FHS Football players to watch

With the return to school, the fall sports season resumes and Hockomock Sports has posted their Hockomock League players to watch for the football on offence and defense. 

The FHS football team opens the season with a game tonight at Franklin against Stoughton. The game starts at 7:00 PM. The game will be the first for the new football coach Eian Bain.

JAKE LYONS, SENIOR – FRANKLIN football defense

A lot of safeties at the high school level are one dimensional but Lyons has shown he can help defenses in a variety of ways. He has impressed in pass coverage with his ability to read the play as it’s happening and make a play on either the ball or the receiver after the catch. If it’s a run play, he’s quick to react and attack the ball carrier, typically making a play. In one on one situations, Lyons is patient and doesn’t over pursue, and sizes up the play he needs to make. On passing plays, he can quickly read it and either knock the ball down or come away with an interception. Lyons should be a vital part of Franklin’s defense as they work towards getting back to the playoffs.

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-defense-2016/

FHS Panthers

JAKE WOLOWACKI, SENIOR – FRANKLIN football offense

Franklin’s offense struggled to score points a season ago but Jake Wolowacki made the most of his opportunities when he was out there. The shifty back is hard to tackle on the first attempt and has shown the ability to break through contact. He can get around the edge on the outside and use his speed to get up field. He has a good first step that freezes defenders and allows him to find space and use his speed to get through the gaps up the middle. Last season, Wolowacki showed up his versatility by throwing for a pair of touchdowns as well so defenses will have to respect that. He can also catch passes out in the flats and get up field in a hurry.

https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-football-players-to-watch-on-offense-2016/

"Most towns didn't do much better"

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

"State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, running for the Democratic nomination, said he'd been speaking to voters on everything from a proposed gas pipeline to voter ID at a Franklin polling location. 

Roy is also running uncontested in the general election, as no Republican has challenged him. 

"It's been quiet, but the people here have been long on energy and enthusiasm," he said. "While there are not contests on the ballot, it's important for people to come out and express their views."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160908/slow-day-at-polls

• Franklin's State Primary results for Sep 8, 2016 can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/state-primary-results-sep-8-2016.html


Going back for the last several State primaries shows quite a variety of turnouts but nothing as low as we just saw.

Franklin state primary totals voters through the years

State Primary Results - Sep 8, 2016

By my count there were 871 voters (4.1% of those registered as of 3/1/2016) who cast their ballots in the State Primary election today. Thanks to Town Clerk Teresa Burr and her office for providing the file to share. 

The votes by ballot (Democrat, Republican, Green Rainbow and United Independent) by precinct are tallied here: 

there was a row of parking reserved for those who went o vote on Thursday at the State Primary

Vote in the State Primary Election today

The polls open at Franklin High School at 6:00 AM and will close at 8:00 PM.

The September 8 primary is for the MA state level offices. The sample ballot for each party is shown below. Scroll within the document to see the additional party ballots available.

sign announces the state primary election on the railroad bridge downtown Franklin

If you haven't already registered to vote in the Primary, it is too late now. You can register now for the November election on the 2nd Tuesday, Nov 8.




Or view/download the samples from the official Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A7D06-000F8513

Blessing of the Backpacks Sept. 11

The Franklin Federated Church will help kick off the school year with a Blessing of the Backpacks during worship Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10 AM at the church at 171 Main Street. Children and youth of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to worship for a special blessing.

Sept. 11th is Rally Sunday at FFC, meaning it is the kickoff to the program year. Prior to worship, beginning at 9:30 AM, parents can register their children, ages preschool through grade 8, for Sunday School. Adults will receive information and signup cards for this fall's Connect Groups - weekly, small group gatherings where participants do everything from attending movies to playing party games to sampling beer together. All are welcome to sign up for a group.

Following worship will be a potluck luncheon - all are welcome to come and partake. Sunday School registration will continue during the luncheon.

So come and kick off the school year with Franklin Federated! No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Get more information at www.franklinfederated.org or www.facebook.com/franklinfederated.

Franklin Federated Church on Main St

FHS field hockey and football outlook from Hockomock Sports

With the return to school, the fall sports season resumes and Hockomock Sports has posted their Hockomock League outlook for field hockey and the outlook for the football team in the Kelly-Rex Division.

FRANKLIN - field hockey

2015 Record: 16-3-2
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South Semifinal
Coach: Lisa Cropper

Franklin has six returning starters back and a total of 10 seniors, setting the Panthers up for another successful season. It’s a mix of all grades for the Panthers, with seniors and captains Caroline Lounsbury, Dana Lewandowski and Kayla Marshall leading the way. Lounsbury and Lewandowski will patrol the midfield along with sophomore Cassie Ronan. Marshall will be a key piece in the defense along with junior Kate Morse. Sophomore Annie Walsh, the 2015 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, will lead a potent attack along with freshmen Maeve Ledwith and Erin Walsh. 

“We have a solid group of field players with some young scoring talent and some depth on the bench,” head coach Lisa Cropper said. “Losing two-time Hock All-Star Samantha Jones to graduation leaves a hole in goal to fill, but if our defense plays strong while our inexperienced goalies develop, we should be able to contend for the league title.”

Find out about the other field hockey team in the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-hockomock-field-hockey-preview/

FHS Panthers

FRANKLIN - football

2015 Record: 2-9
2015 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Eian Bain

Key/Returning Players:
Jacob Wolowacki, Sr., RB; Packie Watson, Sr., WR/DB; Joey Blasie, Sr., WR/DB; John Fenton, Sr., OL/DL; Jake Noviello, Jr., QB; Jake Lyons, Sr., RB/DB; Brad Jarosz, Sr., FB/DL; Nick Gordon, So., QB/DB; Khyler Colella, Sr., RB/LB

Outlook:There is a lot of energy in the Franklin camp over the past couple of weeks, as new head coach Eian Bain takes over from longtime coach Brad Sidwell and looks to give the Panthers a boost after three straight one-win seasons in the Kelley-Rex division. Bain said that he expects there to be a “different vibe” from the team this season. 

The Panthers have a lot of experience coming back this season starting in the backfield with quarterbacks Jake Noviello (junior) and Alex Cregg (senior), who both saw action last season. Whoever is starting will have a host of experienced receivers to look for with Eddie Scannapieco, Packie Watson, and Joey Blasie on the outside and 6’5 Connor Peterson at tight end. The bulk of the offense will run through senior tailback Jacob Wolowacki, who emerged last year as a go-to back with three touchdown runs. 

Defensively, Franklin has a lot of talent returning in the back seven led by senior safety Jake Lyons, who will also help out as a running back on offense. The secondary also includes Kyle McInery and Nick Gordon with Justin O’Callahan, Bruce Johnson and Khyler Colella manning the linebacker positions. Brad Jarosz will add size to the defensive end position. 

Bain said, “It has been an uptempo, high energy camp in Franklin. Players have answered the bell every step of the way to learn both new offensive and defensive systems. While still a work in progress, the team is making strides every day.”

Read about the other footballs team in the Kelly-Rex Division
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-kelley-rex-football-preview/

Adult Chorus & Small Group Voice Lessons Available

Become a Member     Franklin Forte   Franklin's Newest Adult Choral Group OR Sign up for Group Voice Lessons  Click Here MUSIC, MUSIC MUSIC     Sing, Sing, Sing Have you ever wanted to learn to sing as part of an ensemble OR have you wanted to take small group voice lessons?  If so, Franklin Public Schools, Center for Adult Education & Community Learning has an adult choral group AND small group voice lessons,  directed by Ms. Jill Noddin. The ENSEMBLE sings contemporary repertoire and rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Franklin High School on Oak Street. The SMALL GROUP VOICE LESSONS class meets on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Franklin High School on Oak Street. No auditions necessary. For more info., call 508-613-1480    New classes begin September 12 & 137:00 PM at Franklin High School Take advantage of these opportunities today $100 REGISTER NOW "If I cannot fly, let me sing." Stephen Sondheim

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

An Evening with Tom Rush Sep 24th

Garnet Rogers this Saturday, Sep 10th. Tom Rush Sep 24th.  Order tickets now. This show will sell out. View this email in your browser An Evening with TOM RUSH September 24th, $35 "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences."  -James Taylor On Saturday, September 24th, at 8PM  the legendary Tom Rush will return to the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse. Tom's impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the '60s and the renaissance of the '80s and '90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences." Country music star Garth Brooks has credited Rush with being one of his top five musical influences. Tom's distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.  http://tomrush.com/ Order tickets now to avoid disappointment.  Tom has been at Circle of Friends several times and each show has been a sellout. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available.  Admission for this very special show is $35.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Oct 15     Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner (Red Molly) Nov 5      Three Rising Stars - Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, and Kirsten Maxwell Nov 19    The Kennedys Dec 3       Ellis Paul Dec 10     A Celtic Christmas featuring Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

In the News: Council consider charter, fire marshal rules propane leak

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

"Citing several concerns - including the hiring process - town councilors explored the possibility of revising the town charter. 

The council invited several members from past charter reviews to discuss their efforts and offer their suggestions about future amendment, if any. 

James Dacey, the chairman of the 1995 review commission, said his group was formed in response to a specific situation: the town council ballooning to 17 members. His commission recommended several changes that were adopted, including a nine-member council with concurrent, two-year terms."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/franklin-council-ponders-charter-change

"State officials determined that a propane leak caused a 2015 explosion that killed two people, though other facts have yet to be determined. 

Nancy and Richard Brown, both 66, perished as the result of the blast, which took place at their condominium at 58 Tuscany Drive on Oct. 10. 

State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey - along with Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher and Police Chief Thomas Lynch - announced the results of their investigation on Wednesday. 

According to a release from the fire marshal's office, the leak came from one of two sources - a gas fireplace or the unit's heating system - and the cause of the ignition is still unknown. As that morning was cool, the release states, the heating system could have turned on - though the possibility that the fireplace was left running has not been ruled out. The unit's gas piping and burner have been set for future testing - that investigation will be undertaken independently by the involved insurance companies."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/franklin-propane-leak-culprit-in-fatal-explosion

In the News: legislature struggles with language bill, some farms get aid for drought

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

"Dueling language in House and Senate bills updating the state's English language learning law - passed by voters more than a decade ago - has left key backers with mixed opinions about whether it can advance to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk in the remaining four months of the legislative session. 

"We're at a point now where we are so far apart on details that we care about, so I'm not sure if we can do something. I'm hopeful that we can come together," said Sen. Sal DiDomenico, the original Senate sponsor, who said he plans to discuss differences between the bills with House sponsor Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez. 

House and Senate lawmakers plan to meet in informal sessions for the remainder of the year where it's unlikely that controversial legislation will be advanced without a compromise on the measure between both branches.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/english-language-learner-bill-still-in-play-on-beacon-hill

"Massachusetts farmers are finally getting the help they need after a long, dry summer and drought has devastated some local crops. 

Thanks to the summer-long drought, four counties in Massachusetts are now eligible for Emergency Loan assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as of Aug. 31. 

The counties of Worcester, Middlesex, Franklin and Essex are now eligible for the assistance. 

To receive the designation, a county has to be designated as being in a severe drought - according to the U.S. Drought Monitor – for eight consecutive weeks and/or have a higher drought intensity value for any amount of time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160907/mass-farmers-get-federal-state-aid

Live reporting: closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

another 3-4 weeks to work the punch list items

Oct 6th Harvest Stroll
ribbon cutting for the downtown at 4:00 that day


L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Bissanti
Conservation Agent still infringing with scary paperwork
enforcing man-made catch basins
I understand he has a job to do, we don't need soil scientists to do these things

we have a grandfathered lot bylaw but that only applies to residential
can we get inroads on that getting to industrial

Pfeffer
what can we do with those watering with private wells
we should do something

Mercer
TA has spoken with the fire chief on the assisted living centers
5 calls to the same site inside of 24 hours
I would like to see how far along the Chief has gotten

M. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Pellegri
Elks put out 2977 flags with the help of boys scouts
through Sep 17th on Pond St

appraisal day on Friday, Sep 15th
$5 per item, check on the Museum website

met with the Horace Mann sculpture coming along
base going up now, statue to get up before May 2017
thanks to Roger Calarese for what he is doing for us

Padula
I saw the flags it is beautiful

Mercer
the flags at the Elks, the boys scouts and their families
happy anniversary to Pellegri

Jones
school is open, please drive safely
there is suprisingly water on the ground
this will not be enough to help our drought
we should look at well use restrictions

Harlem Wizards - Fri Nov 18th at Tri-County
tickets were sold out in advance
sponsorships available
all for the kids

Dellorco
happy anniversary to my wife, 25 years today

Bissanti
there were people against the Emmons St project

folks are already being worked to replace the funeral basins

Kelly
Can we get the DOT to pick up the barrels all around town?


O. ADJOURN

Live reporting: School Dude and Charter discussion

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -
• Preventive Maintenance
Josh from School Dude
most of the Hockomock league is covered
simple work order system and expanded
cool technology to control temp for example in a building especially effective for events

preventive maintenance
executive summary report sample provided
will populate the data against the national averages
only thing wrong in this building is one light bulb in this room
you are doing something right

getting the actual tasks into the system is a challenge
schools and towns are underfunded

can you put the schedule in for 2 schools
if you don't capture the data, you don't really know how much it really will take
expand from the 2 pilot buildings to all
what do you need to look forward to over the next 5, 10, 15 years
the software does this

did about 56 projects with this company to do the facility assessments year to date

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" report to be provided

integrated with Grainger to populate the work order system automatically

Marko has spoken with the principals at both Kennedy and Davis Thayer to make them aware of the program

"just dude it" teachers can enter work orders

Mercer - big proponent of School Dude watching it as it developed
this is a great product, taking pieces at a time to fulfill a great need

"you got your first price increase in 12 years"



• Charter Review
1995
2010

Jim Dacey chair of the 1995 Charter Commission
originally a council with a split of councilors at large and by precinct
the size of the council was the driver at the time as the council was projected to continue to grow
mayor discussion was a minute or 2 as the primary focus was the size of the Council
brought the election to November with the city form of government
first nine member council in 1995

Paul Cheli, Larry Benedetto
co-chairs of the Charter Commission
fear of loss of institutional knowledge with all getting turned over at a single election only two had occurred in history; there has not been an issue since 2009; did focus on the treasurer-collector and on the minority report focused on the town clerk
staggered terms is extremely difficult to implement
was able to move the treasurer-collector to an appointed position

there wasn't a lot broken, what seemed to have been an issue turned out to not be. if there are interaction changes with the Town Administrator those can be done via other means, not necessary for the Charter

Larry Benedetto
not a proponent of mayor, a concern with the change in a mayor would cause some intellectual knowledge lost as department heads would change
sense of TA being too powerful, actually not so powerful
the lesser positions are and should be within the purview of the TA
Council as a legislative body should not be part of the interview process of specific positions 
I will never do it again, it was that much work

Pellegri
only one left from the minority report at that time
TA was not a concern
i am interested in what is being looked at to change

Dellorco
TA has his team, if you do go to a mayor, they he/she will want their team
I don't think we need a mayor

Bissanti
I don't want to abandon the idea of a mayor
everyone works together, what was your final verdict on appointed boards vs elected

Cheli
can get people trained and with background not just a popularity contest
the open meetings were sometime contentious as there are many opinions

Benedetto
the Planning Board has shifted from elected to appointed to elected
there should be joint meetings between the Council and Planning board
that is germane to keeping the train on the track
work together with the existing orgs and get people to run

Jones
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
we can do more with better communication than by changing the doc
we like to keep things within the Town, we don't have enough input on that and we'd like to keep things focused on the Town of Franklin

Cheli
we would like to have that input but to cross over that line it becomes politicized
the most qualified is really what we need

Pfeffer
we as the Council get the phone calls and we know nothing about them
why couldn't there be a simple way to have some councilors on the committee'
it is not a major big thing, we just need a little input
we never know what it is going on until after it happens

Benedetto
the worst part of the job is to do the hard part and hire and fire someone

Cheli
I think there is a compromise on that, it is not a charter change

Mercer
I am a proponent of it is isn't broken don't fix it
Councilor Jones put it eloquently, improving the communication, more and better would solve the whole problem

Pellegri
difference between CEO as chief elected officer or chief executive officer

Cheli
there are different forms of government, strong form of TA/Mayor

Pellegri
the council doesn't want to get into the hiring process
exempt vs. non-exempt

Dacey
there are probably 50 or more
where do you cut that off

Nutting
I do not interview anyone with in the departments
I only do that for the people that you ratify
I don't get involved in what you are talking about
that is up to the respective department heads

Benedetto
the institutional knowledge doesn't get lost with the Council
it stays with the people actually working for the town

Kelly
if we were to move to a mayor we would also have to find about $175K in the budget

Bissanti
I don't want this or any council to be a wasted resource
I just would like to know what is going on in the halls

Cerel
it is extremely important to know and understand your role as a legislative body you are immune from personal liability, when you start performing other functions, you lose that liability

Nutting
you don't give yourself enough credit given the fiscal constraints we have
is it perfect, we are doing the library, we are doing the Senior Center

Live reporting: License transfers

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
License Hearings - 7:10

• Rare Hospitality d/b/a LongHorn Steakhouse – Change of Manager

certified as corporate trainer for Chili's in prior role

strictly in the management role

training, etc.

responsible for the management team currently

approx 50-60 hours on site

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

• 99 Restaurant – Change of Manager

with 99 for 14 years, last 10 years, carried liquor license in 3 different state

TIP certified with 99 and ServiceSafe

last failure was in 2014, have not had a violation in all her license holding periods, make sure they are trained, make sure they card, we are stricter but that makes us a better company

as manager get overview of each employee's test results

training is updated periodically, monitored regularly

out of state requires a second ID, the manager has to check the ID

guests do get discouraged, and we don't serve them

motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Live reporting: License Compliance Check Violations

F. HEARINGS
Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10

• Acapulco’s

Chief Lynch provides background on the compliance checks on illegal serving of underage drinkers on Aug 3 and Aug 4

attempt to buy without ID, was not asked his age, was not asked for ID

Attny Scott Nathan representing Acapulco's

per Acapulco's there was confusion between the two bartenders as to who had asked for ID (when it had not been)

it is a first time, we would ask for a 3 day suspension, 2 days held in abeyance for 2 years, serving the 1 day on the day (of the week of the incident)

Bissanti - clarification on what if anything is heard on the street

Lynch - nothing bad

Jones - we take compliance checks seriously

retraining in the plan for the bartender in question

Mercer - new training required as of Sep 1

motion to proceed with the Chief's recommendation

the ID scan device is being installed tomorrow

• New hearing on Joe's Bar and Grill

2nd half of check done on Thursday, Aug 4

was served at the bar without providing ID or age check

Leslie St Germain, representing the establishment

we take this incident seriously, extremely important

apology for the incident, do not dispute the overview

mitigating steps outlined

Tips certification completing

40 or younger now requiring ID check, had been 30 or younger

bar service is now enabled

a secret shopper program is now being used to do their own stings internally

with all the best measures, human errors do occur

Chap 138 does not require it, has experienced negative experiences with carding everyone, does not normally attract underage drinkers

if we have further issues, that would be a next step

Jones

in 2011, there was also an incident with Joe's

so this is the second offense in 5 years

St Germain

prior instance was claimed to be associated with the transition of new business

with servers trained by the former business, by the end of the 2011 year, the servers had been completely trained

bartender had been suspended for one week and re-trained

future offense will get zero tolerance

we have seen the machines take accountability out of the process and it should be the bartender making the decision

Bissanti - pushing for the Advanced ID system, it is endorsed by the ABCC locally

Pfeffer - glad to see that the bartender did not get fired, the first time offense should be sufficient

Chief Lynch - there was a prior incident, but the time has lapsed, would recommend that this be considered a first offense; 

motion to approve the recommendation as stated

Padula - be aware you caught a break this time but don't expect it next time

hearings closed