spaces as may be required by reducing commuter spaces in demand dictates a change.

Once the Town Council adopts a plan it should be reviewed the plan in six months."


For the full text and map visit the Franklin page here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0242A573-000F8513

Or view the document here




Yes, there were parking meters downtown. They were covered in burlap for the holidays and removed in early January. In front of Rockland Trust, the parking meetings have been removed but there is still one on the other side in front of the Post Office.

January 10, 2016

a little further along Main St but in front of Rockland Trust, Saturday, June 18

Summer Food Service Program Kicks Off in Milford

A collaborative project with the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition,

the Milford Public Schools Food Services and the Hockomock Area YMCA

The Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition is presenting the Milford Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA in collaboration with the Milford Public Schools Food Services team. The program begins on Thursday, June 23rd and will end on Tuesday, August 30th.

The program is being offered at three locations in Milford, MA including Memorial Elementary School located at 12 Walnut Street; The Milford Youth Center located at 24 Pearl Street; and the Trinity Episcopal Church located at 17 Congress Street.

The Summer Food Service Program in Milford will be serving nutritious lunches for all children who would like to participate (ages 18 and under) Monday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Participants must remain onsite while eating and enjoying the meal. Each site will also offer fun, interactive activities after the lunch each weekday. This program is free and open to all. No advanced sign-up or paperwork required. In addition to the free lunch, an afternoon snack is available at the Milford Youth Center from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each week day.

“We are proud that our Y is a place where community comes together to make a difference when we engage in initiatives like the Milford Summer Food Service Program,” said Ed Hurley, president of the Hockomock Area YMCA. “Our partnership with the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition and the Milford Public Schools will positively impact hundreds of Milford children and families. Collectively we are working to ensure that more kids have the nourishment they need to grow and thrive this summer.”

A pilot program was launched last summer in Milford by the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition (MAHC). The program served 2,200 meals to children over the course of the summer. "Last summer’s lunch program was a huge success. We used private funding to test out the pilot program. The good news is that every child who comes to one of the three lunch sites will be fed each week day this summer. We anticipate 300 to 500 kids a day. The bad news is that there are over 1,400 children in the Milford school system who depend on the school for their meals (reduced price and free) over the course of the school year. Let’s make sure that no child goes to bed hungry this summer,” said Rev. William MacDonald Murray, who is also the rector at Trinity Episcopal Church and leads the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition.

Kevin McIntyre, incoming Superintendent of Milford Public Schools said, "We are very excited to partner with the Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA for the Summer Food Service Program. This supports a clear need in the community and will provide meals to our students throughout the summer. I look forward to this being an annual partnership because of the vital need this fills when school is out of session."

For more information or to be a program volunteer, email mealprograms@hockymca.org. Information can also be found on Facebook (Milford Summer Food Service Program) and Twitter (@Milford_SFSP). As well as on the website: hockymca.org.

Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or ability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Thank you to the following sponsors who have supported this program with grants or donations of over $250 dollars: The Walmart Foundation, The Episcopal Churches of Central and Western Massachusetts, The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, CHNA 6, Project Bread, Unibank, Bright Insurance, Trinity Episcopal Church, First Congregational Church, Milford Federal Saving and Loan, Milford National Bank and Trust, Partners by Design, Commission on Disability, Imperial Ford, Law Offices of Michael M. Kaplan P.C., Harold and Marcia Rhodes, and the Milford Rotary Club.

Milford Summer Food Service Program, sponsored by the Hockomock Area YMCA

In the News Rail trail spring clean up; pedestrian killed on tracks

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

"A contingent of volunteers walked the local portion of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail Saturday morning, picking up trash and clearing brush. 

The cleanup, organized by the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, is part of an ongoing effort to keep the path clear of obstructions. 

"We try to have a cleanup about three times a year," said Edward Barth, the committee's president. "We work to time it with when the (state Department of Conservation and Recreation) is available. Usually, our fall cleanup is the big one."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160618/making-some-happy-trails

From the FBRTC Facebook page:

Ready for walk and work (FBRTC photo)

For additional photos of the clean up on Saturday
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=ms.c.eJxFzMENwDAIQ9GNKgMJxvsvVok09Pr0bUOIRqazUl6PHSho7djCwDrFD2wwXpD3hPOh3QU0UAfygwLSHB4c8FP4QH~_U7kcFewK86HIl8g~-~-.bps.a.1039714256120612.1073741843.185258844899495&type=3

"A pedestrian was struck and killed by an MBTA commuter rail train Saturday afternoon. 

The incident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. between Fisher and Union streets."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160618/franklin-person-struck-by-commuter-rail-train

THE BLACK BOX marquee is working!

A brief ceremony on Friday honored the accomplishment of the Franklin School for Performing Arts in turning on the marquee at THE BLACK BOX. The amazing performance venue will now be able to more easily advertise the shows available. Ironically, the first show on the marquee is already 'sold out.'

FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer and Alan Mercer talk to the small gathering inside the theater. They recounted some of the trial and tribulations on the journey to make the theater and the marquee a reality. Many helped in this effort. Representative Jeff Roy was on hand to be recognized for his assistance and to help acknowledge officials at both the local and state level that helped along the way.

FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer and Alan Mercer

FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer and Rep Jeffrey Roy

The lit up marquee

more about the FSPA   http://fspaonline.com/


THE BLACK BOX online box office   http://www.theblackboxonline.com/

Genealogy Club to hear about software choices

The next meeting of the Genealogy Club will meet at the Franklin Historical Museum on Thursday, June 30 at 6:30 PM.

Richard Reid from the Friends of Irish Research will discuss the options of software to use when doing research.

This was shared from the Franklin Library website
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/06/franklin-library-genealogy-club-meeting.html

Note: the Library is open and operational in its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while renovations are being made to the building on Main St.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/franklin-library-reopens-may-2-at-25.html

The Fiddling Thomsons To Perform At The Franklin Historical Museum

The Franklin Historical Museum is happy to be participating in the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival to be held the last week of July.

As part of the festival, the Fiddling Thomsons will perform on the front porch of the museum Thursday evening, July28th from 5:00pm -7:30pm.

Ryan and Brennish Thomson are an award winning father and son duo who will be performing lively tunes on a variety of old time instruments of historical nature. Together they play twin fiddles, wooden spoons, jaw harp, cajon box, drum, rhythm bones, mandolin,banjo, accordion, flute, foot percussion, penny whistle, to name a few! The duo will entertain with their large repertoire of fun and lively tunes and will be available to answer questions from the audience regarding the folk instruments they play.

Join us for Fiddling and Folk Music on Thursday the 28th, on the front lawn of the museum for some lively entertainment and a night of family fun.

More information on the duo can be found on their website, captainfiddle.com.

The evening is sponsored and hosted by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. The Cultural District Festival runs from Wednesday, July 27th through Saturday July 30th. 

See you there.

Fiddling Thomsons (image grab from YouTube video)

For more about the Fiddling Thomsons visit their YouTube channel

In the News: Freedom from Hunger Food Drive, workforce disability conference, teacher contract close

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

"St. Mary’s Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will host its sixth annual Freedom from Hunger Food Drive from June 25 to 26. 

In order to receive a variety of nonperishable items, the group has divided the alphabet into six groups and are requesting different donations from each group.
The items requested are divided by the spelling of last names. Below are the items requested by beginning letter of the donors' last names. 

• A-D: cereal; coffee; tea; juice boxes; muffins and bread mixes.
• E-H: peanut butter and jelly; individual containers of Jell-O, fruit and pudding.
• I-L: granola bars; rice; whole grain crackers; oatmeal.
• M-P: canned fruit; fruit juice; applesauce; cranberry sauce.
• Q-T: tuna and Tuna Helper; beef stew; spaghetti sauce and paste; canned vegetables.
• U-Z: all paper products; shampoo; detergent; soap; toothpaste; deodorant."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160618/freedom-from-hunger-food-drive-announced

"The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and Riverside Community Care’s Central Massachusetts Employment Collaborative co-hosted a free workshop at Milford National Bank &Trust to educate employers on ways to expand their workforce by hiring people with disabilities. Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, talked about the connection between members of the MDSC and government work. 

Roy talked about different initiatives that he is currently following, in an effort to move people into more meaningful jobs. He mentioned the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative and the higher education bill of Rep. Tom Sannicandro, D-Ashland, both of which push for people with differing abilities to receive higher education and skill training. Roy also told the attendees about his plans to refile a bill for student loan repayments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160617/workforce-disabilities-conference-held

"The town school district and its teachers union are reportedly nearing a contract agreement. 

The School Committee, at its meeting this week, approved a memorandum of understanding with the Franklin Education Association, outlining the changes that a new three-year contract would bring. The committee is scheduled to sign the contract at its June 28 meeting, after which its full terms will be made public. 

Chairman Kevin O'Malley said the memo was approved unanimously by the committee. He said the teachers, too, voted to approve the document."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160617/franklin-teachers-district-nearing-agreement

For additional information from the recent School Committee meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/06/school-committee-recognizes-retirees.html

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 6/17/16 - THU 6/23/16

FRIDAY 6/17/16
12pm-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
7pm-12am   Team O’Neil Fundraiser for Chris B O’Neil Children’s Fund @ Elks Lodge

SATURDAY 6/18/16
8am-11am   SNETT rail trail Clean Up/Walk - meet at Grove Street trailhead.
10am   Franklin Rock Walk - explore Franklin’s Geology, meet at the YMCA parking lot.
9am-5pm   Civil War Reenactment in Millis
7:30pm   Electric Youth 2016 Bon Voyage Concert @ The Black Box

MONDAY 6/20/16
7pm   Substance Abuse in “Our Community”  @ Dean College Campus Center (Atrium). Presenters: State Rep. Jeff Roy, James Derick (SAFE Coalition President)

TUESDAY 6/21/16
1:30pm   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library (25 Kenwood Circle)
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 6/23/16
10am   Zentangle Boxes @ Franklin Art Center
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center Open @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street)
6:30-8:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

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

In the News: former Dean campus police appeal, Honor Flight take Franklin veteran to WDC

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

"Former Dean College campus police officers are appealing a federal board’s decision to dismiss their case claiming they were wrongfully terminated just days after informing the school of their plan to form a union. 

The initial appeal was filed last month, but a supplemental brief filed last week calls into question the training and capability of TeamOps, the private security force that was hired to replace the school’s public safety officers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160616/former-dean-college-police-officers-want-wrongful-termination-case-heard-by-nlrb

"A local veteran of the Korean War will get the opportunity to tour various Washington, D.C. landmarks this weekend as part of the "Honor Flight" program. 

Joseph McManus, who served in the Navy for 20 years, is flying out on Sunday, and will be given a whirlwind tour before returning. The Honor Flight program looks to celebrate veterans by giving them an opportunity to reflect at memorials in the nation's capital. 

McManus, raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, joined the Navy out of high school in 1947. 

"The war had just ended, and I felt I had to do my duty," he said. "I had an algebra teacher who was a lieutenant in the Navy at the time, and he asked, 'Why don't you join the Navy?'"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160616/franklin-vet-to-travel-to-washington

My brothers and I had the opportunity to take our father to Washington, DC to see the memorials
 in 2007 and he talked of the trip for the rest of his life

You can contribute to Honor Flight to enable trips to Washington DC for other veterans  http://www.honorflight.org/

Why Honor Flight? The Sherlock family answered that question when Jerry Sherlock passed away in 2012 and recorded those reasons here
http://jerrysherlockstory.blogspot.com/2012/02/why-honor-flight.html

In the News: Orlando remembered, Drummers' Studio schedules summer camps

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

"For one member of the First Universalist Society of Franklin, the recent shooting in Orlando, Fla., hit close to home. 

On Dec. 11, 2012, while the woman was working in a Sephora located in the Clackamas (Ore.) Town Center mall, she said “a man decided he was going to run in on holiday shoppers and open fire in our food court.” 

The woman, who did not want her name used, was celebrating her honeymoon with her wife in Orlando on Sunday, when the shooting took place. 

“Every single time one of these mass shootings happens," she said, "it’s like this wound is reopened.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160615/first-universalist-society-of-franklin-remembers-orlando-victims

"The Drummers’ Studio, 244 East Central St., will host a series of summer drum camps for middle and elementary students the week of July 11-15. 

Elementary students looking to have fun and/or prepare for middle school bands will cover the basics in reading, rudiments, styles and soloing. The middle school drum camp is designed to help students successfully prepare for Jazz and Concert Band auditions as well as the Central District auditions."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160616/drummers-studio-to-host-camps

image from the Drummers's Studio webpage

Most families' incomes not increasing along with growth

New national report and MassBudget study

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Most Families' Incomes Are Not Increasing Along with Economic Growth New National Report and MassBudget Study Examine MA Income Data  A new national study and a MassBudget analysis show the benefits of economic growth in Massachusetts are not reaching most families. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) today released Income Inequality in the U.S. by State, Metropolitan Area, and County, which finds that while incomes are increasing rapidly for the highest-income one percent of the Massachusetts population (32.5 percent from 2009 to 2013), the average income of the other 99 percent has barely budged (up only 1.6 percent over those years). Meanwhile, MassBudget's new fact sheet, The Effects of Skewed Growth on Household Incomes provides greater detail and shows how much higher Massachusetts incomes would be if incomes continued to grow together over the past several decades as they did before the 1980s.   MassBudget's new analysis reveals that: Had incomes at all levels grown after 1979 in line with overall income growth as they basically had in the preceding three decades, then annual median income in Massachusetts would have reached $85,200 in 2013 instead of $63,100. The share of income received by the bottom 99 percent has declined since 1979 when it stood at 90.3 percent of total income, compared to 77.0 percent in 2013. The top 1 percent pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than the bottom 99 percent in Massachusetts. If the highest income earners contributed the same share of their income in state and local taxes as the bottom 99 percent, this would generate over $2 billion per year in additional tax revenue for the Commonwealth. You can read Mass Budget's new analysis (here). You can read the Economic Policy Institute study (here). #     #     # 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

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of chart in report on MA Top Incomes