Register O'Donnell Promotes Annual Toys for Tots Drive

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Annual Toys for Tots Drive The great American Charlie Brown cartoonist Charles Schultz once said, "Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone." With that in mind, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today announced that the Registry will once again be sponsoring its annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. "The Registry of Deeds is again delighted to partner with a charity like the Marine Corps Reserve's Toys for Tots program," said O'Donnell. The Register added, "Since 1947, when the program was established, because a wife of a Marine officer couldn't find an organization to take a Raggedy Ann doll, approximately a half billion gifts have been donated." Donations of new and unwrapped games and toys can be bought to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham starting Monday, November 23rd through noon Wednesday, December 16th. A marked donation bin will be set up in the Registry lobby Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM for donations. Register O'Donnell concluded, "The success of the drive is the direct result of the Yuletide efforts of charitable citizens in Norfolk County and across America who take a moment of their time to remember those less fortunate. By dropping off gifts at the Toys for Tots sites, the joys of the holiday season can be created for so many." 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. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.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

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

WHISKEY TASTING - British Beer Company - Nov 19

WHISKEY TASTING

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19th 6:30pm-8:30pm

British Beer Company Franklin

screen grab of British Beer Company webpage

Join us for a free guided whiskey tasting hosted by Matt Pugliese, brand representative, pouring Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden, and Laphroaig 10

Featuring $5 Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, and Basil Hayden Old Fashioneds Crafted By Jessica and Ryan

Sponsored by Jim Beam

MUST BE 21 or OLDER TO PARTICIPATE

In the News: public records, Bye Bye Birdie

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Holding out hope for legislative action on a public records overhaul, Secretary of State William Galvin said he and his allies are working to gather signatures for a similar initiative petition by Wednesday's deadline. 

"It's a hustle because it's 64,000 and some change," Galvin told the News Service on Friday. Asked if he would meet the requirement, Galvin said, "I hope. I also hope I don't need them."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151115/NEWS/151116941/1994/NEWS

Liam Devine, of Franklin, will have a principal role in Dean College’s “Bye Bye Birdie” from Nov. 18 to Nov. 22. 

“Bye Bye Birdie,” set in the 1960s, tells the story of Conrad Birdie, an Elvis-like rock-’n’-roll singer and his hapless agent Albert Peterson. The rock singer travels to a small Ohio town to make his “farewell” television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he is drafted. Songs include “Put on a Happy Face” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do.”

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151116/NEWS/151116903/1994/NEWS

Town Council reorganizes; Kelly Chair, Pfeffer Clerk, no Vice-Chair yet (audio)

This is the audio recording for the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting of Nov 12, 2015. This is the first meeting of the new council.



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The Oath of Office

Do you Councilors promise to uphold constitutional government and the laws of the Commonwealth of MA and the Town of Franklin? 

(I do) 

Do you promise to so conduct your public and private life as to be an example to your fellow citizens? 

(I do) 

Do you promise to import to your position those standards of quality and integrity that the conduct of your office shall be above reproach and to merit public confidence in your community? 

(I do) 

Do you promise to be ever mindful of your neutrality and impartiality rendering equal service to all and to extend the same treatment you wish to receive yourself? 

(I do) 

I (name) do solemnly swear and affirm that I will perform the duties incumbent upon me as Town Councilor for the Town of Franklin in good health, and to the best of my abilities, so help me God.

Town Council getting sworn in by Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri

The notes taken live during the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/11/live-reporting-town-council-november-12.html

Open Space and Recreation Plan - public meeting Nov 14

The summary of the Open Space and Recreation Plan meeting on Saturday at the Franklin Library. Be sure to scroll down within the Storify summary to view all the details. There are links to the 2008 plan included.

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bocci court at the Senior Center

Charles River Meadowlands - proposal

One of the documents handed out during the public meeting for the Open Space and Recreation Plan update held at the Franklin Library on Saturday, Nov 14.

This was the topic of Alan R Earls input. Alan is the former chair of the Franklin Open Space Committee.

Charles River Meadows Initiative from Franklin Matters

Thanks to Alan for allowing this document to be shared.

When I walked the Pond St property in October, I was in and among some of the land he references with this proposal.

Mine Brook as it wends its way along the wetlands between i495 and Pond St

The full set of photos and the audio I recorded while on the walk can be found here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/reporting-by-walking-around-pond-st.html

In the News: Narcan in the schools, magician at Cole's

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The opiate crisis pervading the state has resulted in an unprecedented and skyrocketing overdose death count. Area police and fire departments have responded in kind. Officers and other first responders regularly carry with them the overdose reversing drug Narcan. Another institution is starting to follow suit: the schools. 

This year, many area public school districts have stocked Narcan and trained their nurses on how to use it. Others are on their way, pushing school committees to issue a Narcan policy that, in equal parts, allows nurses to use the drug and acknowledges the state and nationwide crisis extends into their school districts."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151114/NEWS/151117008/1994/NEWS

Friday the 13th turned lucky for spectators who gathered in Cole’s Tavern for an evening performance of the mind-boggling magic of local magician “Michael John.” 

Michael John, known by friends and family as Michael Sannicandro, an Upton resident, has been performing magic since he was 7 years old. He appeared on the most recent season, season 10, of the TV show "America’s Got Talent," where he amazed millions of viewers until he was eventually eliminated. 

Since then, he has been travelling the country performing his magic for private events, corporate events and on college campuses. Recently back in his hometown, Sannicandro decided to perform a show at Cole’s Tavern in Franklin.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151114/NEWS/151117002/1994/NEWS

THE BLACK BOX features Cabaret, Jamie Barrett and Electric Youth

On Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m., BLACK BOX Cabaret debuts the inaugural performance of Rising Stars Cabaret. Presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company, this special cabaret revue spotlights the vocal talents of promising young area performers. Sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank, Rising Stars Cabaret is presented in an intimate night-club atmosphere with professional accompaniment. 

Jamie Barrett

THE BLACK BOX Children’s Series kicks off its second season at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. Franklin’s Jamie Barrett, singer-songwriter, guitarist and music teacher, is back by popular demand with an engaging mix of family-favorite songs. The afternoon delivers a fun and interactive program for audiences of all ages. THE BLACK BOX Children’s Series concert is sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank.

On Friday, November 27 at 7:30 p.m., Electric Youth members past and present rock THE BLACK BOX for the venue’s first-ever EY reunion show. Relive the group’s hits from the last decade and more. Enjoy performances by popular Electric Youth alumni and hear fan-favorite songs from EY’s extensive repertoire of high-energy contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits.

For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Electric Youth posed before their trip to Europe in the Summer of 2015

Sparky's Puppets at the Franklin Library - 3:00 PM

"Enter the magical world of children's stories, brought to life by colorful puppets and lively humor! A perfect choice for children ages 3 to 10, every performance includes several tales ... and lots of laughs!"

Harvest Tales

"Meet a prize-winning pumpkin. See a hard-working farmer harvest his vegetables. And watch the grasshopper and the ant prepare for winter."

Sparky's Puppets at the Franklin Library - 3:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/11/sparkys-puppets-sunday-nov-15th-at-3-pm.html

"EPA Misses Congressional Deadline For Artificial Turf Safety Response"

"the letter also says, “Regarding the Town of Medway Board of Health’s reference to a review study of crumb rubber, in 2013, CPSC staff informed PEER that our Office of Compliance wold undertake a review and determine whether any enforcement action was appropriate regarding the issue. Upon further exploration, Compliance staff concluded, at that time, specific product enforcement was unlikely to be the best option, based upon the need for individual health assessments.”

So what the agency said in 2008 doesn’t mean artificial turf is safe. But the CPSC also won’t say that turf is not safe. And they don’t have, nor are they likely to ever have, enough information to rule on the safety of artificial turf.

The House and Senate need answers."

new crumb rubber artificial turf field at Franklin High School

Duh, shouldn't parents also be getting answers?

Read the full article on this aspect of the crumb rubber issue here
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2015/11/09/epa-misses-congressional-deadline-for-artificial-turf-safety/

The new Town Council packet to study

At the beginning of each new term for the Town Council, Town Administrator Jeff Nutting provides the councilors with a packet of information. You can read along too!

Town Council getting sworn in by Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri

1 - Town of Franklin - Home Rule Charter

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_TownCharter/revised%202013.pdf

The preamble to the Charter:

"We, the people of the Town of Franklin, Massachusetts, in order to form a more perfect community, reaffirm the customary and traditional liberties of the people with respect to the conduct of our local government and take fullest advantage of the Home Rule Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, do ordain and adopt this Home Rule Charter for our Town."

2 - Role of the Town Council

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/role.pdf

The first section reads as follows:

1. A member of the Council, in relation to his/her community should:
A. Realize that his/her basic function is to make policy, with administration delegated to the Administrator.
B. Realize that he/she is one of a team and should abide by, and carry out, all Council decisions once they are made.
C. Be well-informed concerning the duties of a Council member on both local and state levels.
D. Remember that he/she represents the entire community at all times.
E. Accept the office as a means of unselfish service, not benefit personally or politically from his/her Council activities.
F. In all appointments, avoid political patronage by judging all candidates on merit, experience, and qualifications only.
G. Abide by the ethics established by the State and not use the position to obtain inside information on matters which may benefit someone personally.

3 - Fiscal Policies

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/fiscal.pdf

Note: the fiscal policy document handed out on Wednesday is a proposed update to the document currently approved by the Town Council and linked to above.

4 - Fiscal 2016 Budget

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/budgets/FY%2016%20Budget/

The Fiscal budget is really a set of documents with the Budget Letter by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting summarizing the revenue and expense driving factors.


Additional information on the Town Council can be found on the Franklin website here  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/index

nationalgrid: Take control of your energy bills

Help With Winter Bills. Massachusetts residents have suffered through some of the coldest winters in recent memory. And with winter on the way, this is the time of year when we use more energy as we stay inside and keep warm.

To view this email as a web page, click here.

Help With Winter Bills Massachusetts residents have suffered through some of the coldest winters in recent memory. And with winter on the way, this is the time of year when we use more energy as we stay inside and keep warm. Winter prices for electricity supply became effective on November 1. These supply prices are determined by the market and reflect our cost to purchase electricity on your behalf. We are concerned about what these changes in electricity costs mean for you. That's why we offer a variety of programs and services that can help you manage your energy costs, including: Energy Efficiency – From simple no-cost tips to more comprehensive programs, we have the energy saving solution to match your needs. Payment Options – We have a variety of options, including our Budget Plan which lets you spread out the impact of those high winter bills over the course of the year, creating stability. Payment Assistance – We offer consumer advocacy programs to help low-income eligible customers pay their bills. Energy Suppliers – You can choose who supplies the electricity we deliver to your house. We encourage you to consider all available energy supply options and determine which one will best meet your needs. To learn more about these solutions and options please visit ngrid.com/billhelp. It is also important for you to know that National Grid recently submitted a proposal to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities to update our electricity distribution rates for the first time since 2009. This is different from the supply portion of your bill, These distribution charges cover the cost of operating and maintaining the poles and wires that bring electricity to your home or business. Please note that this proposal will be reviewed thoroughly by the DPU and, if approved, will not take effect until October 1, 2016. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.   Connect Now Visit us online at nationalgrid.com

This email was sent by: National Grid 40 Sylvan Road Waltham, MA, 02451, U.S.A.

Say NO to snow and YES to art!

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Make art therapy a regular activity for people at HMEA this winter Earlier this Fall, a group of individuals from our HMEA Day Program spent a morning making seasonal crafts.  For many people we work with at HMEA, who have developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, art can be an extremely therapeutic activity. We've seen firsthand how effective it is to a person's over all well-being. So, that's why we're asking for your help to fund #artforhmea for people to enjoy arts and crafts all winter long. The individuals supported by HMEA are eagerly awaiting more art projects to get them through what could be another long winter ahead - donate $10, $25, $50, or more today to support HMEA's art therapy program this holiday season. $25 would give one person the enjoyment of doing arts and crafts until Spring. *WMRC First Class Radio has partnered with HMEA as media sponsor for this initiative and has offered to match funds raised for #artforhmea with an in-kind advertising donation of up to $2,000 to be used for future events benefiting individuals supported by HMEA. Thanks, Margaret Salaki Program Manager Join the movement and give back December 1st, 2015 HMEA will be joining #GivingTuesday for its second year in a row, hoping to channel the generous spirit of the holiday season. #GivingTuesday is an international movement that inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support.  This #GivingTuesday, HMEA challenges you to help raise money to fund arts and crafts therapy over the winter through HMEA's Day Program Locations. Make a contribution today online or mail to address below.  please note: "Giving Tuesday" or #artforhmea on your check [DONATE NOW] HMEA, INC. | 8 FORGE PARK, FRANKLIN MA 02038 | 508-298-1100

Forward this email HMEA | 8 Forge Park East | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: Pan-Mass scavenger hunt, gas pipeline concerns, Tri-County solar

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"A scavenger hunt, hosted by The Pan-Mass Challenge Franklin Kids Ride, raised $4,000 to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund for cancer research. 

Participants stopped at local businesses and to complete a task in order to gain points to win the scavenger hunt."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151113/NEWS/151117344/1994/NEWS

Members of the Town Council said they would schedule a hearing on a proposed Spectra Energy natural-gas pipeline after many residents complained that the project would undercut safety and hurt property values. 

The matter came up Thursday, when several people spoke during the public comment portion of the council's meeting.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151113/NEWS/151117240/1994/NEWS

A Friday morning ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School celebrated a solar installation that speakers said would bring save money and provide a learning tool for students. 

The event - held at the field which is home to the 1.3-megawatt array of solar panels - was attended by students, Tri-County officials, solar-company employees, state lawmakers and U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III.

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151113/NEWS/151117203/1994/NEWS

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/13/15 - THU 11/19/15

FRIDAY 11/13/15
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
7pm   Harlem Wizards in Franklin (FEF Fundraiser) at Tri-County HS (game time at 7pm, door open at 6pm) (SOLD OUT)
7:15pm   Showcase Pro Wrestling at Elks Lodge (doors open 7:15pm, bell time 7:47pm)
8pm   The Black Box Local Artist Series: The Chick Magnets and The Ben Gardner’s Boat
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 11/14/15
9am-3pm   Franklin Newcomers’ Annual Craft Fair at Tri-County HS
9:30am   Open Space and Recreation Public Meeting at the Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 11/15/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
11:30am   Big Band Brunch with Kenny Hadley at The Black Box
3pm   Sparky’s Puppets: Harvest Tales at Franklin Public Library
3:30pm   LiveARTS Concert: LiveARTS String Quartet at the FUSF, 262 Chestnut Street

WEDNESDAY 11/18/15
6:30pm   Doggie Tales at Franklin Public Library. Read to a service dog. Registration required.

THURSDAY 11/19/15
3-4:30pm   Memory Cafe for caregivers and their loved ones at Franklin Senior Center. This month: painting small birdhouses. Call Elaine at 508-520-4945 to register.
4-5pm.  Lego Club (ages 3-12) at Franklin Public Library
6:30-8:30pm   Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar. Acoustic and a cappella performers welcome
7pm   Franklin SEPAC Workshop: Transition Fair - A variety of agencies from Early Intervention and the Franklin Public Schools, to college and adulthood, Franklin Municipal Building (3rd floor). Free, public welcome!

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Students in All Grades Outpace State in PARCC Test Performance

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School students (BFCCPS) outperformed state averages on all tests across all grade levels on the new Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests taken last spring. 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Across all grade levels tested, students at BFCCPS averaged an 81 percent proficiency rate on PARCC English language arts (ELA) exams and 70 percent in math, compared to average statewide proficiency rates of 46 percent and 45 percent, respectively. 

"We are proud of our students and teachers, who put in a lot of hard work to make this incredible achievement possible," said Heather Zolnowski the Head of School at BFCCPS. "Our community is built on a strong partnership between parents, students, our faculty and administration, and the extraordinary results seen across the board on the PARCC exam is a testament to our success."BFCCPS is among approximately 300 school districts across Massachusetts that opted to administer the PARCC test in the spring of 2015 under a two-year state pilot. 

The gaps between BFCCPS PARCC scores and statewide averages are dramatic. On the English language arts test, 90 percent of BFCCPS 6th graders scored proficient or better compared to the state average of 60 percent. For the same class, 78 percent scored proficient or above for math, compared to the state average of 53 percent for 6th graders. 

Similarly, 76 and 86 percent of BFCCPS 3rd and 8th graders, respectively, earned proficient scores in English, as compared to 54 and 64 percent of 3rd and 8th graders statewide who took PARCC. In math, 84 percent of 3rd graders and 74 percent of 5th graders at the regional public charter school received scores of proficient and above, while averages were 55 percent for both 3rd and 5th grades across the state. 

BFCCPS' high PARCC scores across the board demonstrate that its students are progressing well through each grade level and on track to be well prepared for high school and beyond. 

Enrollment Applications for this regional public charter school for students in Grades Kindergarten through Eight for the 2016-2017 school year are now live. BFCCPS will host the first of six information sessions where applicants can learn more about the school this Saturday, November 14th from 10 am to noon. Learn more and apply online at http://bfccps.org/about/enrollment/

About Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School's mission is to assist parents in their role as primary educators of their children by providing students with a classical academic education coupled with sound character development and community service. Our mission is supported by four distinct, yet interconnected pillars that provide for a collaborative, rigorous education for all students. These pillars guide, direct and define the school in all it does.

In the News: Town Council re-organizes, Y splash park to open in spring

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Two vice-chairman candidates were nominated: Thomas Mercer and Robert Vallee, who had served as the council's chairman for the past term. The board was split on the two candidates, ending in a 4-4 tie. 

Council member Judith Pond Pfeffer motioned to table the vice chairman matter until the full council is seated. Her fellow councilors agreed. 

Town Attorney Mark Cerel said that as the vice-chairman's duty is to preside over meetings in the absence of the chairman, the council must be careful to schedule meetings only on dates when Kelly is available - at least until the vice-chairman matter is settled. 

Pfeffer was unanimously named to continue on as the council's clerk."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151112/NEWS/151117827/1994/NEWS

"On Oct. 20, the Hockomock Area YMCA announced the construction of the Rockland Trust Family Splash Park at its Bernon Family Branch in Franklin. 

The construction will happen through the end of this year and the park will open in the spring."

Read the full article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151113/NEWS/151119874/1994/NEWS