Summer Math Academy - Come Join the Fun!

Fun Awaits in the Summer Math Academy! July 11 to 22, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Remington Middle School Tuition $270   The nontraditional setting allows curious and enthusiastic students to explore math, art, and science through hands-on interactive projects such as building solar powered helicopters and boats, designing tessellation t-shirts, creating objects from irregular shapes, constructing newspaper buildings, devising Rube Goldberg machines, and using pool noodles to blow bubbles! Register Lifelong Learning Institute | 508.553.4814 | Email | Website

FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Governor Baker Signs Comprehensive Solar Legislation into Law

Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito were joined by a bipartisan group of legislators to sign solar legislation into law to continue the expansion of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and establish a long-term framework for sustainable solar development in our state. The bill, An Act Relative to Solar Energy, passed both legislative chambers with overwhelming support and achieves the Baker-Polito Administration’s goal of reducing costs to ratepayers while strengthening the state’s clean energy economy and progressing towards the greenhouse gas reduction requirements set forth under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). 

“This legislation builds upon the continued success of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and ensures a viable, sustainable and affordable solar market at a lower cost to ratepayers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As our administration continues its balanced approach to diversifying Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, solar development will be an integral component of our state’s clean energy future and we look forward to collaborating with the legislature on an omnibus energy bill that includes cost-effective, hydropower generation.”

You can read the full press release here
http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2016/governor-signs-comprehensive-solar-legislation-into-law.html

You can find the legislative document here
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/Senate/S1979

Commonwealth of MA

In the News: low flying helicopter alert, Town Council authorizes capital spending

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration’s will conduct low-altitude helicopter flights along the route of the Boston Marathon Tuesday through Friday to measure naturally occurring background radiation. 

The radiation assessment will cover about 13 square miles. A twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter, operated by the Remote Sensing Laboratory Aerial Measuring System from Joint Base Andrews, will fly in a grid pattern over the area at 150 feet above the ground or higher at a speed of 80 mph. 

Flyovers will occur only during the day and are estimated to take about two days to complete. 

The measurement is being conducted to establish baseline levels for security and emergency preparedness."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160411/low-flying-helicopter--will-measure-background-radiation-along-marathon-route

"The Town Council last week approved numerous capital spending items, including a program to combat invasive species at the DelCarte property, funds for replacement vehicles and water and sewer system improvements. 

The council voted on the items at its meeting Wednesday night."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160411/franklin-council-approves-capital-expenses

For the Franklin Matters' reporting on the capital authorizations check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/town-council-authorizes-62-million-for.html

Franklin's businesses moving and selling

There are multiple changes happening among Franklin businesses so in this post, we'll collect some photos from walking around. 

• Blue Hills Bank to open a mortgage center near Dunkin Donuts (where Tastebuds used to be)

Blue Hills Bank

• Aubuchon and Hometown Paints relocating to Horace Mann Plaza

The Aubuchon Hardware store on Cottage and the Hometown Paint on East Central St will relocate and combine in one location. The new place is where the Rite-Aid drug store used to be (near Shaw's)

New location in Horace Mann plaza

sign at current location on East Central

• The Agway on Cottage St has changed ownership. 

I stopped by on Saturday for bird seed and meet them briefly. They were busy so we'll return to chat more.

@FranklinMatters New owners of the Franklin Agway say hello!

— Franklin Urban Farm (@FranklinUFS) April 3, 2016

Franklin Agway - Your urban farm store

Check out their updated webpage  http://www.franklinagway.com/

• As many know by now, the Cake Bar also changed ownership. 

I used the location for a meeting on Saturday and talked briefly with the new owner. Additional items are scheduled for sale to expand upon the cupcakes and cakes they provide currently.

the Cake Bar

Mass Consumer: Your Guide to Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

Discovering a mechanical problem with your car can be stressful and getting it repaired can be overwhelming. That’s why we put together some helpful tips for consumers when choosing a reliable auto shop for their vehicle. Keep in mind, caring for your vehicle with preventative maintenance increases your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency; it can also help you avoid more extensive and more costly repairs down the road.

Mass Consumer repair shop advice

Continue reading the article online
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/your-guide-to-choosing-the-right-auto-repair-shop/

In the News: solar and hazardous notice bylaw, Dean dancer to Kennedy Center

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Town Council is considering a bylaw that would require some property owners with solar cells on their roofs to alert firefighters and police officers to their presence. 

The council approved a first reading of the bylaw change at its meeting last week. A second reading (and subsequent enactment) will take place at a future meeting. 

Franklin Fire Department Chief Gary McCarraher spoke in favor of the amendment at that meeting. 

Franklin Fire Dept

"The presence of solar photovoltaic panels on roofs create electrocution hazards," he said. "On pitched roofs, we can see and avoid them. On flat roofs, we can't."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160410/franklin-council-considering-solar-notice-bylaw

Dean College dance major Alyssa Davis was selected to perform her choreography at the 2016 National College Dance Festival taking place June 8-11 at The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. 

Davis earned the honor while in attendance at the 2016 American College Dance Association’s New England Conference held Feb. 11-14. Several dance majors from Dean attended and performed at the annual conference, a dance exchange that shares, supports and affirms the quality of dance education in academia and offers professional master classes, presentations, student and faculty interactions, concerts and feedback sessions.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160410/dean-college-student-to-dance-at-kennedy-center-festival

Town Council authorizes $6.2 million for spending and sets aside $300,000 for future

The Town Council was busy approving spending and saving on Wednesday evening. The grand total approved was $6.5 million with the breakdown shown below.

Savings Approved
Fire truck	$100,000
Artificial Turf Fields	$200,000
	$300,000
Spending approved
Election expenses	$3,500
Veterans Benefits	$50,000
Sidewalks for Pleasant and Chestnut Streets	$1,800,000
Capital expenses (see listing for individual items)	$1,938,607
Water improvements	$1,300,000
Sewer improvements	$1,200,000
Recreation improvements	$50,000
	$6,288,607
grand total of approvals	$6,588,607

Within the document, the links will take you to the details on each authorization item



You can also find a copy of this file on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/023987EB-000F8513


My notes reported live from the meeting on Wednesday can be found here

• Live reporting: to Closing
• Live reporting: Legislation for Action
• Live reporting: Town Council - April 6, 2015

DelCarte will get some funding to address the invasive species issues

"I can see clearly now, the building's gone"

My estimates for when the 150 Emmons building would come down were off by a couple of weeks. It is down now, nothing but piles of rubble and scrap remain.

looking East to the Historical Museum

also looking from the construction entrance on Emmons St

the Historical Museum is framed

a view into what is left of the basement

With apologies to Johnny Nash  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FscIgtDJFXg

What was left as of Friday morning

the West Central side

looking to the sunrise from the corner of Emmons and West Central

along Emmons looking to the Historical Museum

Photos from earlier in the demolition (March 23)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/going-going-almost-gone.html

FHS Baseball topped OA 4-2 on Saturday

Baseball

• Franklin, 4 @ Oliver Ames, 2 – Final 

– Sophomore Jake Noviello struck out six in six innings of work, scattering five hits to get the win. Matt Foley, Ryan Hodgkins, Joe Corsi and Tyler Gomes each knocked in a run for Franklin. Oliver Ames’ Josh Minuskin was 2/3 with an RBI and a run scored and sophomore Matt Muir had a pair of hits and reached base three times total.

A more complete write up on the game is available from Ryan Lanigan, Editor in Chief at Hockomock Sports
http://www.hockomocksports.com/noviello-franklin-baseball-open-season-with-win-at-oa/

Franklin sophomore Jake Noviello struck out six in his varsity debut to earn the win. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Results from all around the Hockomock League on Saturday can be found online
http://www.hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-040916/

Additional photos from the baseball game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Spring-2016/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Baseball/

The complete FHS baseball schedule for this season can be found online
http://www.hockomocksports.com/schedules/baseball/franklin/2016-2/

Library Book Sale - Saturday, Apr 9

Monique Doyle sent along a photo of the set up prior to the book sale starting on Saturday. This is the last book sale in the regular Library location for some time. The Library closes Monday, Apr 11 to move to its temporary location on 25 Kenwood Drive. It will operate from the temporary location while the main library is renovated and an addition built.

A good summary of the renovation can be found at 02038.com
http://02038.com/2016/04/franklin-library-moving/

photo submitted by Monique Doyle

A couple of children were engrossed in pre-reading the books they ended up purchasing with their mother 

Liu Yuan Ming and Lin Yuan Ming at the books sale (photo submitted by Monique Doyle)

The Library renovation proposal was voted on in the October 21, 2015 Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/town-council-summary-tif-approved.html

Trade the Snow for FLOWERS - One night-Workshops

The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning Register Now Floral Design Partnership with Hillside Nurseries The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning, in conjunction with Hillside Nurseries, is pleased to offer their first Floral Design Partnership Seminars. This flexible program, consisting of 5 individual workshops, has been developed to introduce you to the enjoyment and satisfaction the art of floral design holds.  Whether you are the amateur home florist or the potential budding professional, these hands-on evening classes offer an exciting exploration for you. You can register for all of the courses or just one - it's up to you.   It's a program that will fit your schedule. Your registration fee is all inclusive and will provide you with a finished product that you can take with you each week.   March 10 - Dish Garden in a Basket Stunning varieties of fresh green plants will be used to create your classic dish garden. Echoing a time-honored tradition that began centuries ago in Asia, this rich garden of greenery will add unique style to your home.   March 17 - Bulb Garden with Tulips, Hyacinth and Daffodils - Easy-to-grow Bulb Gardens explode with color - a whole garden's worth of beauty nestled into an attractive container. You will love an array of colors, forms and fragrances creating a beautiful parade of brilliant blooms. Your home will be painted with the amazing shades of spring long after (or before) it's here.  March 24 - Short-stem Mixed Rose Arrangement  The same quality as long-stem roses - just a little shorter! You will find the special 'shorty's' range is simply perfect for all occasions - whether you're celebrating a romantic anniversary, saying thank you, or wishing somebody special a happy birthday, you can't go far wrong with this beautiful bouquet....and this is the class where you learn how to build it.     April 7 - 18" Silk Forsythia Wreath  Embrace spring and summer with a brilliant Yellow Silk Forsythia Wreath. The traditional yellow forsythia pops from a twiggy perch and seems to sport a gorgeous breath. April 14 - Mixed Arrangement Can't decide which type of flower you like best? You don't have to! This session will show you how to create flower bouquets with an assortment of flower types, perfect for any occasion or recipient. When Beginning on March 10 All classes 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Tuesday evenings.  Space is limited so register early Where Hillside Nurseries 823 Washington Street Franklin, MA 02038 Register Now    TRADE THE SNOW FOR FLOWERS During March and April you can experience 5 different floral design opportunities Register for the entire series $250 Register for an individual class $55 Bring Spring home with you Forward this email

FPS- Life Long Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: HMEA incredABLE day - MAy 22, Barbara Anderson passes on, Pirelli Arena skating schedule for April

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

HMEA Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with special needs, will hold its family event and fundraiser of the year, the incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22 at EMC2 Headquarters, 50 Constitution Blvd. 

The day will include a 5K walk, a kids’ fun run and a 5K run. Music, food and activities for families will await at the finish line. The event will be hosted by Gene Lavanchy from Fox 25 News and Steve Nelson, a New England Patriots linebacker. 

For information: hmea.org/incredable.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160409/hmea-to-hold-incredable-day-events

Barbara C. Anderson, a champion of Proposition 2½ tax limits, died Friday after battling leukemia for several months. 

Her death was announced by Citizens for Limited Taxation. 

Anderson was one of the leaders of the campaign for property tax relief. She also led campaigns for the repeal of state income tax surtax, defeat of the graduated income tax ballot question and the rollback of the “temporary” state income tax increase.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160409/tax-fighter-barbara-anderson-dies

Pirelli Veteran’s Arena, 910 Panther Way, will be open for public skating at the following times during April vacation.

• April 16: from 2:30 to 4:20 p.m.
• April 17: from 2 to 3:50 p.m.
• April 18-21: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• April 22: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.; 8 to 9:50 p.m.
• April 23: from 2:30 to 4:20 p.m.
• April 24: from 2 to 3:40 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.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160409/pirelli-veterans-arena-lists-april-vacation-public-skating-times