|
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Representative Roy: What's happening in the district - January 2015 newsletter
The Cake Bar: Open Mic Night - Thursday
From Facebook, I find this event scheduled for Thursday:
The Cake Bar will host the first "Open Mic Night" this Thursday, January 22nd from 5:00PM - 8:00PM.
Talent is limited to a capella or acoustic acts due to the size and configuration of the bakery.
If you'd like more information on performing, please contact Angie at (508) 553-8700.
All are welcome to come enjoy some live music, good coffee, and delicious pastry!
 |
| Open Mic Night - The Cake Bar |
Monday, January 19, 2015
Martin Luther King Day
The MA GOV website shares ideas on how to celebrate Monday
How to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Whether individually, with family, or with kids, there are many ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Visit a Museum — Various museums offer educational and celebratory opportunities during Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The New Bedford Historical Society is a great place to learn about the history and legacy of people of color in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Museum of African American History hosts its annual “Day of Service and Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Additionally, the National Black Doll Museum of History & Culture hosts a free reception and special exhibit “Legacy, Life & the Dream: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art Exhibit” on Jan. 19, 2015.
- Walk the Black Heritage Trail — Download a map and take a 1.6-mile self-guided tour of the Black Heritage Trail, where you can learn about the first African Americans and their descendants in Massachusetts. Stops on the tour include The Phillips School, one of Boston’s first public schools to be desegregated, and the Lewis and Harriet Hayden House, a shelter for fugitive slaves traveling the Underground Railroad.
- Serve Your Community — You can volunteer at your local community center, find a project online through the Corporation for National and Community Service listings, or search the Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) database. If you live in greater Boston, you can reach out to Boston Cares to volunteer.
- Take Time to Reflect — Join the Cambridge Peace Commission at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to commemorate Dr. King. Whether you’re attending an event or staying at home, take a moment to remember this historical leader and his accomplishments.
This was shared from the MA GOV site here
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/celebrate-martin-luther-king-jr-day/
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/celebrate-martin-luther-king-jr-day/
Franklin Art Association - Meeting - Feb 4
The Franklin Art Association will meet Wednesday Feb.4th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm at the Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.
Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30. The program will feature a nocturne oil painting demonstration presented by RI artist Jonathan McPhillips.
Meetings are free and opened to the public.
For more information, please visit our website at www.franklinart.org
 |
| Franklin Art Association |
Reminder: information sessions for BFCCPS scheduled
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) has scheduled two events at the school
- one on January 22nd from 7 - 9pm
- one on February 7th from 10am to noon
Both events at BFCCPS will include building tours and an arts showcase
They will also offer information sessions
- at the Bellingham Public Library on January 27th from 6-8pm
- at the Milford Town Library on February 5th from 6-8pm
 |
| BFCCPS school sign |
The BFCCPS brochure can be reviewed and downloaded from here
A quick update: babysitting will be available for the Information Session at BFCCPS scheduled for this Thursday evening (Jan 22).
"Babysitting will be available for children age 5 and up and will be held in the Art Room. The cost is $10 per family. This service is offered as a fundraiser to benefit the upcoming 7th Grade trip to Quebec."
We hope this makes attendance at the presentation a little more accessible for families with young children!
WordPress.com
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 21, 2015
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 17, 2014, June 18, 2014
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-02: Authorization to join Bellingham for the FY 2015 CDBG Program Application
2. Resolution 15-03: Declaration of Town-Owned Land at 150 Emmons Street (Old Municipal Bldg. Property) as Surplus and Available for Disposition
3. Resolution 15-04:Authorization for Disposition (Sale) of Town Owned Land @ 150 Emmons Street(Old Municipal Bldg. Property)
4. Resolution 15-05: Appropriation: Town Administration: Legal Expenses
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-745: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule, Residential Uses, Office Zoning District – 2ND Reading
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
 |
| 150 Emmons St, Franklin, MA - subject of decision to sell or not |
The full set of documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/012115.pdf
RESOLUTION 15-04: Authorization For Disposition (Sale) Town-Owned Land At 150 Emmons Street
RESOLUTION 15-04
AUTHORIZATION FOR DISPOSITION (SALE) TOWN-OWNED LAND
AT 150 EMMONS STREET (OLD MUNICIPAL BUILDING PROPERTY)
WHEREAS, Town owns a parcel of land containing 34,795 square feet more orless at the corner of Emmons and West Central Streets, shown on Franklin Assessors Map 279 as Parcel 36 (Title ref: Norfolk Registry Book 655, Page 411) containing the currently-vacant former Municipal Building, and
WHEREAS, Town Council, by Resolution 15-03, has declared said parcel to besurplus and available for disposition subject to a reserved easement shown on “Exhibit 1” attached thereto for public green space to include a statue of Horace Mann, together with appropriate plantings and public amenities, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to G.L. Chapter 30B, Section16, Town previously obtainedan appraisal and subsequently issued several Requests for Proposals (RFP's), thelatest being issued on or about September 10, 2014, which proposal contained aminimum bid price of four hundred, seventy-five thousand dollars, and
WHEREAS, one prospective developer-purchaser Roger V. Calarese submitteda responsive proposal to the latest RFP and Town Council has evaluated said proposal and heard a public presentation from the developer purchaser,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN OF FRANKLINACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS TOWN COUNCIL:
1. Determines that the proposal of Roger V. Calarese (hereinafter: “Calarese”) to pay the Town of Franklin the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars for the subject property and to construct either a single-story retail and office building thereon, as more fully described in his proposal and, more specifically, as shown on a conceptual plan captioned “Office and Retail Concept Plan of Land for 150Emmons Street in Franklin, Massachusetts” dated December 30, 2014, or, in alternative, to construct a single-story bank building with accessory vehicular drive through, as more fully described in his proposal and, more specifically, as shown on a conceptual plan captioned “Concept #7 Plan of Land for 150 Emmons Street in Franklin, Massachusetts” dated August 19, 2014 is advantageous to the Town and accepts same, subject to the provisions of the following paragraphs.
2. Votes to dispose of the subject property by selling it to Calarese for the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars subject to a reserved easement on a portion of said parcel to maintain the public green space, including a statue of Horace Mann, together with appropriate plantings and public amenities in accordance with Resolution 15-03 and “Exhibit 1” thereto, conditioned upon Calarese's execution, within sixty days, of a purchase and sales agreement and/or landdisposition/development agreement containing terms and language consistent with Town's RFP and otherwise satisfactory to Town, both to ensure Town's timely receipt of the full purchase price and that the property is developed consistent with Town's RFP and Calarese's proposal within a reasonable time period; without limiting the foregoing, the agreement shall provide for exhaustion of reasonable efforts to develop retail and office building on property prior to proceeding with development of bank building, and shall prohibit any vehicular drive-through, except as accessory to bank building and operation.
3. Directs the Town Administrator, with the assistance of the Town Attorney, to prepare and execute a purchase and sales agreement, land disposition/development agreement, deed and such other documents as he determines to be necessary, both to effectuate the sale of the subject property by Town to Calarese and to ensure that the subject property is developed consistent with Town's RFP and Calarese's proposal and the provisions of this resolution.
This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations ofthe Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.
|
| 150 Emmons St |
The text of resolution 15-04 was copied from pages 18-19 as released for the Town Council agenda for Jan 21, 2015
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/012115.pdf
RESOLUTION 15-03: Declaration Of Town-Owned Land At 150 Emmons Street as surplus
RESOLUTION 15-03
DECLARATION OF TOWN-OWNED LAND AT 150 EMMONS STREET
(OLD MUNICIPAL BUILDING PROPERTY) AS
SURPLUS AND AVAILABLE FOR DISPOSITION
WHEREAS, Town owns a parcel of land containing 34,795 square feet more or less at the corner of Emmons and West Central Streets, shown on Franklin Assessors Map 279 as Parcel 36 (Title ref: Norfolk Registry Book 655, Page 411) containing the currently-vacant former Municipal Building, as shown on "Exhibit 1" attached hereto, and
WHEREAS, Town is not currently using and no longer intends to use said parcel for municipal purposes, with the exception of an area immediately abutting the intersection of Emmons and West Central Streets shown on said “Exhibit 1” which Town intends to develop as a public green space to include a statue of Horace Mann, together
with appropriate plantings, and public amenities,
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Franklin, acting by and through its Town Council, declares the parcel of Town-owned land described above and shown on "Exhibit 1" to be no longer needed for municipal purposes, except for the area of said parcel also described above, and therefore to be surplus and available for
disposition, subject to a reserved easement on said parcel, of the area immediately abutting the intersection of Emmons and West Central Streets shown on “Exhibit 1” which Town intends to develop as a public green space to include a statue of Horace Mann, together with appropriate plantings, and public amenities.
This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.
|
| 150 Emmons St, the subject property |
This was shared from page 16 of the document released for the Town Council agenda for Jan 21, 2015
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/012115.pdf
"no evidence that mastering these standards in kindergarten rather than in first grade brings lasting gains"
One key concept being lost in the educational discussion is "developmentally appropriate." This article from the Washington Post highlights a report showing no studies supporting the Common Core and reading requirements for kindergarten level students.
The report summary outlines the following:
The Common Core State Standards call for kindergartners to learn how to read, but a new report by early childhood experts says that forcing some kids to read before they are ready could be harmful.
Two organizations that advocate for early childhood education — Defending the Early Years and Alliance for Childhood — issued the report titled “Reading in Kindergarten: Little to Gain and Much to Lose.” It says there is no evidence to support a widespread belief in the United States that children must read in prekindergarten or kindergarten to become strong readers and achieve academic success.
 |
| Brian Peyes-Mendez participates in a test with Kendra Sarris as kindergarten teachers assess students with new tests, on Oct. 30 in Accokeek, Md. (Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post) |
The report summary outlines the following:
- Many children are not developmentally ready to read in kindergarten, yet the Common Core State Standards require them to do just that. This is leading to inappropriate classroom practices.
- No research documents long-term gains from learning to read in kindergarten.
- Research shows greater gains from playbased programs than from preschools and kindergartens with a more academic focus.
- Children learn through playful, handson experiences with materials, the natural world, and engaging, caring adults.
- Active, play-based experiences in language rich environments help children develop their
- ideas about symbols, oral language and the printed word — all vital components of reading.
- We are setting unrealistic reading goals and frequently using inappropriate methods to accomplish them.
- In play-based kindergartens and preschools, teachers intentionally design language and literacy experiences which help prepare children to become fluent readers.
- The adoption of the Common Core State Standards falsely implies that having children achieve these standards will overcome the impact of poverty on development and learning, and will create equal educational opportunity for all children.
You can find the full report here
FHS Basketball: Coaches vs. Cancer
The Franklin Boys Basketball teams and Cheerleaders will be running a Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser on Friday, January 23rd.
There will may be a dress down day for teachers and staff (for a small donation) andThere will be events and activities at all three basketball games later that day.
The freshman play at 3:30, JV at 5:00, Varsity at 6:30.
 |
| FHS Panthers |
Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available
A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.
Click the link below to read the latest edition
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Feb15connection.pdf
 |
| Franklin Senior Center |
_______________________________________________
You are subscribed to the The Franklin Connection - Senior Newsletter mailing list.
In the News: Franklin's birthday party, Scouts help seniors
The memorable man on the town's seal turns 309 today (Saturday - 1/17/15).
And as it has for the last few years, the Historical Commission will celebrate Benjamin Franklin's birthday on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the 80 West Central St. museum.
 |
| Franklin Historical Museum |
Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150117/NEWS/150116998/1995/NEWS#sthash.ppNuNwV1.dpuf
With his troop by his side, Boy Scout Mike Hurley read a short story to senior citizens at the Franklin Health and Rehabilitation Center.
For the seniors, it was all about spending quality time with Troop 126, who devoted their afternoon to the seniors Saturday.
At the community service event, the Scouts and seniors took part in knot tying, played bingo and made origami cranes.
“It’s wonderful. We look forward to it,” said Donald Adiletto, adding the seniors have days the Boy Scouts visit marked on a calendar in the main office.Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150117/NEWS/150116848/1994/NEWS#sthash.rpy2BDup.dpuf
Saturday, January 17, 2015
"This land must be preserved in perpetuity"
The 'radar' found this well written letter on the Pond St issue:
ALAN EARLS
- See more at: http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/article/20150114/OPINION/150117987/12457/OPINION#sthash.8dcKYch6.dpuf
Thanks for your coverage of the recent Pond Street (Franklin) zoning hearing. As a former member of the town’s industrial development commission, open space committee, public land use committee, and historic commission I am baffled that the town is still attempting to sell this land.
 |
| Pond St lot - Mine Brook and Charles River seen along left of photo |
Anyone who looks at a map, and one would like to hope that the town’s administrative officials and elected officials would have done so, can see that the town’s Pond Street parcel is the only good access to hundreds of acres of the Army Corps of Engineers conservation land along Mine Brook and the Charles River. This land must be preserved in perpetuity as part of a flood control system, but it is available for many kinds of “passive” recreation such as walking, jogging, cross country skiing, canoeing, etc. However, because it is almost entirely “land locked” by privately owned parcels, this beautiful meadowland that attracted settlers here in the 1600s, is unknown to most residents.
In the past, both as an individual and through my position with the Open Space Committee, I have advocated for any development of this land to include parking for residents to use if they wish to reach the Army Corps land. Despite verbal assurances, it is my understanding that little if any requirement to this effect has survived into RFPs.
It is past time for the town to put aside the idea of squandering this keystone property in a short-sighted effort to pad town coffers. Instead, the town should invest. Set aside this land for conservation and recreation, provide the modest improvements needed to make it safe for the public, and work with the very willing officials of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (with whom I met recently) to open up this treasure in our midst.
ALAN EARLS
- See more at: http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/article/20150114/OPINION/150117987/12457/OPINION#sthash.8dcKYch6.dpuf
Another small business goes
Heard from the Lanni's on Friday evening that regretably they closed Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace as of Thursday, Jan 15th. The 'goodbye' message posted to their website reads:
What message is there for us from the recent closures of small business (Artistry Kitchen, Rick's and now Tastebuds)?
Business gets a tally everyday on how well they do. How many dollars come in the door versus what it costs them to provide the goods/services they offer to us. We need to remember that we vote for a business by spending our money there. It is a collaborative effort. The business also needs to deliver goods/services for a price that we are willing to pay. Our vote (via the dollars we spend) either tells them they will stay or go.
From the archives regarding Tastebuds:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/tastebuds-fresh-marketplace-now-open.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/tastebuds-fresh-marketplace-grand.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/tastebuds-fresh-marketplace-now-open-on.html
It is with great sadness that we are forced to close Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace, effective, Thursday January 15, 2015. Though we have had realized our dream of opening and operating Tastebuds, the reality was that we could not garner the customer base over the last ten months to assure its continued success.
We wish to thank our loyal customers who have given us continual support and encouragement over these past months. We truly hope that you have enjoyed the foods and services we provided. They came, genuinely, from the heart.
Going forward, please always try to support your local "mom and pop" stores. They are the backbone of your community and deliver heart felt value. Shop and Support Local, you'll never be sorry.
 |
| Tastebuds Fresh Marketplace |
What message is there for us from the recent closures of small business (Artistry Kitchen, Rick's and now Tastebuds)?
Business gets a tally everyday on how well they do. How many dollars come in the door versus what it costs them to provide the goods/services they offer to us. We need to remember that we vote for a business by spending our money there. It is a collaborative effort. The business also needs to deliver goods/services for a price that we are willing to pay. Our vote (via the dollars we spend) either tells them they will stay or go.
From the archives regarding Tastebuds:
Now open - Mar 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/tastebuds-fresh-marketplace-now-open.html
Grand Opening - Apr 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/tastebuds-fresh-marketplace-grand.html
Opening on Sunday - Jun 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/tastebuds-fresh-marketplace-now-open-on.html
"a highlight of defense both ways"
From Hockomock Sports we find that Mansfield High beat the FHS girls basketball team on Friday night.
It was tight, physical, defensive, and at times pretty ugly for both teams, but in the end Mansfield kept its hopes of catching North Attleboro for the division title alive with a 43-30 victory over Franklin on Friday night at the James Albertini Gym.
The win keeps the Hornets at two losses in the league, which is tied with the Panthers for second behind unbeaten (in the Hockomock) North.
“I think it’s been three, four years since we’ve beaten them,” said Mansfield coach Mike Redding. “They’ve sort of had our number… I think this is a big win for our team to get them at home.”
 |
| Mansfield freshman Meg Hill (31) scored 13 points and pulled in 11 rebounds to help the Hornets overcome division rival Franklin and stay in the league title hunt. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) |
You can read the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hill-double-double-powers-hornets-in-must-win-game
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)