Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Sign seems to be oddly placed

This "Do not enter" sign is oddly placed. There is a curb along the road. A utility pole, a tree, and a support line for the utility pole. Why would any one think this is a space to drive?

oddly placed sign

Is there a special reason for the placement of this sign?

Do you have a library card?

September is National Library Card Sign up Month and the Franklin Library is taking part. Do you have a library card?

Library card sign up month

Visit the Franklin Library page to find out what the library card can do for you.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/index

Visit the American Library Association webpage for more on this month
http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/card

"We are moving along"

As shown with photos shared here, the solar farm up at the Mount St Mary's Abbey is making progress and part of it should go live in October.

National Grid, the town’s primary electricity provider, still has to perform some final safety and security checks, he said.

The town will purchase the energy generated by the farm at a reduced rate.

Kearsarge will begin work on the remaining 3 megawatts in the next 60 days. The complete farm will power about 70 percent of the town’s municipal and school buildings, according to Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.

solar farm in July 2013

More photos from July 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/mount-st-marys-solar-farm-update.html

Photos from June 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/mount-st-marys-solar-farm.html

"best fit for the museum"

What to do with the former historical museum is an open question.

When the commission moved into its current museum on West Central Street three years ago, the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House no longer had a use and now stands perpetually empty.

Recently, commissioners have been discussing with town officials potential uses for the old church — such as leasing or selling it — but have hit hurdle after hurdle.

While the town has maintained the more than 150-year-old building to a certain extent, it will still require an extensive amount of work before it can be sold or repurposed, according to Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Meeting - Sep 10

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. The meeting will be held at the YMCA in Franklin and begin at 7:30 pm. Attached is an agenda, and the meeting is open to any one who wants to participate and help develop the trail.

Also, if you are interested in helping with the annual SNETT Benefit Road Race, please contact David Labonte at david.labonte@verizon.net or Terri Tomaino at territom2@comcast.net.

Re-routing the approach to the DPW Garage

Earlier this year, Franklin realized that the location of the approach to the DPW Garage off Hayward St was encroaching upon private property. Franklin was granted a formal easement and re-located the approach to the DPW Garage. The re-location is not finished but functional as shown in the photos taken recently.

Approaching the DPW Garage along Hayward St from RT 140

Re-routing Hayward St

closer view of the re-route

new approach to DPW Garage

full view of the approach to the DPW Garage

the approach from the other direction

Harmony from the Heart is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 21

What is Harmony from the Heart?

Its time for our annual Concert for Platelet Research. Entertainment by: PT 73, Kai Olsson, Abbi Elizabeth Butler, Jamie Barrett, Toby Olsson, Patrick Dreier. Guest Hosts former Major League Baseball Centerfielder Brett Butler and his wife Eveline. Tickets $25.00 in advance $30.00 the night of the event. Silent Auction and Raffles, good eats, great music. Join us for a night of fun, friends and fundraising. Tickets can be purchased and/or direct donations can be made online at http://tinyurl.com/HFTH2013. If purchasing tickets, just indicate how many in the 'special note' section of the donation page and your name will be added to our guest list. All proceeds benefit The Center for Platelet Research Studies at Boston Children's Hospital. It's a great night out for a great cause. Join us and thanks so much for your support!

You can also find information about this event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/536548363083792/

Citizen's Committee scope creep?

The Town Council meeting scheduled for Weds Sep 11th has an item to add the responsibility for watching over the condition of the Franklin/Dean Train Station to the Citizens Committee

RESOLUTION 13-68

CITIZEN COMMITTEE

WHEREAS, the Citizen Committee was created by the Town Council to allow for participation by the citizens to provide valuable input in critical areas; and

WHEREAS, the Citizen Committee has expressed concern with the current condition of the Downtown train station where the train station is a gateway to our community.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town Council of the Town of Franklin requests the Citizen Committee and Town Administrator investigate what steps are needed to ensure that the station and the surrounding parking lot are kept in good repair.

This resolution shall become effective according to the provisions of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.

I don't follow this one.

Milford Daily News had an article in August where the Chair of the Citizens Committee referred to the work being done on the station as it "looks like the South Bronx".
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/we-have-long-way-to-go.html

The work was completed and now the train station looks pretty good

new roof on the downtown train station

new roof, copper trim, on the recently repair train station

In the News: West Point, string auditions

Franklin teen is first FHS grad in 10 years to attend West Point

Upon graduating from the U.S. Military Academy in 2017, Clay Shropshire will take on an immense responsibility.

String School of Franklin Repertory Orchestra to hold auditions

The Franklin Public Schools String School of Franklin Repertory Orchestra would like to invite string players from Franklin and the surrounding communities to audition for the 2013 - 2014 school year.

Orchestra auditions will take place at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St., on Thursday, Sept. 12.

YPO@ Twenty8 in Patriot Place - special deals if you pre-register!

What is the YPO?

The YPO is THE place for young professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement, and professional development.

Come meet other young professionals in your area and check out the YPO!

YPO Now Accepting New Members

The YPO Membership Application is now available! For your convenience, you can download the application here, or you can complete it online at our new website: www.unitedregionalypo.org/join.

Membership fees are $50 per person, annually. If your business is a member of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce (URCC), your first year of membership into the YPO is free!

Applications can be returned:

Online: unitedregionalypo.org/join
Email:unitedregionalypo@ymail.com
Fax: (508) 223-5220

Mail: 42 Union Street,
Attleboro, MA 02703

Thank You to our recent Event Sponsor

CBS Scene

200 Patriot Place,

Foxboro, MA

YPO@Twenty8 Food and Spirits

Wednesday, September 18th 6-8pm

Situated in the Patriot Place Complex inside the Renaissance Boston Hotel and Spa at Patriot Place, Twenty8 Food and Spirits has quickly become one of the hottest dining spots in Foxboro, MA. The ambiance is sophisticated yet fun while the menu features New England favorites with a trendy twist.

Please join the YPO on Wednesday, September 18th from 6-8 pm, for the opportunity to make connections, build relationships and showcase your business with your peers in Twenty8's eclectic, electric setting in Foxboro.

This event will be well attended, so don't miss this great opportunity to meet and connect with other local Young Professionals.

Pre-register for this event NOW to receive the reduced cover of $5 by clicking here.

Pre-register and receive a coupon for

20% off at Life is Good

Registrations at the door will $10.

Light appetizers will be provided!

Door Prizes!

We hope to see you all there!!!

Board Member Positions Available

The YPO is looking for additional board members to assist with event promotion and ideas as well as in other areas. If you feel you can contribute, or want to discuss an opportunity, please contact us. We always welcome your ideas, as we desire growth of the organization and our members' businesses and general connections. This may be an attractive opportunity to work alongside your peers and also be recognized at every YPO event.

For more information, please contact the YPO at unitedregionalypo@ymail.com or 508-488-YPO (9761).

____________________________________ Be sure to check out our upcoming events

on our website and stay up to date on everything YPO by connecting with us online!

We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

Kind Regards,

United Regional YPO

About Us

Our events will be a mix of networking and fun held in some of the best places in the area.

*Must be at least 21 years old to attend events

For more info call 508-488-9761 or e-mail

unitedregionalypo@ymail.com

Forward email

United Regional's YPO | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Monday, September 9, 2013

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 11, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– June 5, 2013, June 19, 2013

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS – This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS – Robert R. Dean

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Design Review Commission

Claudine Silverman
Robert J. Tobin Jr

Conservation Commission

Dayna Gill
Ravi Pendkar

F. HEARINGS
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to §185-7. Compliance Required
• Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery of Furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – Postponed to September 11, 2013- 7:10 PM

Ichigo Ichie

Village Mall Liquors

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Residence Inn by Marriott-Franklin: Change of Manager

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 13-719: Changes to Chapter 185. Attachment 9. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – Referral to Planning Board
2. Bylaw Amendment 13-720:Changes to Chapter 185-4. Districts Enumerated. – Referral to Planning Board
3. Bylaw Amendment 13-721: Changes to Chapter 185-5. Zoning Map. - Referral to Planning Board
4. Bylaw Amendment 13-722: Changes to Chapter 185-50. Residential VII Zoning District – Referral to Planning Board
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-723: Changes to Chapter 185 Use Regulation Schedule, Parts I through Parts VII. - Referral to Planning Board
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to Chapter 185-7. Compliance Required - 1st Reading
7. Resolution 13-61: Acceptance of Relocated Water Easement and Release (Abandonment) of Original Water Easement on Property at 34 Longfellow Drive
8. Resolution 13-62: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 60A, Section 1, Paragraph 8
9. Resolution 13-63: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 60A, Section 9
10. Resolution 13-64: Council on Aging – Outreach Coordinator
11. Resolution 13-65: Ratification of Town Administrator’s Contract
12. Resolution 13-66: Authorization for Disposition (Sale) of Town-Owned Land (Vacant Parcel Between Old West Central and West Central Streets)
13. Resolution 13-67: Order of Taking – Downtown Roadway Improvements
14. Resolution 13-68: Citizen Committee

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

The original agenda documents for Sep 4th
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/090413.pdf

The update agenda documents for Sep 11th
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/091113.pdf

Franklin Historical Museum: Antique Appraisals - Sep 15th

Got something old and not sure how much it is worth? For $5 a piece, up to three items can be appraised for you at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday, Sep 15th

Details can be found in this flyer:

Franklin Historical Museum

For additional information about the Franklin Historical Museum visit their webpage
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/

of the Museum Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Parmenter PCC meetings 9/12, 9/13

The 9/2 and 9/5 no school days have already gone by but the PCC Meetings scheduled for 9/12 and 9/13 are coming this week

Parmenter sign

What is your school's PCC schedule? There should be information on each school webpage. In my round of visits, some sites are more frequently updated than others.

The main school dept page can be found here: http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/index

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 10, 2013

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 27, 2013 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: Budget to Actual

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Lifelong Learning Summer Programs Update

3. Discussion Only Items
Update

4. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,052.50 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Paolino Management Corp. for the FHS.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from JMP Management, Inc. for the FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $846.34 from JDRF for Annie Sullivan Middle School.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Tryout dates for Franklin Fusion and Franklin Tornadoes

Tryout dates for Franklin Fusion and Franklin Tornadoes, the competitive travel summer softball teams of the Franklin Girls Softball Association (FGSA), will take place during the weekends of September 21-22 and September 28-29. Pre-Registration is encouraged and available at www.sportsmanager.us/Franklin-Tornadoes.htm.

Franklin Fusion

The summer softball program fields teams for ages 10U (Tornadoes only), 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U*. All Fusion and Tornadoes practice throughout the year and play league games in addition to several tournaments. Please note that both programs require a player’s/parents’ commitment to their team, however the Fusion teams do involve additional travel and time commitments.

Franklin Tornadoes

All players should arrive 30 minutes early for tryout sessions to check in and warm up as tryout sessions will start promptly. For more information, please contact Matt Connelly, 617-962-4785, madjack8@comcast.net, email fgsa@fastpitch.org or visit www.fgsafastpitch.org.

WHERE: Pisani Fields, Peck Street, Franklin

WHEN**:

16U : Saturday, September 21 from 3:30-6:00

Saturday, September 28 from 3:30-6:00 (Fusion Callbacks***/Rain Date)

14U : Sunday, September 22 from 1:00-6:00

Sunday, September 29 from 1:00-3:30 (Fusion Callbacks***/Rain Date)

12U : Saturday, September 21 from 1:30-3:30 and

Sunday, September 22 from 1:00-6:00

Sunday, September 29 from 1:00-6:00 (Fusion Callbacks***/Rain Date)

10U : Saturday, September 21 from 1:30-6:00

Saturday, September 28 from 1:30-6:00 (Rain Date Only)

*Players’ ages are as of December 31, 2013; **Girls may be assigned shorter, position-specific time brackets; ***Fusion callbacks for those girls being considered for Fusion after initial tryout

"I don’t really see it getting better"

The Milford Daily News reports on the increasing demands seen by MetroWest area food pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry was among those quoted:

At the Franklin Food Pantry, Director of Development Erin Lynch said the pantry distributed 186,000 pounds of food in its most recent fiscal year, up 24 percent from the prior fiscal year. Lynch, like other pantry leaders, noticed many clients have jobs but are still unable to afford food amid rising costs of living and inadequate pay.

"I think it takes along time for families to feel the impact, even if the economy is getting better" Lynch said. "We really haven’t seen evidence on our end yet (of improvements)."

Lynch said the pantry hopes in the next year to work with other community groups to better understand what causes food insecurity and how to improve the situation without just distributing more and more food. Items they could look at is improving job skill training resources, she said.

What can you do to help the Food Pantry?One easy way is to buy a ticket to our fund raising wine tasting event coming up Thursday, Sep 12. Tickets are available online at http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ or at the Food Pantry (in the Roackland Trust parking lot downtown Franklin).

Franklin Library: School tool carriers

The craft this Monday at the Library is to decorate your own pencil or school tool kit.

school tool carriers

This was re-posted from the Franklin Public Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/09/krafty-mondays-make-school-tool-carriers.html

For other activities and events at the Library follow them on Facebook too
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinPublicLibrary

In the News: apple crop, tree backlash

Farmers expecting robust apple crop

Agriculture officials and apple growers said this week that they are looking forward to a blockbuster fall and said customers have already been streaming in to pluck the season’s first apples off the trees.

Local utility companies deal with tree-cutting backlash

More than a year ago, dozens of residents in MetroWest had just about had it with NStar. They angrily packed local meeting halls and wrote letters to their representatives, urging leaders to do something.

Franklin Matters