“It will look the same as it has in the past”

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

"After it appeared earlier this year that the town’s Independence Day celebration might not take place, volunteers have stepped forward to ensure its survival. 

This year’s celebration had been in jeopardy because of a lack of volunteers. The two co-chairmen of the Franklin Fourth of July Coalition - Warren Revell and Michael Kelly - had announced their retirement and there was no one to replace them, despite years of searching. 

Revell said Tuesday that two volunteers - Paul Kortick and Joseph Carmignani - have taken on the responsibility of running the event. He said he was “absolutely” pleased that the celebration would continue. 

“Once these things get lost, they tend to stay lost,” he said. “A lot of people didn’t want to see it go away, but they didn’t want to step up to run it, either.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170530/volunteers-rescue-franklin-july-4th-event

Haunted House on the Town Common 2016

In the News: LED street lights approved

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

"With the Town Council voting in favor a plan to convert local streetlights to LED, the town must now undergo an audit of its current lights. 

The council, at its May 24 meeting, unanimously authorized $650,000 in borrowing for the project, which would replace 1,650 streetlights. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen told the council that a new state government grant - which would cover 30 percent of labor and material costs - as well as a $100,000 incentive from National Grid would shorten the amount of time needed for the project to pay for itself. The total cost to the town is estimated to be about $400,000. 

With these funds, the town’s break-even point would come in four to five years instead of nine to 10 years, Hellen said. Officials noted that LED lights typically last about 15 years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170530/franklin-council-approves-led-streetlights

For all that occurred during the two Town Council meetings last week, check the summary here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/town-council-approves-120m-budget.html

In the News: LED street lights approved

Trout Fishing Derby - June 3

Trout Fishing Derby

Saturday June 3th (7 AM – 2 PM)

MA Free Fishing Weekend!!

No License Required

First Prize $125 or 2 Red Sox Tickets
For Heaviest Trout
Cash Prizes 2nd and 3rd Places

Junior Anglers under 12 yrs old, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies

www.franklinrodandgun.org

Multiple Raffle Prizes!!

Breakfast Available
Free Pizza for Lunch


Franklin Rod and Gun Club
53 Florence Street, on Uncas Pond, Franklin, MA


Tickets Adults $10.00, Children under 12 yrs. $5.00
(Rain Date Sunday 6/4)
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www.franklinrodandgun.org

Memorial Day parade photos

Photos of the Memorial Day parade can be found on 02038.com
http://02038.com/2017/05/memorial-day-in-franklin-ma-2/

Franklin High School Band

FHS track and field results from D1 State meet

The FHS boys and girls track results from the D1 State meet held on Saturday via Hockomock  Sports .com


BOYS TEAM RESULTS

1. Lowell – 79.5
8. Mansfield – 34.5
10. Taunton – 30
31. Franklin – 2
31. Attleboro – 2


1 Mile
1. Thomas Lingard, Lexington – 4:18.99
15. Tyler Brogan, Franklin – 4:29.35

4×100 Relay
1. Lowell – 43.42
7. Franklin – 44.54

4×400 Relay
1. Somerville – 3:23.55
12. Franklin – 3:34.95

4×800 Relay
1. Lowell – 7:58.46
18. Franklin – 8:37.18

Long Jump
1. Michael Mecha, BC High – 22-02.50
15. Chris Chieng, Franklin – 19-09.50


GIRLS TEAM RESULTS

1. Andover – 84.5
8. Franklin – 36
14. Mansfield – 22
15. Taunton – 20
27. Attleboro – 5

200M
1. India Johnson, Lexington – 25.25
6. Jessica Kroushl, Franklin – 26.42

800M
1. Clare Martin, Newton South – 2:14.88
2. Julia Fenerty, Franklin – 2:16.23
3. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 2:16.61

2 Mile
1. Katherine Collins, Newton South – 11:14.71
9. Katherine Hartnett, Franklin – 12:02.34

4×100 Relay
1. Westford Academy – 49.21
9. Franklin – 51.32

4×400 Relay
1. Andover – 4:01.36
4. Franklin – 4:05.41

4×800 Relay
1. Franklin – 9:35.82
6. Mansfield – 9:52.41

Shot Put
1. Vanessa Attaya, Billerica – 37-05.75
6. Miranda Smith, Franklin – 33-00.25
14. Sara Goodermuth, Franklin – 30-08.00

Discus
1. Danielle Wabrek, Bridgewater-Raynham – 113-07.00
14. Allison Rizoli, Franklin – 89-06.00

Javelin
1. Ally Bennett, Andover – 118-02.00
13. Miranda Smith, Franklin – 92-07.00

Triple Jump
1. Kassie Brink, Andover – 36-08.75
15. Brianna Cummings, Franklin – 33-01.00

https://hockomocksports.com/miaa-emass-d1-outdoor-track-hockomock-results-2017/

FHS Panthers

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces Open Registration For Summer Weight Loss Program

The Hockomock Area YMCA is excited to announce that their summer session of Weigh to Change is now open for registration. This 10-week wellness, weigh-inch loss program piloted last year. Since its inception, staff have witnessed many success stories. Over the course three 10-week sessions in each of our branches—North Attleboro, Foxboro, and Franklin, 149 members have lost a total of 1,409 pounds and 1,633 inches.

The Weigh to Change program offers support and education in both areas of fitness and nutrition. By combining physical training and better nutrition, participants will benefit in the most successful way to achieve weight loss. Participants will be motivated throughout the session with personal training, nutrition guidance, group workouts, and friendly challenge competitions.

The summer program begins June 19 and will run through September 2. For more information and to register visit any Hockomock Area YMCA Member Service Desk or online at https://www.hockymca.org/why-join-weigh-to-change. Specifically the Weigh to Change Program includes:

• Weekly individual 30-minute personal training session
• Individual nutrition counseling with nutritionist
• Minimum of three weekly group training sessions offered solely for the spring WTC group.
• Weekly nutrition and physical challenges
• Two Nutrition workshops
• Before and after Styku 3-D body scans
• Entry into a summer local road race
• Grocery store education tours

The cost of the program is $499 for Hockomock Area YMCA Members and $599 for Hockomock Area YMCA Program Members (over an $800 value). Anyone interested in more information about this program is encouraged to attend one of the following Information sessions at the following Hockomock Area YMCA locations:

• Bernon Family Franklin Branch (45 Forge Hill Rd): Sat, 6/10 at 10:15am or Wed, 6/14 at 6:00pm.
• Invensys Foxboro Branch (67 Mechanic Street): Sat, 6/3 at 9:00am or Thurs, 6/15 at 6:00pm.
• North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood Street): Sat, 6/3 at 8:00am or Tues, 6/6 at 6:00pm.

Alternatively, contact one of the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Health & Wellness Directors at the following locations: Foxboro: Leigh Fontes at leighf@hockymca.org or 508-772- 1330; Franklin: Maureen Wilcox at maureenw@hockymca.org or 774-235- 2732; or North Attleboro branch: Josie Dutil at josied@hockymca.org or 508-643- 5299.

Healthy lifestyles are achieved through the nurturing of mind, body and spirit, well-being and fitness. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, healthy lifestyles are more than just working out. In addition to fitness facilities, the Hockomock Y provides educational programs to promote good health and support physical, intellectual and spiritual strength.

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces Open Registration For Summer Weight Loss Program

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

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

Our YMCA is committed to collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for- profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Trash delayed one day this week due to Memorial Day holiday

Trash delayed one day this week due to Memorial Day holiday

The flyer with the holiday schedule is avialable on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/wm_00469_franklin_6pg_2016_update_r3_0.pdf

Trash and recycling bins

Town Council approves $120M budget

The recap of the two budget hearings held this past week by the Town Council can be found here. 



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

"The Town Council resoundingly passed a $120 million fiscal year 2018 budget at the end of a brief meeting Thursday night. 

The session featured the second of two public budget hearings required by the town charter. No Franklin resident offered a comment. 

The vote was complicated by the fact that Councilor Glenn Jones is an instructor at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. The town’s contribution to that school was among the line items in the proposed budget. 

Council members remedied the situation by amending the budget motion into two votes: one for the $2.73 million item for regional schools, and another for the remainder of the budget. Jones abstained from the first vote, and took part in the second; both votes passed without opposition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170525/franklin-council-approves-120-million-budget

The FY 2018 budget document can be found here

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczeFo1Ni1nMmhTcDg

FY 2018 budget resolution can be found here

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczVzRZVHlNRUFJWmM

FY 2018 budget by major budget category

Benefits	$10,956,398
Culture & Recreation	$1,399,397
Debt Service	$6,609,708
DPW - Hwy	$4,669,497
Education	$62,586,202
General Government	$9,899,231
Human Services	$691,948
Liability Insurance	$525,000.0
Public Safety	$11,201,434
Sewer	$5,074,368.0
Solid Waste Disposal	$1,949,673.0
Water	$4,748,897.0
Total	$120,311,753

Actions Taken for 5/24/17 meeting
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_may_24_2017.pdf

Actions Taken for 5/25/17 meeting
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_may_25_2017.pdf

• Live reporting: Closing
• Live reporting: Action items
• Live reporting: Budget Hearing #1
• Live reporting: Town Council - May 24, 2017

Franklin's downtown: before and after

"It took over two years and $7 million, but Downtown Franklin, MA’s road and streetscape remodeling project was worth the effort and inconvenience.  For many long months in 2015 and 2016, construction equipment and road workers disrupted the downtown area.  But now the “facelift” has Downtown Franklin looking great!  The quickest way to show you the striking success of the enhancements to the downtown district of Franklin, Massachusetts is by this series of “before and after” photos:"

“before and after” photo from 02038.com

“before and after” photo from 02038.com

Continue reading Warren Reynolds' summary of the changes including the before and after photos http://02038.com/2017/05/downtown-franklin-facelift/

Note: it was indeed more than two years for the second phase of the downtown improvement project. The first phase addressed Emmons, Depot, and Dean Sts and was funded separately from the separate phase, the combined total of the two phases was $7M.

Confirmation of this can be found on the Planning and Community Development page

http://www.franklinma.gov/downtown-revitalization

Electric Youth Presents Bon Voyage Show In Advance Of 14th European Concert Tour

Electric Youth (EY) 2017, the international touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), presents a Bon Voyage concert at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin on Saturday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. The performance comes just days before the ensemble departs on June 28 for a 2 ½-week concert tour of England, France, Italy and Switzerland. Backed by an 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 music for audiences all ages. 
 

Electric Youth Presents Bon Voyage Show In 

Advance Of 14^th European Concert Tour

The group’s 14th European tour features several concerts along the coast of Normandy, including shows in Barfleur, Cherbourg and the historic D-Day site of Sainte-Mère-Église. The itinerary also marks the group’s debut in Switzerland with a concert in Zermatt. Venues in England include Wimbourne’s Tivoli Theatre, along with performances in Arundel, Chichester and Hastings, where Electric Youth will collaborate with students from the Hastings Stage Studio. EY also returns to Lake Como, following performances there last summer, to deliver two lakeside shows at the Hotel Britannia. 

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 15-18, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at FSPA. Electric Youth 2017 includes Julia Buccella, Brooke Collins, Aaron Frongillo, Sydney Leach, Caitlin Woodcock and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Caroline Merten of Hopedale; Sam Evans and Colie Vancura of Medfield; Katie Gray of Milford; Naomi Fitzgerald, Mairead Nee and Griffin Wilkins of Walpole; and Susauna Wickstrom of Wrentham. 

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with music legends Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and many others. Raye Lynn Mercer and Hallie Wetzell are Electric Youth’s Director and Vocal Director, respectively. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 13 times, with performances 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 also has 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, the United Nations and the American Embassy in Rome. EY’s music, including the 2014 album Power Chord, is available at amazon.com and iTunes. 

Tickets for Electric Youth in Concert at THE BLACK BOX are $26. To purchase tickets, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, stop by the box office at 34 Main Street in Franklin, or call (508) 528-3370. THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For more information about Electric Youth, visit www.electricyouth.com.

Franklin Federated Church Mystery Dinner Theater - June 10

Franklin Federated Church presents a Mystery Dinner Theater performance, New York Dreams, on Saturday, June 10, at 6:30 PM at the church at 171 Main Street.

The church's dining hall will be transformed into the luxurious Diamond Café of the Hotel Gem in the heart of New York City. When the power suddenly goes out, the restaurant's customers are trapped on the 35th floor. As anxious patrons await their rescue, they experience the amazing revelations of one guest's new invention. Just as freedom arrives, thievery is discovered. Now they're trapped again because everyone is a suspect.

Come help solve this mystery and join the NYC themed fun!

Tickets are $35 each ($20 for children), and include a dinner of Chicken Cordon Bleu, rice pilaf, green beans, Caesar salad, and desert.

The play is being directed by Pastor Charley Eastman and Produced by Deborah Bergstrom. The cast includes: Michelle Doucette, Lyn Pickhover, Moe Goulet, Margo Ball, Steve Kinson, Karen and Doug Leenhouts, Carrie Flynn and Larry Childs.

Purchase tickets by calling the church at 508-528-3803. Proceeds will benefit the mission and ministry of the church.

Franklin Federated Church Mystery Dinner Theater - June 10

“We’re really excited to get going"

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

"The Town Council has given its approval to a measure that would give local farmers a voice and promote efforts to “buy local” produce. 

At its March 24 meeting, the council unanimously agreed to establish an agricultural commission. The council would now petition the Legislature to allow for such a group. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the idea came from a citizen. He said the hope was that the commission would encourage “buy local” efforts, educate residents about farms and provide a perspective on conflicts between farmers and neighbors. 

“There are some wonderful resources we have here,” he said. “(Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting) and I have met with proponents several times.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170528/franklin-council-oks-farming-group

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)

Town Offices will be closed on Monday, May 29

Town Offices will be closed on Monday, May 29th in Observance of Memorial Day and will reopen on Tuesday, May 30th at 8 AM.

Town Offices will be closed on Monday, May 29

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/125673

Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry Customer Service Center

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry Customer Service Center Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminds consumers if they have a Registry question, the answer is just a phone call away by dialing the Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. "The Customer Service Center is a one-stop shop for Norfolk County homeowners and institutional users who have land related document questions," said O'Donnell. "These questions can vary such as confirming the current ownership of a particular property, or verifying if a discharge of a property's mortgage has been filed after the loan has been paid off. We are glad to help with any inquiry, whether you come through our doors or call us by phone." Register O'Donnell further noted, "The department can also inform customers about the various cost for filing and receiving land documents. Upon a customer's request - whether by visiting us here at the Registry or by direct mail request - we can provide copies of documents for a fee of $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 per document to cover postage cost." The Registry only accepts cash or check payments. In addition, Customer Service Center staff is happy to answer questions about the Homestead Act, a law which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. O'Donnell went on to say, "For many, trying to ascertain information on land documents can be a very frustrating and intimidating experience. Please know our trained customer service staff is well versed in all areas of land document research. By utilizing our state-of-the-art land document research system, which is also available via www.norfolkdeeds.org, people can get answers to their property questions." Notary services are also offered by the Customer Service Center. "All staff members are notary publics. We are more than glad to notarize any land document provided the person requesting the service appears before us and presents satisfactory proof of identification by showing either their driver's license or passport," said O'Donnell. In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry's mission to serve the public. We strive to ensure our customers have a positive experience when interacting with us. The bottom line is: We are glad to be of service to you." 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 via telephone 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

52% of students do not get any music education after grade 5

For me, the key stat to take away from the School Committee meeting Tuesday, May 23 was that 52% of students do not get any music education after grade 5. Only 21% participate in elementary music nationally, while 48% do in Franklin.

Why do we do this? A good question for discussion.

School funding overall is an issue. It accounts for almost half of the total Franklin budget but is still not enough when the social emotional needs are lacking proper guidance, when music education stops in elementary and countless other short comings could be highlighted.

School funding was addressed by the School Committee when they unanimously voted and signed on a letter to the Legislature calling for a commitment to fully funding schools as the bill of 1993 laid out.

It may be a pipe dream, but a small step towards better funding for the school is a necessary step.

My notes from the School Committee meeting are found in the links below.

I would encourage you to watch the two music performances (Jefferson ukuleles and then the FHS trio).

I would encourage you to review the two presentation documents. 

K-12 Art and Franklin Arts Academy Update from Franklin Matters

Franklin Music Department Update from Franklin Matters

• Live reporting: Information Matters to Closing, wi...
• Live reporting: Action Items
• Live Reporting: Discussion Only Items
• Live Reporting: K12 Art Program and Franklin Arts ...
• Live Reporting: Franklin Music Department Update
• Live reporting: School Committee - May 23, 2017
• Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 23, ...