Chess Group - July 16 - 2:00 PM

Chess Group will meet again at the Franklin Library on Saturday, July 16

The library is operating in its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while renovations are underway 

Backpack collection underway

Help us collect backpacks and supplies!

Suggested Supplies:

*Spiral Notebooks *Pencils *Erasers *Calculators *Crayons *Markers *Pocket Folders *Pencil Bag *Rulers *Highlighters *Scissors *Binders *Colored Markers *Glue Sticks *Pens *Loose Leaf Paper

• Backpack Drive July 11-August 21, 2016

Made possible by the Bernon Family YMCA, Franklin Elk’s Lodge and the Franklin Public School District. We will be collecting supplies and backpacks through the month of July and August at the participating locations listed below. We are looking for the suggested school supplies as well as backpacks.

Supply Drop off locations:

• Bernon Family YMCA
• Franklin Municipal Building
• Remington Middle School
• Franklin Elks Lodge
• Jefferson Elementary School

Are you or someone you know in need of a backpack? Please contact Michelle Branche at 774-235-2766 or michellebr@hockymca.org to request your backpack today!

backpack drive

In the News: police recognition, zoning bylaw changes

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

"While most departments received hand-made drawings from kids or coffee from friendly visitors, law enforcement officials in Franklin were given some rather unique gifts, according to Deputy Chief James Mill. 

One resident dropped off a stained glass police badge with a blue line across it, Mill said, and another presented officers with a crucifix said to be blessed by a pope. 

“It was quite overwhelming. ... We’ve always had great support in the community,” Mill said. “We consider ourselves fortunate.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160711/communities-rally-behind-area-police-following-attack-in-dallas

"If all goes well, the town may implement new "limited site plan" rules by the end of summer. 

The change, which was first brought up to the Town Council in June, would allow additions, alterations and improvements to existing structures with less information than would be needed in a full site plan. 

Two local boards are scheduled to take up the matter this week. The Planning Board had the change up for a public hearing on its Monday night agenda, while the Town Council will discuss it at its Wednesday meeting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160712/franklin-zoning-change-for-site-plans-in-works

While the new location for Aubuchon Hardware is used as an example of the benefit, the construction on the plaza across the street where Ficco's and the former Kegan auto dealership is located is waiting on this change according to word on the street.

Aubuchon Hardware relocated from two locations in Franklin to this one location in Horace Mann Plaza

2016 Whatever Theater Festival

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the 2016 Whatever Theater Festival, running from Wednesday, July 27 to Saturday, July 30. The 9th annual festival features a production of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors and a presentation of One Acts, an eclectic series of one-act plays. 

One Acts will be performed on July 27 at 8:30 p.m. and again on July 30 at 7:30 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Comedy of Errors will be staged on July 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. All performances are free of charge, with donations to FPAC gratefully accepted.

One of William Shakespeare’s earliest plays, the Bard’s famously farcical Comedy of Errors entertains with a tale of two sets of twins accidentally separated at birth. When twin masters Antipholus of Ephasus and Antipholus of Syracuse, with their twin servants Dromio of Ephasus and Dromio of Syracuse, cross paths in the same town, double trouble and madcap mistaken identity ensue. FPAC’s 90-minute adaptation features the beloved slapstick comedy, funny antics, and witty word play that are hallmarks of this enduring classic.

Conceived and directed by Nick Paone, FPAC’s Whatever Theater Festival brings together professional artists, FPAC alumni, students and community performers in a collaborative theatrical experience that showcases an exciting range of dramatic and comedic works. This year’s Whatever Theater Festival will be part of the second annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. 

The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place July 27-30 at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District. FPAC’s 2016 Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from the Franklin, North Attleborough and Wrentham Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27  to 30

Madalene Village - proposal revised

The proposal for Madalene Village has been modified and is scheduled for the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Thursday, July 14.

The updated diagram showing the revised proposal can be viewed here
(shared by members of the Facebook group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/savesprucepondbrook/)

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting agenda for July 14
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBAAgendas/Agendas%202016/07-14-16%20ZBA%20Meeting.pdf

sign from one of the neighbors

In the News: March against the pipeline; most state candidates unopposed

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

"The effort is dubbed the “People over Pipelines” (POP) march, Anderson said, and is led by the Cambridge-based BFP, which works to advocate for renewable energy policies at the state level. 

“This is one of our top priorities,” Anderson said, “this pipeline.” 

The march kicks off in Medway at the middle school on Holliston Street on Thursday and continues until July 18 as protesters walk through and stop in several other towns on their way to the Statehouse in Boston, where they hope to catch the attention of Gov. Charlie Baker, Anderson said. 

As of Friday, there were 350 registered marchers for the entire route, Anderson said, including 100 registered in Medway."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/pipeline-opponents-gearing-up-for-march-through-medway

lawn sign in Franklin against the Spectra Pipeline

"Nearly two-thirds of candidates running for a seat in the state Legislature will face no competition this fall. 

The number of unopposed candidates, which is fairly typical in the state, points to the challenges political newcomers often face trying to break into the House or Senate, some political analysts say. 

“It’s very difficult to mount a challenge to an incumbent legislator,” said Peter Ubertaccio, director of the Joseph Martin Institute at Stonehill College. “They’re rarely defeated. It takes a lot of planning and time and recruitment. I also don’t think the two parties in the state are very good at all at recruiting candidates.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/most-candidates-in-massachusetts-are-unopposed

In the News: downtown parking on Town Council agenda

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

"The council is scheduled at its meeting Wednesday night to take up substantial revisions to its parking bylaws. The changes will, among other things, implement two-hour parking at certain times along several downtown streets. 

One amendment proposes using a color-coded map to delineate parking zones in the town's bylaws, instead of using wording like "from a point 25 feet north of East Central Street to East Central Street." 

It also calls for different limits for different zones. Much of the parking areas on East Central and Main Street, for example, are colored purple, indicating two-hour parking from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and no restriction at other times. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting had raised the matter at an earlier meeting, noting that there is a need for more permanent parking regulations as the two-year downtown streetscape project draws to a close."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/franklin-council-to-take-up-downtown-parking

the simple and decorative holiday decorations for 'free parking' won't be needed if the parking bylaws are approved as there would be parking enforcement but not via meters

Additional items on the Town Council agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-13.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 13, 2016

For the only scheduled meeting in the month of July, the Town Council agenda for Wednesday's meeting is chock full. Bylaw amendments on the site plan and design review process, facility preventive maintenance program, and a memo on the charter review process are among the many items on the agenda.

The liquor license application for the new Irish pub, Teddy Gallagher's is also on the agenda.

The full agenda is found below. The PDF document has live links to the supporting documents.

The agenda can also be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024507A7-000F8513

The liquor license application for the new Irish pub, Teddy Gallagher's is  on the Town Council agenda for approval

Franklin Public Library: Greg and Axel - dog and magic show

The Greg and Axel show is a totally unique entertainment experience that provides magic, comedy, audience participation and one hilarious dog. You will fall in love with Axel as he helps Greg the Magician amaze the audience...he might even cause a little bit of trouble! This performance is free and open to the public.

• At the Franklin Public Library Monday, July 11, 10:30 a.m.

the temporary location is open at 25 Kenwood Circle

What's in the budget approved by the Legislature?

Note: the news media did report that Governor Baker did sign the budget on Friday and in so doing vetoed a bunch of line items. MA.gov has been updated to reflect the vetoes. All the details can be found here:

http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/state-budget/fy17-budget-info/governors-fy17-vetoes/

How was the budget balanced in the face of a sudden $750 million shortfall?

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. What is (and isn't) in the Budget Approved by the Legislature How did the Legislature balance the budget in the face of a sudden $750 million shortfall?MassBudget's new Budget Monitor explains and offers an analysis of each major section of the state budget with comparisons to current and historic funding levels.  The Legislature enacted the FY 2017 budget in particularly challenging circumstances. Towards the end of the process, the goalposts moved when new projections indicated that there would be $750 million less in tax revenue than had been assumed. The final budget includes some cuts below the levels that had been recommended by either the House or Senate, as well as a number of strategies that provide only temporary solutions by pushing costs into future years and underfunding accounts that will eventually need to be funded. The Legislature managed to provide modest funding increases in a few priority areas, including local aid which receives a 4.3 percent increase, Chapter 70 education aid which is increased by 2.6 percent, and a number of initiatives to address opioid addiction including $8.3 million in increased funding for substance abuse services in the Department of Public Health. The budget also cuts funding in a number of areas: the $18.6 million kindergarten expansion grant program is eliminated; funding for the Department of Revenue is reduced by $15.9 million, potentially weakening the capacity to combat tax evasion and ensure the integrity of our tax system; and the budget imposes a 13 percent cut in YouthWorks which provides funding for summer jobs. The revenue decline did not all translate into budget cuts. The Legislature projects that $206 million of the decline was capital gains taxes that would have been deposited into the rainy day fund, so the shortfall will lead to less money for the rainy day fund rather than for the budget. The tax cut that had been expected to be triggered by revenue growth likely won't be, saving $79 million in FY 2017. School buildings and the MBTA won't see $62 million in sales tax receipts because of the lower sales tax projections. The state's Medicaid plan will postpone paying some bills. The state will also likely need to provide mid-year funding in several accounts. The conference committee also reduced spending levels for a number of programs below the levels recommended by the House or Senate - and in some cases below both. The Legislative Budget Monitor describes both where lawmakers were able to preserve or build upon programs, and where programs were cut or eliminated. Click (HERE) to read the new Budget Monitor. 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 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of FY 2017 webpage

FSPA's Electric Youth schedule two free outdoor concerts

Following a three-and-a-half week summer concert tour of Austria and Italy, Electric Youth (EY) will perform two free outdoor concerts on Thursday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. at Norfolk Town Hill and on Wednesday, July 27, at 6 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. The Franklin concert will be presented as part of the second annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee.

Electric Youth’s 13th European tour was highlighted by a return Fourth of July show at Aviano Air Force Base to entertain U.S. Troops and families stationed abroad, as well as a concert at the American Embassy in Rome. The 2016 tour also featured performances in Vienna, Kirchberg, Gmunden, Melk and St. Polten, Austria, including a benefit concert for pediatric cancer and patient family support. Performances in Italy included 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.

Backed by the eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy evening of family entertainment with an extensive range of contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits for audiences all ages. This season’s repertoire features fully choreographed performances of the best of Adele, Beyoncé, The Black Crowes, Imagine Dragons, Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Pink, Queen, Frank Sinatra, Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder and more.

The 14 singer-dancers of Electric Youth 2016 are pictured in this portrait photo. Electric Youth performs two free outdoor summer concerts in Franklin and Norfolk in July, backed by the group’s eight-piece show band

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 the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (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.

Showcasing 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, 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.

Electric Youth has released six professional CDs and performed internationally at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base. The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater and the United Nations. EY’s music, including the 2014 album Power Chord is available at amazon.com and iTunes.

For more information about Electric Youth or the EY summer concerts, call FSPA at (508) 528-8668 or visit www.electricyouth.com.

For additional information on the 2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival, visit the webpage at http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/

Join us to celebrate the cultural arts July 27 to 30, 2016

"Let’s do our part to ensure that our loved ones are getting the care and medication they need"

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

"By now, we’ve all read or heard about the opioid epidemic sweeping our country. Some of us may have a loved one who struggles with addiction. Some of us may have lost a loved one to the disease. 

What many of us may not know is that the senior population is growing increasingly addicted to opioids. A September 2015 AARP article says that between 1993 and 2012, “the rate of overdose deaths for adults ages 55 to 64 soared sevenfold,” and a June 2016 article reported that since 1999, deaths among those age 50 and up increased “nearly… eleven fold.” 

Addiction to painkillers — or opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine — can have a devastating effect on those suffering from the addiction as well as on their friends and loved ones."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20160708/healthy-habits-opioid-addiction-in-seniors

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together
to provide support, education, treatment options,
and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. 

The SAFE Coalition provide services for the Franklin area. Visit their webpage for information on the services they offer.  http://safecoalitionma.com/

View and/or download their tri-fold brochure here:

Franklin Elks Lodge: Touch - A - Truck - July 30

The Franklin Elks Lodge Touch - A - Truck Free Family Event is scheduled for July 30th from 9:00 AM - Noon. Touch - A - Truck will be held at the Elks Lodge at 1077 Pond St, Franklin MA 02038.

There will be lots of different vehicles for kids to explore as well as popcorn, hot dogs, and cold drinks. 

This is an event to benefit the Food Drive that the Elks conduct to benefit Christmas Food Baskets for Families in our Local Communities. The Elks will be accepting can goods and non-perishable food items.

Franklin Elks Lodge: Touch - A - Truck - July 30

Stay up to date on the event by watching the event page on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/785251864907645/

Kenny Hadley Big Band - July 22

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music, and event venue, presents the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band on Friday, July 22 at 8 p.m. The critically-acclaimed 16-piece ensemble, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more. 

The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 

Tickets are $20. 

THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Kenny Hadley Big Band

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/8/16 - THU 7/14/16

FRIDAY 7/8/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Storyteller Diane Edgecomb @ Franklin Public Library

MONDAY 7/11/16
10am-4pm   FSPA Open House @ 38 Main Street
10:30am   The Greg and Axel Magic Show @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 7/12/16
1:30-3pm   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Public Meeting @ Franklin YMCA

WEDNESDAY 7/13/16
10:30am   Ridge Valley Farms Horse and Pony Rides @ The Franklin Town Common
6:30-8:30pm   Concerts on the Common: Sharon Concert Band, Children’s Program: Elaine Kessler, Storyteller
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park, Medway. Free admission, every Wednesday through summer.

THURSDAY 7/14/16
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
6:30pm   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