September Events with Metacomet Land Trust

Join us on these outdoor adventures!

View this email in your browser This wonderful little songbird was safely tagged and released in May as part of bird-banding projects in our region. See below for our September 14th event at which you can help this effort! Upcoming Hikes in Blackstone with Volunteer Tom Bik Tom Bik is leading two free hikes in Blackstone in early September. Please check our calendar and join us to visit the Blackstone River Gorge and Metacomet's Hop Brook Conservation Area! Thursday, September 5th - Afternoon Guided 1-Mile Hike, Blackstone Gorge State Park, end of County Street, Blackstone, MA. 4:30 p.m. Join Blackstone Heritage Corridor Trail Ambassador and Metacomet Land Trust board member Tom Bik on a guided, one-mile hike in the woods along the Blackstone River. Tom will highlight the history and natural resources along the Blackstone River Gorge. This easy-to-moderate hike is just long enough to satisfy outdoor enthusiasts and short enough for beginners. Free and open to all. Rain date September 6th, 2019, same time. This event is co-sponsored with the Go! events program of the Blackstone Heritage Corridor.   Saturday, September 7th Morning Nature Walk, Hop Brook Conservation Area, Mendon Street, Blackstone MA. 10:00 a.m. Please join us for a morning nature walk at our Hop Brook Conservation Area in Blackstone at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 6th. Tom will guide you and your family through the woodlands of this large preserve. Metacomet's property is a key protected area within more than 1,000 acres of conservation land. For more information please email info@metacometlandtrust.org or call 508-271-7131. This event is free and open to all. In case of rain the walk will take place on September 8th at the same time. The entrance to the parking lot is opposite 249 Mendon Street, in Blackstone. The Google Map link is: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1K9J_0kB68ExLdtKziZNnejSQ3lIFB-42&usp=sharing Copyright © 2019 Metacomet Land Trust, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a subscriber to our e-newsletter. Our mailing address is: Metacomet Land Trust P.O. Box 231 Franklin, MA 02038

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content please visit https://mailchi.mp/38d938528805/join-us-outdoors-at-these-upcoming-events-596687?e=935e913775

“The idea is to cut back on all single-use bags”

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:

"As more and more cities across the state and country prohibit plastic shopping bags, a statewide ban came closer to reality last month. There’s just one major problem: Some of the most adamant supporters of efforts to enact a ban say they can’t support the bill. 

At the heart of the issue is an ideological battle over how well plastic bag ban policies actually work, and whether such legislation creates unintended environmental consequences. 

A coalition of environmental, retail, and municipal groups had worked with lawmakers to draft legislation with two key components: banning single-use plastic bags statewide and requiring a fee on all paper bags used during checkout. The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Representative Lori Ehrlich and Senator Jamie Eldridge, and endorsed by nearly 100 legislators and 200 constituent groups."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2019/08/19/massachusetts-plastic-bag-ban-now-tied-beacon-hill/Yc6mWZY5SyDgRz4Csnm5LJ/story.html

Reusable bags at the Big Y. (JONATHAN WIGGS/GLOBE STAFF)

The plastic bag ban is under discussion by the Economic Development Committee and part of the June 12 and Aug 14 meetings

Aug 14
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/fm-169-economic-development.html

Jun 12
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-165-economic-development.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 21, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2019

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/aug_21_full_agenda_f_1.pdf

 

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

Agenda Item	Summary
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS	a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	a. July 24, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Fire Chief Pinning Ceremony
6. HEARINGS	None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. New All-Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License, 466 King Street.
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	None Scheduled
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-53: Rescind Outdated Bonds (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-53 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-54: Amendment to FY2020 Budget (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-54 - Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-55: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-55 - Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-56: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Senior Center (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-56 - Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-57: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Fire Department (Motion to approve Resolution 19-57 - Majority Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-58: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Police Department (Motion to approve Resolution 19-58 - Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842: Changes to 185-40 Water Resource District - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 19-842: Changes to 185-40 Water Resource District - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote (6))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-844: 225 Plain Street - Sewer System Extension - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 19-844: 225 Plain Street - Sewer Extension to a Second Reading - Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
ADJOURN

future location of The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc

Franklin Democratic Town Committee - public demonstration - Aug 24

The Franklin Democratic Town Committee has organized a public demonstration to protest the Trump administration’s lawlessness.

Demonstrators will gather across from the Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central Street, Franklin, between 10:00 AM and noon on Saturday, August 24.

Participants from neighboring towns are expected. People can make signs or just show up.

demonstration on Saturday, June 15 (courtesy photo)

 

The Wall That Heals - in Bellinghham, Aug 22 - 25

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

"The Wall That Heals, a 7.5-foot-tall wall featuring the names of 58,276 veterans who died serving in Vietnam, will be coming to Bellingham from August 22-25. Several speakers and events are planned during its monumental visit to the town during its 300th anniversary.

In Paksem, Laos, on Oct. 19, 1972, German-born Sgt. John Peterson, a paramilitary officer for the Central Intelligence Agency boarded a helicopter. By mid-afternoon, he heard shots fired in the distance.

Peterson grew up in Bellingham and attended its high school.

“John knew it was time to get out of there,” said his wife Martha (Marti) Denny, who flew to Laos with him in June 1971 to arm and train the Hmong, a Laotian highland tribe, to fight the Communist Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190819/wall-that-heals-coming-to-bellingham---what-you-need-to-know

screen capture of The Wall that Heals

Register O'Donnell Highlights Partnership with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights Partnership with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reiterated the importance he places on the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds partnership with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, an organization created through a merger of two non-profit agencies, NeighborWorks of Southern Massachusetts and Housing Solutions of Southeastern Massachusetts. "NeighborWorks Housing Solutions," stated Register O'Donnell, "is a non-profit organization that provides housing options for residents in more than 75 cities and towns throughout Southern Massachusetts, including parts of Norfolk County. They provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process, offering credit counseling and working with clients to starve off a foreclosure. They have four locations including offices in Quincy and Brockton, and can be reached at 617-770-2227." The Register further noted, "For the past several years, my office has partnered with reputable non-profit agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure issues. While Norfolk County is a destination location to live and work, some of our neighbors are facing economic hardship." O'Donnell noted that in July 2019, a total of 8 foreclosure deeds were filed at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. In addition, 29 Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, were also recorded. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Robert Corley, CEO of NeighborWorks Housing Solutions and his entire team do an outstanding job working on a myriad number of housing related issues in Southern Massachusetts. The Registry of Deeds is truly proud of its partnership with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions and looks forward to many years of working closely together with them in serving the people of Norfolk County." Note: Additional information on the Registry's foreclosure assistance efforts can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. 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/or 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 email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Highlights Partnership with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions

Downtown Partnership Prepares for Harvest Festival on October 5

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is making plans for its 17th annual Harvest Festival, a family-fun community event, scheduled for Saturday, October 5.

The Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Franklin from noon to 5 PM. on Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank. The event’s rain date is Sunday, October 6.

Plans for the festival are well underway and booth space is filling up fast. Visitors will be treated to exciting local entertainment, delicious fall flavors from local restaurants, fun kid crafts and activities, shop specials, artwork and crafts by area artisans and helpful information from community groups and vendors.

Organizers expect booth space for this event to sell out. Partnership members receive a booth for free; non-members pay $125. Downtown businesses must register to ensure store-front space. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis.

Downtown Partnership Prepares for Harvest Festival on October 5

Find the registration link at http://bit.ly/FranklinHF or on the Partnership website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. Register before September 17. Please add a $35 late fee if you register after September 17. Registration will close on September 20. Email Scott Martin, chair of the Harvest Festival, at fdpevent@gmail.com with questions about the event.

The Partnership also welcomes businesses to help support the Harvest Festival. Sponsor forms are posted on the website, or business owners can contact the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

Silver sponsors for the Harvest Festival are Dean Bank, Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust.

Bronze sponsors are Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill, the Bernon Family Branch YMCA, Chestnut Dental Associates, DCU, Glen Meadow Apartments, Keefe Insurance.

Friends sponsors are Camford Property Group, Charles River Bank, Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, LeafFilter, MyFM.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of 270 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area.

State Rep Josh Cutler on the "Mobtown Massacre" - Sep 15

Long before the era of "fake news'' or Twitter bombs, the freedom of the press often had to be defended with pens and pistols.

In his book Mobtown Massacre: Alexander Hanson and the Baltimore Newspaper War of 1812, author and State Representative Josh Cutler shares the story of how one Massachusetts town came to be named for a fiery Federalist newspaper editor from Maryland whose anti-war writings provoked a bloodthirsty mob, a midnight jailbreak and a brutal massacre that stunned the nation in 1812. This fateful but little-known episode in American history helped shape the course of a war and the nation's promise of a free press. And it all started with a headline.

On Sunday, September 15, 2019 Rep. Cutler will join Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) at the Franklin Historical Museum to talk about the book and this fascinating period in American history.

"I am honored to bring Rep. Cutler to Franklin to shine light on a little-known episode in American history that helped shape the course of war and the free press," noted Rep. Roy. "His book is a gripping story of the press under attack, a fiery young editor who put his principles above popularity, and a challenge to populist thought that brings history to life. The book also foreshadows the toxic political arena in America today, but stands as a shining example of political courage."

Rep. Josh Cutler and Rep. Jeffrey Roy

Rep. Cutler is an attorney and serves in the Massachusetts House with Rep. Roy. Cutler represents the Sixth Plymouth District of Massachusetts, which includes the town of Hanson. Cutler is a graduate of Skidmore College, Suffolk Law and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. He is also the author of "When the Press Really Was Under Attack: Alexander Hanson and the 1812 1Mobtown' Massacre," published by the New England Journal of History in the Spring 2018.

Book Talk
Mobtown Massacre: Alexander Hanson and the Baltimore Newspaper War of 1812 
Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 1:10 PM to 2:10 PM 
at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.

School Committee - Recap - August 13, 2019

The School Committee meeting reviewed and approved updates to the student handbooks. The adjustment to the budget given the additional money approved in the State budget (versus what was forecasted to be approved) was requested to offset the high school parking fee. 

With the Town Council meeting scheduled for Aug 14 canceled during the afternoon, the Schools will need to wait until the rescheduled meeting Aug 21 for confirmation of the budget change.


Superintendents Report
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_august_13_2019.pdf

Student handbooks were updated for the new school year
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-handbooks


Live reporting: to Executive Session not to return...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/live-reporting-to-executive-session-not.html
 
Live reporting: Information matters - Consent agen...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/live-reporting-information-matters.html

Live reporting: School Committee - Aug 13, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/live-reportin

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 13, ...
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/08/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-aug.html 

School Committee - Recap - August 13, 2019

Annual Craft Fair - Nov 9

Save the Date!!! The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is hosting their annual Craft Fair on Saturday, November 9, 2019. 

This long-running Franklin tradition will be held at Tri-County High School, 147 Pond Street, Franklin from 9 AM to 3 PM. We are excited to host over 70 artisans at this juried craft fair. All proceeds are donated to local charitable organizations. 

In addition, there will be a bake sale table and we welcome donations of non-perishable goods that will be brought to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Vendor applications are still being accepted; they are available on our website at franklinnewcomers.com. We only accept applications for homemade items not commercially manufactured items.

 

Annual Craft Fair - Nov 9

5 candidates certified, 22 total candidates thus far for the Franklin Biennial Election

The listing of the 22 candidates who have taken out papers to run for the open positions on the Franklin Biennial Election is provided via Town Clerk, Teresa Burr. 5 of the candidates have had their papers certified to confirm their ballot entry. 

There are 28 seats open so there is plenty of room for additional candidates. The listing will be updated weekly to provide the 'scorecard' of who's taken papers, who's turned them in, etc.


Download your copy from here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczQVBHWlNrX2h1OXRFWFN5Q1N2T1dTRXZHdHdR/view?usp=sharing


 
Find more information on the Franklin Election Nov 5, 2019 in the "election collection"  
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/franklin-election-collection-2019.html

5 candidates certified, 22 total candidates thus far for the Franklin Biennial Election

Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis - Oct 17

Climate change is real; you can see it happening all around us, not just in America but on a global scale. Improbable weather events are happening in the most unlikely places. Yet it’s hard to get one’s head around it and figure out what the solution is.

The 2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report is a call to action to avert the changes. The IPCC and 97% of climate scientists worldwide say the changes that are necessary to avert disaster are stark: 50% reduction in carbon emissions is needed by 2030, and net carbon effect by 2050.

But we have an Administration in denial, and mass media that’s more concerned with the latest tweet than explaining what’s going on in the climate, and what can be done about it by citizens in cities and towns in the Commonwealth.

How will the average citizen learn about what can be done to minimize the effects?

Several of us from Franklin got together along with the Franklin Democratic Town Committee, 350 Massachusetts for a Better Future, and Massachusetts Climate Action Network to plan a community-wide educational forum to examine the causes and effects policy implications, and actions to take at the town and state levels. 

It’s called “Franklin 2050: The Climate Crisis” and it’s happening Thursday, October 17 at 7:00 PM at Franklin Elks 1077 Pond Street in Franklin.

Hope to see you there in this free forum event!

Richard Halpern
Franklin, MA






Register for the event
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-2050-the-climate-crisis-tickets-65325208457

Visit the IPCC page to get more information  https://www.ipcc.ch/report/srccl/

You can also get a copy of the report directly 
https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl-report-download-page/

2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report

“We thought this was a safe community”

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

"Arriving back from a four-day vacation at 3 a.m. last month, a family living on Palomino Drive knew their house had been burglarized when they opened the front door.

“As soon as we came in, we already knew someone had broken in,” said homeowner Srinivas, who didn’t disclose his last name because he feared for his family’s safety. Inside, shelves were broken and a light streamed into the hallway from their master bedroom – left on by the thieves.

“It appears the person entered through the side of his house, prying open a window,” said Franklin police Detective Nicholas Palmieri. “Very little evidence left behind.”

More than $25,000 in cash and goods were stolen, including ornate jewelry and important documents, Palmieri said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190815/thieves-target-franklin-neighborhood-police-say-many-victims-are-of-indian-descent

In the News: EEE 2nd case in MetroWest; Plans for divider on RT 1 in Wrentham

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

Health officials announced that the city is among several communities in the region at “critical” risk for a potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus, after a person aged 19 to 30 in Grafton tested positive.

Friday’s news marks the first time that an Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)-positive human case has been confirmed in the region and the second EEE-positive human case in the state, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Six days ago, an individual from Plymouth County was confirmed with the disease.

Besides Framingham, the DPH said risk ratings were raised to critical in Hopkinton, Grafton, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Upton, Westborough, Marlborough, Millbury, Northborough and Sutton.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190816/dph-raises-mosquito-risk-in-milford-area-after-second-human-eee-case-announced

A head-on crash on Rte. 1 earlier this month was the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back for Wrentham Police Chief Bill McGrath.

The chief took to his department’s Facebook page the morning after the Aug. 4 crash, vowing to do what he can to press for safety improvements along the dangerous stretch of road.

“Too many injured and dead over the years,” he wrote, noting that the crash - caused when a left-turning car was struck - resulted in several people getting injured, including a 6-year-old Wrentham girl who suffered a head injury.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190816/officials-unite-to-put-dividers-on-rte-1-in-wrentham

FTC Consumer Alerts: Claims in weight loss ads might be false

Claims in weight loss ads might be false by Rosario Méndez , Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education Some ads for weight loss products promise miracles. They might say that the product works for everyone or will let you lose weight permanently. Those claims are lies. Dishonest advertisers will tell you anything to get you to buy their product.  They might have images of "doctors" in their ads and even "news" reports to make you believe that the product works.Today, the FTC launched a new website, based partly on the LeanSpa case, to help people identify false weight loss claims. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/08/claims-weight-loss-ads-might-be-false?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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