Franklin Agriculture Commission is looking for your help

Did you know that the Town Council needs to vote for the Franklin Agriculture Commission to become a reality? If you think that promoting and protecting the few farms we have left is a good idea give our Town Administrator, Jeff Nutting a call at (508) 520-4949 and let him know.

Need a script?

Hello Mr Nutting, This is ____ and I live at _______ in Franklin. I want you to know that I support the creation of an Agricultural Commission in Franklin. 

I believe that promoting and protecting the few farms we have left is a priority. Education about where our food comes from is important for all of our community and the Agricultural Commission will provide these things.

Feel free to use all or whatever part you agree with!

If you want to sign our petition of support and get up-dates on action you can take to advocate for our local farms and farmers sign up here:




Find out more about the Franklin Agriculture Commission on their Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/FrAgComMa/?fref=nf

Franklin Agriculture Commission looking for your help (Facebook photo)

"Where are they now?" - FHS graduate Sam Bohmiller part of National Championship at Babson

In the "Where are they now?"category, Sam Bohmiller, FHS graduate was the starting point guard as a senior on the Babson basketball team that just captured their first National Championship in Division III.

"Joey Flannery had one last thing to accomplish in his college career, and with the final seconds ticking down and Augustana’s Nolen Ebel threatening to take his national championship away, Flannery made one more play to make sure he could fill that final void. 

Last year’s national Division III player of the year scored 23 points and soared to block Ebel’s driving bank shot with less than 2 seconds remaining, preserving Babson’s 79-78 victory and its first men’s basketball national championship, on Saturday night. 

"He’d been getting to the rim on the right side all day and I said I’m going to meet him at the rim," Flannery said of the block. 

The Beavers rebounded with 1.5 seconds left, and after Matthew Droney missed the front end of a 1-and-1, the Vikings called time out, setting up a full-court pass for a desperate heave. It was knocked away, preserving the title."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/colleges/2017/03/18/babson-wins-div-national-title-men-basketball/1gqbW7V9C9WJXeRWcQrb1K/story.html

Babson coach Stephen Brennan holds the NCAA Division 3 men’s basketball trophy as his players celebrate in Salem, Va. (DON PETERSEN/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Reminder: Public Information Session on Potential Impact of Spectra Pipeline - March 26

Public Presentation on the potential impact of an additional gas pipeline on the Franklin and Norfolk communities as well as surrounding towns.

Learn about:

• Proposed route through Franklin, Norfolk and other towns
• Possible safety, health and environmental impacts
• What other towns are doing nearby
• Question and answer period following the presentation

Sunday, March 26, 2017 

11:45 AM – 1:00 PM 

First Universalist Society  

262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

OPEN TO PUBLIC

For more information, contact Jim Hill, 508-528-4888 www.NOspectraMA.org

Burning Bridget Cleary - Apr 8

Who: Celtic Concert, Burning Bridget Cleary

When: 7:30 pm, Sat., April 8

Where: Original Congregational Church, 1 East St., Wrentham, MA 02093

Description: Known for their captivating sound and engaging stage presence, Burning Bridget Cleary is currently one of the hottest young acts on the Celtic and folk music circuits. 

Over the years, they’ve garnered numerous well-earned accolades within the trad community including being nominated for “Top Traditional Group in a Pub, Festival, or Concert” by the Irish Music Association. 

They are regularly played on syndicated radio programs, are a fixture at major folk festivals, did a tour of Ireland in 2013, and perhaps most impressive of all, have put out five full-length albums since their inception. The unique name of the band is from the last woman burned for witchcraft in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century.

For more information and tickets, go to http://www.musicatocc.org.

Burning Bridget Cleary - Apr 8

What should the Cultural District be called?

The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee has been organizing the Annual Cultural Festival in preparation for getting a formal designation as a "Cultural District". 

There already is a Franklin Cultural Council which primarily has been managing the cultural grant process. There are three possible names (shown below) but there may be others to consider.

Take this short poll and cast your vote for one of the three choices, OR add another possible name.

What should the Cultural District be called?

Local Music Scene Plans Second Annual "Party For The Pantry"

On March 31st, 2017, local musicians in The Greater Milford Area Local Music Scene come together, once again, to raise much needed money for the Franklin Food Pantry at THE BLACK BOX located right next door to the pantry. Co-organizer Bill Donovan explains why he and co-organizer Ray Auger decided to raise money for the pantry. “The Franklin Food Pantry does not receive funds from the state or town. They rely ultimately on us, the community, to help keep the shelves full.”

Local Music Scene Plans Second
Annual "Party For The Pantry" 1

Auger and Donovan decided to continue hosting the party after raising $3000 last year at the inaugural Party For The Pantry. This year the tried and true format remains the same… raffles, cash bar and four great local bands. A recipe for success as last year’s Party For The Pantry proved. “We’ve got a lot of great raffle items donated by local businesses but we can always use more! Please get in touch with Bill or myself to donate. We also have some sports memorabilia including a signed Tom Brady ball!”, exclaims Auger.

Local Music Scene Plans Second
Annual "Party For The Pantry" 2

With $3001 as the goal set for this year, James puts it all into perspective, “An average bag of groceries costs $18 to put together. That’s about 167 bags of groceries that we are able to donate to those in our community in need. It feels good to do something we love as musicians while giving back. Music heals and music helps and we are looking forward to doing more great events like this.”

The night’s musical lineup is second to none with music by The Abe Froman Project, Charity Case, Karate Show and South Street Six, all musicians with ties to the Greater Franklin area. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets.com, or $20 at the door. The organizers also raised money and covered production costs with generous sponsorship donations from Dean Bank, Dean College, The UPS Store in Franklin, F&P Molla Inc and Elemen-Tree House.

Local Music Scene Plans Second Annual "Party For The Pantry" 3

https://www.facebook.com/events/618859111640361/

Last call for sponsors for the 20th Annual FEF Trivia Bee

The 20th Annual Trivia Bee will be held April 12, 2017

Still time to sponsor before March 29, 2017!

The 20th Annual Trivia Bee will focus on TV trivia

The sponsor form can be found here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczc0FFQ0VuUXdFcEJMUVh1c1dWTVNBam9EdkpN

FHS representatives on Hockomock League Swim Team All Stars

2017 Hockomock League Boys Swimming All Stars

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Connor Bourgeois, Franklin
• Roy Wang, Franklin
• Sumit Choudhury, Franklin
• Jack Cashin, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS = Patrick Juszyszn, Franklin

2017 Hockomock League Girls Swimming All Stars

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP = Ashley Loomis, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Ashley Loomis, Franklin
• Helen Huang, Franklin
• Katie McGuire, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS = Leah Benoit, Franklin



https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-league-boys-swimming-all-stars/

https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-league-girls-swimming-all-stars/

FHS representatives on Hockomock League Swim Team All Stars

FM #129 - Community Forum - Superintendent Search Candidates (audio)

FM #129

This internet radio show or podcast is number 129 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captured the audio recording of the Community Forum held March 20, 2017.

The Forum was hosted by the School Committee to facilitate the final two candidates for the next Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools.

There was one incident during the second candidate interview session where one member of the community was asked to leave and escorted from the Council Chambers.

Without further ado, here is the recording of the meeting

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

This brings the recording of the March 20 Community Forum to a close.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.

If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

Sarah Ahern answers a question

Peter Light answers a question

******

Note: If you listen to this recording and want to provide feedback to the School Committee you need to contact Denise Miller at millerd@franklin.k12.ma.us.  She will send you a form via e-mail to provide your feedback on the candidates.

******

You can also subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Annual Rabies Clinic - Apr 22

ANNUAL RABIES CLINIC

When: Saturday, April 22nd

Where: 
Animal Control
15 Public Works Way,
Franklin (off of Fisher St.)

Fee: $20.00 (CASH ONLY)

Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm

Dogs MUST be leashed/Cats MUST be in a carrier.

INFO: Call (508)966-5823 or (508)520-4922

Written proof of previous rabies vaccine within the last 9-12 months is needed for a 3 year vaccine.

"A superintendent should also be the primary instructional leader"

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

"Joyce Edwards sees Wayland as a town that values education, diversity, inclusion and kindness – many of the characteristics to which she holds dear. 

But, Edwards, an assistant superintendent in Franklin who spent Monday visiting Wayland, knows she has much more to learn about Wayland and its school system if she's selected as the district's next superintendent. 

Edwards said she would "hit the ground listening," including through playground socials, open houses and other events. 

Edwards, who has worked for Franklin since 2011 and also has administrative experience in Duxbury and Sharon, is one of four finalists. The other finalists, who are also assistant superintendents in their respective districts, are Sara Ahern of the Holliston Public Schools, Patricia Kinsella of the Lincoln Public Schools and Arthur Unobskey of the Gloucester Public Schools. The committee is looking for a leader to replace Paul Stein, who is retiring at the end of the school year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170320/franklin-educator-joyce-edwards-makes-pitch-for-wayland-superintendent

Hardy spirits rose to run the St Pat's 5K in Franklin (photo essay and video of race start)

Timed my Sunday walk to catch some photos and a video of the start of the Franklin Police and Fire St Patrick's 5K race/walk. 

the start and finish was on Constitution Blvd

Town Council Chair Matt Kelly with a word of thanks to the police and fire first responders
and encouragement for the runners/walkers

the moment of silence and National Anthem before the race start

'Old Glory" billowing on the cold Sunday  winter morning

Results of the race/walk can be found here
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Mar19_Frankl_set1.shtml

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda - March 22

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
March 22, 2017

6:15 PM - Room 205

Agenda

1. Approval of Minutes

2. Zoning proposal:
a. Brewery, Winery, Distillery Manufacturing with Tasting Room


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/edc_agenda_3-22-17.pdf

how much has the snow budget been for the winter of 2016-2017?

FHS athletes represented on the Hockomock League Indoor Track All Stars

Below are the official 2017 Hockomock League Boys and Girls Indoor Track All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league

2017 Hockomock League Boys Indoor Track All Stars

HONORABLE MENTIONS = Paul Kroushl, Franklin

2017 Hockomock League Girls Indoor Track All Stars

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Halle Atkinson, Franklin
• Julia Fenerty, Franklin
• Nicole Clermont, Franklin
• Ella Gutkowski, Franklin
• Emma Clifford, Franklin
• Kate Hartnett, Franklin
• Meghan Doherty, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS = Miranda Smith, Franklin

https://hockomocksports.com/the-2017-hockomock-league-boys-indoor-track-all-stars/

https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-league-girls-indoor-track-all-stars/

FHS Panthers

Register O'Donnell Reports on February 2017 Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on Feb 2017 Real Estate Activity A patch of bad weather and the loss of one critical business day, contributed to the downturn in the Norfolk County real estate and lending markets for the month of February 2017. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "The inclement weather in the second week of February and the loss of 1 business day, with February 2016 being a leap year, were primary factors in the reduction of real estate activity. We also noticed a reduced number of high-end sales which contributed to the decline in total volume and average sales price." Register O'Donnell stated, "The month of February saw a 2% reduction in the number of deeds recorded year over year from 1,042 to 1,019. More striking was the total volume of residential and commercial sales coming in at $338 million, a 35% reduction from February 2016. Also, the average sales price, again both residential and commercial, fell 34% to $594,915. Overall, the number of land documents recorded at the Registry during February was 9,905, a 7% reduction from the previous year." The lending market also saw declines during February 2017. A total of 1,691 mortgages were recorded, a 12% reduction from the previous year. The total amount of mortgage borrowing also fell 48% to $700 million; the decline was significantly influenced by a $479 million mortgage recorded in February 2016. Norfolk County homeowners continued to avail themselves of the benefits of the Homestead Act. A total of 674 Homesteads were recorded in February, a 2% increase year over year. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell. A bright spot for February was the reduction in foreclosure activity. A total of 16 foreclosure deeds were recorded compared to 30 the previous February. In addition, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, was down to 49 filings compared to 55 in February 2016. Register O'Donnell stated, "I remain optimistic that we are now finally turning the corner when it comes to the issues of foreclosure, a significant problem we have steadily faced for nearly a decade. With that said, one foreclosure is one too many. We need to remain diligent that any homeowner facing a challenge with their monthly mortgage payments are getting the help and counseling they need. The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks SouthernMass, 508-587-0950 to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. Another option is to contact the Attorney General's HomeCorps program at 617-573-3333." Register O'Donnell concluded, "While Norfolk County continues to be a destination location for individuals and families to live and work, there are two significant factors that will impact how the housing and lending markets take shape in 2017. One key factor will be the amount of housing inventory available for consumers. The other major issue will be whether or not the Federal Reserve follows through on its promise to increase rates." 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 and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@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

Register O'Donnell Reports on Feb 2017 Real Estate Activity