Follow up on crumb rubber by FOX 25 (video)

FOX25 did a piece on the recent letter by three legislators requesting info on the crumb rubber issue.





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If you missed the letter, that can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/massachusetts-legislators-submit-letter.html

installation of the new turf field at FHS during the summer (field is in full use now)

Guide to MetroWest

Looking for things to do during the school break that are 'close to home'? Check out the Guide to Metro West just published for 2016.

You can find it here (PDF)
http://www.metrowestvisitors.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2016-Guide-to-MetroWest.pdf


Or here

partial cover image of the MetroWest Guide

Public Skating Times - Pirelli Arena

Veteran’s Arena, 910 Panther Way, released a schedule of public skating times during school vacation week, Dec. 24 through Jan. 3, 2016.

• Dec. 24: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Dec. 25: Closed.
• Dec. 26: from 2:30 to 4:20 p.m.
• Dec. 27: from 2 to 3:50 p.m.
• Dec. 28: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Dec. 29: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Dec. 30: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Dec. 31: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Jan. 1: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.; and from 8 to 9:50 p.m.
• Jan. 2: from 2:30 to 4:20 p.m.
• Jan. 3: from 2 to 3:50 p.m.

Admission costs $5, and rental skates are available for $5 on a first-come, first-served basis. For a list of all the updated daily public skating locations and times, visit fmcicesports.com/public-skating.



This was shared from the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151220/NEWS/151229856/1994/NEWS

FHS winter sports compete on a busy Saturday

Saturday was busy with  competition in hockey, indoor track and wrestling for the Franklin High School teams. The boys hockey team won, the girls lost. Both the boys and girls indoor track won their meets. In a quad event at FHS, Franklin went 2-1 in wrestling; beating Salem (NH) and Lawrence but dropping the match to St John's Prep. All the details thanks to Hockomock Sports.

Boys Hockey

Franklin, 4 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 1 – Final 

– Alec Gilliatt scored twice, including an empty net goal and Jake Downie and Tyler Oakes also scored for the Panthers.

FHS Panthers

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 3 @ Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake, 4 – Final

Wrestling

Franklin Quad (Franklin) 

– Franklin went 2-1 on the day. After starting with a 41-25 setback to St. John’s Prep, Franklin picked up wins over Salem (NH) 60-14 and closed the day with a 35-26 win over Lawrence.

Indoor Track - Boys

Franklin, 53 vs. King Philip, 47 – Final 

– In a close battle, Franklin was able to pull out the win. Luke Gordon was first in the 300M (39.29), Jimmy Robbins was first in the 1000M (2:48.60) and Ryan Spelman had the best time of all teams in the 1 Mile at 4:40.49. Other first place finishes were Spelman in the 2 Mile (10:53.41) and Michael Bullen in the long jump (18-06.75). King Philip’s Sean Garrity had the best 55M dash performance off all 12 schools, taking first in 6.85. Ethan Dunne was first in the 600M (1:33.09) and the 55M hurdles (8.45), Paul Macrina in the shot put (42-05.00) and a league best high jump performance from Michael Roby (5-08.00).

Indoor Track - Girls

Franklin, 78 vs. King Philip, 22 – Final 

– A sophomore finished first in three different events to pace the Panthers. First place finishes for Franklin included second year athlete Jessica Kroushl in the 55M dash (7.61), the 300M (league-best 43.14 [Franklin freshman Halle Atkinson was second in the league at 43.16]) and the long jump (15-08.50), Meghan Doherty in the 600M (1:42.75), Brittany Robinson in the 1000M (league-best 3:09.44), Ella Gutkowski in the 1 Mile (5:45.04), Carly Rondeau in the 2 Mile (13:00.91) and Beth Neal in the 55M hurdles (9.72) and the high jump (league-best 4-10.00). King Philip’s Jayla Millender was first in the shot put (28-00.00).

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-121915/

Town Offices closed Dec 24, 25, Schools with half day on the 23rd

The offices for the Town of Franklin will be closed for the holidays, Thursday, Dec 24 and Friday, Dec 25th.

Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St

In addition the schools close with a half day on Wednesday, Dec 23 and re-open on Monday, January 4, 2016.

Parmenter sign

Affordable Housing for 55+ - 37 Grey Wolfe Drive

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Franklin, MA

37 Grey Wolfe Drive

Meadowbrook Heights, An Adult 55+ Community

Located on Grey Wolf Drive (off of Longhill Road) in Franklin, MA

Two Bedroom Town Home Priced @ $174,818

Household Income Limits: 1 Person - $ 48,800 2 Person - $ 55,800 3 Person - $ 62,750

At least one household member must be 55 years of age or older at time of submission.
Approx 1,850 s.f. units. Includes air conditioning and one-car garage. 1st Floor: Kitchen,
Dining Room, Family Room, Master Bedroom with Full Bath, Laundry Room and 2nd
Floor: Bedroom, Bathroom and Loft.

Applications and Information available at the Municipal Building, and at
www.franklin.ma.us Town Administrator’s Page, Affordable Housing. Contact Maxine
(508) 520-4949 or mkinhart@franklin.ma.us.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/022B14B2-000F8513


An image for 37 is not available via Google but assuming the development is the same, here is one for 95 Grey Wolfe Dr

Town Council meeting Dec 16, 2015

Here is the Storify summary of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 16

For those reading this via email, you may need to go to the Franklin Matters webpage to scroll within the Storify summary for the full report.

Franklin Municipal Building, location for the Town Council meetings

The documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-16.html

FHS basketball and hockey teams split their games, both swim teams won on Friday

The Franklin High School winter sports teams split most of the competition on Friday. The boys basketball team beat Attleboro while the girls closed the gap but lost to Attleboro. The boys hockey team lost to Canton while the girls hockey team beat Medway/Ashland. Both the boys and girls swim teams beat Foxboro. The results are shared from Hockomock Sports.

Boys Basketball

Attleboro, 39 @ Franklin, 72 – Final 

– The Panthers amped up their defense in the second half, turning a nine point lead at halftime into a 33 point win. Tim Prunier had a game-high 20 points, Paul Mahon scored 16 points and Connor Goldstein had 11 points. Attleboro’s Jake Dunkley had a team-high 16 points.

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 43 @ Attleboro, 48 – Final 

– The Panthers battled back to get the Attleboro lead to as few as four points after trailing by as many as 16 in the second half. Aubrie Kutil was the top scorer for Franklin with 14 points and Lauren Rudolph chipped in with 13.

Boys Hockey

Canton, 4 vs. Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Shaun Kirby scored a pair of goals for the Bulldogs, who came back from a goal down twice in the first period. Matt Lazaro and Jim Jenkins each scored in the third period to give the Bulldogs the win at Schneider Arena at Providence College. Adam Assad and Jeremy Miller scored the Franklin goals.

FHS celebrates a goal (Hockomock Sports.com photo)

A full write up of the game played at Providence College can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/kirby-inspires-canton-comeback-win-against-franklin/

Photos from the game can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Winter-201516/Canton-Franklin-Hockey-at-PC/

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 4 @ Medway/Ashland, 2 – Final 

– Haley Griffin, Regan Paterson, Marlee Paterson and Kate Cashman each scored in the win for the Panthers.

Boys Swimming

• Franklin, 86 @ Foxboro, 21 – Final

Girls Swimming

• Franklin, 97 @ Foxboro, 40 – Final

The complete set of results from Friday nights action around the Hockomock League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-121815/

In the News: Dean security changes hands, retention or wetland?

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Campus police officers at Dean College had their last day on the job Friday, as they were replaced by a private security company. 

Michael Carmody, a former Public Safety sergeant, said once the overnight shift ended at 8 a.m., the private security firm, TeamOps, took over.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151218/NEWS/151215815/1994/NEWS

The Town Council may look to review a local bylaw that protects some man-made retention ponds as wetlands. 

The matter came up at Wednesday's council meeting in which DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi proposed an amendment to the bylaw that would enable town workers to perform maintenance on such ponds. 

"The town has over 90 retention ponds that we do maintenance on," he said.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151218/NEWS/151215812/1994/NEWS

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/18/15 - THU 12/24/15

FRIDAY 12/18/15
9:30-10:30am   Canvas and Coffee at Franklin Art Center

SATURDAY 12/19/15
11am-3pm   Santa and his helpers at Kidz Plaster Zone
1-3pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center: hand paint ceramic cookie plate, ornament and handmade card
7:30pm   FPAC Presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School

SUNDAY 12/20/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
1-3pm   Family Paint at the Franklin Art Center
2pm   FPAC Presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School
2-4pm   Santa at the Learning Express
6:10-7:10pm   Family Skate and Pictures with Santa at the Pirelli Veteran’s Arena

MONDAY 12/21/15
3:30-5pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center

TUESDAY 12/22/15
3:30-5pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center

WEDNESDAY 12/23/15
1-3pm   Kids Paint at Franklin Art Center

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

FHS 3rd in the first Wrestling Hock 5

Hockomock Sports has posted its first Hock 5 ranking for Wrestling and it lists Franklin 3rd.

FHS Panthers

3. Franklin (1-1)

Despite the setback against Foxboro on Wednesday, the Panthers will be one of the better teams in Division 1. Once again, they will be the biggest challenge for North Attleboro because they have plenty of talent, including Nick Narducci and Mike Racca.

You can find the full Hock 5 posting here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hock-5/wrestling/

In the News: deputy Town Administrator, complaints about permit

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Jamie Hellen, operations assistant to the town manager, is leaving Town Hall to become the deputy town administrator in Franklin. 

Hellen was appointed by Town Manager Norman Khumalo in 2012. He'll work in town until the end of the month. 

During his tenure, Hellen has been involved in many special projects, including planning for the town's 300th Anniversary Celebration and helping with the historical commissions. His day-to-day responsibilities include making sure Khumalo's and the selectmen's priorities are being met, he said.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216196/1994/NEWS

Several townspeople complained Thursday night to the Zoning Board of Appeals about what they claim was a lack of transparency in the town's approval of a group home on Plain Street. 

The board, though, decided to uphold the building commissioner's decision to issue a permit. 

At issue is an eight-bed building - set to house clients of the state Department of Developmental Services - under construction at 21 Plain St. Dave Patterson, a neighbor, had appealed the issuance of the building permit.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216179/1994/NEWS

The next "Let's Laugh Today" in Franklin is on Monday, December 28th

Trade all your holiday stress for laughter (and burn some of those holiday calories!) at LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin on Monday, December 28th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker will give you the gift of laughter!  

Join them in a combination of deep breathing exercises with laughter exercises that oxygenate your body and brain in order to feel more healthy and energetic. No mats or special clothing is needed. There will be chairs set up so you can sit. Laughter Yoga is now being done in 90 different countries!  

Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

See www.letslaughtoday.com or call 508-660-2223 for more information and other opportunities to laugh.Come and experience the contagiousness of laughter! $5 donation to FUSF/$10 maximum per family.  

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! You can sit or stand. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. If you have any questions, just call 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. New laughers are always welcomed! 

Smiles and Laughter your way,
Linda and Bill Hamaker
www.letslaughtoday.com

 

               

In the News: solar funding announced, Santa Skate Sunday

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Baker-Polito administration announced the launch of a $30 million residential solar loan program on Thursday. 

The program will support Massachusetts lenders with loans between $3,000 and $60,000 with low, fixed interest rates to homeowners throughout the commonwealth who opt to add solar panels to their home and is also available to borrowers with lower credit scores or incomes. For homeowners who adopt solar energy, the program also provides long-term financing options.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216352/1994/NEWS

The Franklin Youth Hockey Association will hold Santa Skate from 6:10 to 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Pirelli Veteran's Arena, 910 Panther Way. 

All ages are welcome to skate and take photos with Santa. Admission costs $5 or a small bag of nonperishable food items to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Attendees are also asked to bring any unused equipment to donate to FYHA. 

The event will include raffles, team spirit packs and calendar sales. 

For more information, visit the event's page on Facebook.

FYHA event

Massachusetts Legislators submit letter to United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

Tire crumb rubber and rubber mulch request for regulation and analysis submitted

December 16, 2015 -  Massachusetts delegates including Senator Karen Spilka, State Representatives Jeff Roy and John Fernandes have requested the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulate interior and exterior use of crumb rubber as a children's product due to exposure on playground and artificial turf fields.

Tire crumb rubber and rubber mulch is used in playgrounds and turf fields across the U.S. The usage began in the 90s as a way to dispose of used tires. Typically, the fields and playgrounds are sold to a city or state with promise of less maintenance and increased playtime,  yet the tire derived materials have never been evaluated by the CPSC for exposure risk to users.

The delegate's letter to the CPSC requests analysis to offer concrete conclusions and recommendations to ensure the safety of children and adults who use crumb rubber and turf fields. Specifically, the delegates requested the CPSC investigate:

• Identifying potential hazards resulting from ingestion and inhalation of toxins released from crumb rubber during heat spikes and outgassing;
• Detecting the existence of known human carcinogens;
• Locating the presence of lead and other toxins;
• Examining any danger presented by the natural aging and decomposition; and
• investigating any potential risks to child or adult users.

The delegate's letter is a result of an October 2015 request by residents from Medway, Franklin and Holliston requesting the Representatives request regulation of tire crumb rubber as a children's product on the basis of the use on synthetic turf fields and rubber mulch playgrounds by children. 

"We thank Senator Spilka and Representatives Roy and Fernandes for their attention and action regarding the use of recycled tires on playing fields and playgrounds," said Tracy Stewart, Mass Chapter lead of The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition.  "The unique sell-in of this product has bypassed regulation for decades; however, it has become more concerning over the past ten years while over 12,000 turf fields have been installed exposing young people and adults to chemicals within the materials. We hope the CPSC's response is positive to the request for regulation and furthermore they expedite a thorough analysis to fully understand the risk of crumb rubber and tire derived products on young people and adults."

The CPSC response is pending.

image of the letter sent

About The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition (SHPFC)

Founded in 2008, The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition is dedicated to sharing information about the health and safety of both natural and synthetic turf fields for children, adults and the environment in which we live.

Information: http://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SafeHealthyPlayingFields

installation of the new turf field at FHS during the summer (field is in full use now)

FHS results from Wednesday and Hockomock Sports Hockey Preview

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS wrestling match on Wednesday (lost to Foxboro) and FHS girls hockey (lost to KP), and the preview of the boys hockey season.

Wrestling

• Franklin, 27 @ Foxboro, 33 – Final

Girls Hockey

• Franklin, 4 @ King Philip, 5 – Final

For all the results of Wednesdays action
http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-121615/

FHS Panthers

Hockey Preview

Franklin
2014-15 Record: 17-4-3 (10-0-0)
2014-15 Finish: Lost in first round of the Super 8
Head Coach: Chris Spillane

How does Franklin follow up its first ever appearance in the prestigious Super 8 tournament? How does the program recover from losing 21 seniors off a roster that finished unbeaten in the Hockomock League and had one of the league’s most exciting hockey moments when it beat Xaverian in overtime in the Super 8 play-in game? 

Those are tough questions that head coach Chris Spillane will be trying to answer in the coming weeks as he incorporates almost an entirely new roster. The top returning scorer from last season is senior Alex Bissanti, who chipped in with five goals as a junior. He will be joined up front by junior Adam Assad, who Spillane said has “lots of offensive potential.” In addition, the coach noted that he is looking towards a “strong” sophomore class to provide a spark offensively. 

DJ Shea was a rock in goal last season after getting his first playing time as a senior and the Panthers will be counting on seniors Nick Jasinki (five games in 2014-15) and Cam Benham to step in this year and have a similar impact. In front of the goalies, Franklin has a strong defensive corps led by senior captains Matt Pleshaw and Jack Chaffee. The defense has been bolstered by the return of senior Tyler Oaks, who had been playing for the South Shore Kings. Spillane called him a “strong offensive defenseman.” 

It is only the third season for Franklin in Div. 1 and already the Panthers have accomplished more than most public school programs. This could be a transition year for Franklin but expectations remain high for a perennial power. Spillane said, “With the departure of 21 seniors, the success of this team will rely on finding a identity early in the season.”

For the remainder of the Kelly-Rex Division previews
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockey-kelley-rex-division-preview-2015-2016/

Davenport Division

http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockey-davenport-division-preview-2015-2016/

Did you get your water meter replaced yet?

We had ours replaced earlier this year and it was quick and easy. The post card arrived, we made the appointment, they arrived as scheduled and 15 minutes later were out the door.

"The Franklin Water Department has initiated a water meter replacement program. The installations will be done by a private contractor called USI Services. Please keep an eye out for a postcard from Thielsch Engineering/USI. The program will start with residents who have the oldest meters, so not all residents will receive a postcard. 

If you do receive a post card, please follow the instructions on the card and set up an appointment at your earliest convenience. To set up an appointment please call the number on the card NOT the DPW office. All installers will have uniforms, photo ID badges, and will be driving clearly marked vehicles.

**Some customers recently received their first notice letter but they say second notice. We apologize for the confusion, but please respond to the card at your earliest convenience!** 

If you have any questions, please contact the DPW at 508-520-4910."

DPW webpage image

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PublicWorks/General_Pages/Meter%20Replacement

FHS basketball teams top Canton, representatives on Top 10 to watch for boys basketball and hockey

From Hockomock Sports we share the following with a Franklin High School winter sports focus. 

On Tuesday, both the boys and girls basketball teams beat Canton. Tim Prunier is one of the Top 10 to watch in Basketball and Tyler Oakes is one of the Top 10 to watch in Hockey.

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 55 @ Canton, 31 – Final 

– Carli Koffinke led the Panthers with 14 points. Lauren Rudolph chipped in with nine, Kristen Donaghy and Margaux Welsh each had eight for Franklin. The Bulldogs were led by Shannon Foley with seven points, while Meaghan Hunter and Hannah Jerrier each had six.

FHS Panthers

Boys Basketball

Canton, 24 @ Franklin, 61 – Final 

– The Panthers jumped out to a 19 point lead after the first quarter lead and never looked back. Senior Tim Prunier scored a game-high 19 points in the win for Franklin.

For all the results of Tuesday's action
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-121515/


Tim Prunier, Franklin – 

Without a doubt, Prunier will be one of the best in the Hockomock League this year. He’s got a very well rounded game with the ability to make an impact in all phases of the game. Offensively not only does he carry the ball and set the offense in motion, he can score in one on one situations, can move the ball at the right time and even more impressively, he’s one of the best off the ball. Prunier is truly a player you don’t want to lose track of. Defensively he will add a spark to a team that prides itself on stopping teams and forcing turnovers.

For more on the others in the Top 10
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-ten-players-to-watch-in-2015-2016/



Tyler Oakes, Franklin – 

The senior defenseman is a newcomer to the Franklin program after spending time with the South Shore Kings last season. For the Kings, Oakes played 23 games and scored a goal and an assist. He is a little bit of an unknown for the coaches and the rest of the Hockomock but Franklin coach Chris Spillane said that he is a solid offensive defenseman that will step right in and contribute. After losing 21 players to graduation, Franklin needed someone to step in and Oakes could prove to be the right player to help fill in for the hole left by Mason Saunders and Kyle Filbert, both of whom liked to push forward into the attacking zone. Oakes’s return could be perfect timing for the Panthers.

For more on the others in the Top 10
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockey-ten-players-to-watch-in-2015-2016/