Halloween Party - October 30, 3:00 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Police Dept will hold a Halloween Party for kids from pre-school to 5th grade. 

Sunday, October 30, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Police Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/539366676256987/

In the News: Fund raising for fire family; youth baseball elections; YMCA spooky games

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"An online fundraising campaign has been set up to assist a local family that was displaced by a fire in September. 

The campaign, hosted on the site GoFundMe, is in support of Brittany McKinnon, her son Braydyn Morris and her fiance Jason Morris, who were forced from their 73 Beaver St. home after a Sept. 16 blaze. 

"It happened right after our son got out of school," McKinnon said, adding that she was very grateful that no one was hurt. "We basically just had the clothes on our backs." 

Though the home does not look severely damaged from the outside, the interior is being gutted because of fire and water damage."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161011/fundraiser-looks-to-help-franklin-family-after-fire

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/jason-brittany-braydyns-fire-fund.html

"The Franklin Youth Baseball board of directors elections will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17. 

Election to the board of directors is determined by a vote of the general membership. All positions are open, and newcomers are welcome. 

Nominations to positions on the board of directors can be made by any member of the organization during nominations night, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161011/franklin-youth-baseball-to-hold-elections

"The Hockomock Area YMCA will hold free Spooky Games from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the YMCA Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin. 

Participants are encouraged to dress in costume. The theme for the Franklin event is superheroes. 

Hockomock Area YMCA staff will provide face painting, crafts, games and a jumpy house. Pizza slices and water will be available for $1 each."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161011/hockomock-area-ymca-to-present-spooky-games

#shopFranklin: Karen Moriarty of Karen Moriarty Photography

#shopFranklin speaks with Karen Moriarty of Karen Moriarty Photography as we learn how she delved into photography and offers great advice on how to get great professional photos.

http://www.kemphoto.com/

For more about Karen and her photography   http://www.kemphoto.com/

or on Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Moriarty-Photography-Portrait-Artist-193735463971180/

http://www.shopfranklinma.com/

For more about Sarah and her efforts with #shopFranklin
http://www.shopfranklinma.com/

Franklin Federated - Giant Yard Sale - Saturday, Oct 15

"The Giant Yard Sale will include books, toys, clothes, household items, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, antiques, small furniture items, and holiday décor. Items are priced to sell. 

• Sale starts at the Church at 9:00 AM
• Half price sale starts at 1 PM. Much of the sale is held indoors.

This fundraiser helps support the works of the church and a portion of the proceeds will go towards specific local charitable organizations. A collection will be held for toiletry items (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo) that will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry."

Franklin Federated - Giant Yard Sale - Saturday, Oct 15

This is just a fraction of "stuff" that we've gotten in. You have no idea! Car after car dropping off bags and boxes, etc. ...anyhow, here is a partial list: 

Books, 
purses, 

collectibles such as games, 
figurines, 
vintage dishes and sets, 

old woven back rocking chair, 

old pottery, 
lamps,

frames and framed pictures, 

linens, 
rugs, 
cloth napkins, 
table cloths

a very large collection of Stamp It Up stamps, 
children's toys and games, 
children's bikes,
large selection of puzzles

glassware

and that's just the tip of the iceberg ...an unbelievable amount of stuff at truly unheard of prices

• For more about this Giant Yard Sale visit the Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/events/175887846187836/

LiveARTS String Quartet, October 16, 2016

October 16, 2016 = LiveARTS String Quartet

• Ala Jojatu, violin
• Gregory Vitale, violin
• Donald Krishnaswami, viola
• Jan Müller-Szeraws, cello

Music by Beethoven, Revueltas and Smetana

LiveArts post card just received in mail

All Concerts on Sundays, 3:30 pm at the 
Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society, 
262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA
Doors open at 3 pm. 

Open Seating. Handicapped accessible


For more about LiveArts  http://www.liveartsma.org/

FHS field hockey and boys soccer drop close games on Columbus Day

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Monday, Oct 10

FHS Panthers

*** Field Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Chelmsford, 2 – Final 
– Franklin sophomore Cassi Ronan had the lone goal off a rebound for the Panthers.


*** Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 vs. Xaverian, 1 – Final


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Columbus Day
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-101016/

In the News: EPA superfund site prep, plastic bag ban bylaw drafted for review

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The federal Environmental Protection Agency has begun seeking community input regarding a Superfund site in town - an early step in the cleanup process. 

EPA representatives were in Franklin on Thursday and Friday last week, looking for ways to better inform residents about the Fisher Street site and future efforts there. 

The agency placed the BJAT, LLC property at 300 Fisher St. on its National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2015. That land, according to officials, has been used for industrial purposes since the late 1800s, and was last used for rubber and plastic manufacture. The facility there has been inactive since 1985."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-epa-reaching-out-on-superfund-site

some of the FHS students making the plastic bag ban proposal to the Town Council Sep 21

"A group of Franklin High School students has asked the town to consider a ban on "single use" plastic shopping bags in an effort to make Franklin more environmentally friendly. 

The group - comprised of mostly seniors and some juniors - spoke before the Town Council in September, and a bylaw will be on a future meeting's agenda. 

Alycia Felli, one of the group's organizers, said this week that the impetus for the ban came from a class at the high school. 

"All of us are enrolled in an AP environmental science course, and our teacher really opened our eyes about tiny solutions that could ameliorate environmental degradation," Felli said, noting that the course brought up a bag ban. "I saw that and went, 'Oh my gosh, this is something I could even do.'"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-students-seek-bag-ban

• A copy of the proposed bylaw can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F3878-000F8513

• or here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb0FXRTBuSUNBamc/view?usp=sharing

Early voting begins Oct 24

"Starting later this month, and for the first time in Massachusetts, all registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day.

With a historic presidential election weeks away, area town clerks are advising voters in their towns that early voting will begin on Oct. 24 and continue through Nov. 4.

Prior to the enactment of the new early voting law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or who have a disability or religious belief preventing them from going to the polls, will be legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is permitted for every registered voter.

A license or ID issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles is required to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 election, participants must be registered by Oct. 19.

Early voting can be done in person or by mail."

-------------

FRANKLIN: Early voting can be done in person at the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 E. Central St. on the following dates:

• Oct. 24-25: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Oct. 26-27: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Oct. 28: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Nov. 2-3: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Nov. 4: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Franklin will also offer weekend hours from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 29.

Registered voters have the option to request an early voting ballot through the mail, Franklin Town Clerk's Office, 355 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038. The application can be found at sec.state.ma.us/ele; franklin.ma.us.

screen grab of Franklin Town Clerk webpage

For other community early voting times
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161009/early-voting-to-begin-oct-24

"How can the mountains of positive data be trusted when side-by-side comparisons aren’t based on the same factors?"

WGBH's Callie Crossley writes:

http://news.wgbh.org/

Meanwhile, I can’t figure out why the charter cap expansion has gotten so much big money from corporations both here and outside the state. WGBH News reporter Isaiah Thompson discovered that “no single ballot question has drawn as much in donations.” And I still wonder what was the incentive, last year, when three lawyers from three competing white-shoe law firms jointly filed a lawsuit claiming fewer charters denied minority students’ civil rights. Call me cynical but I don’t believe the high-priced lawyers' donated time, and the millions in contributions are about making sure all of Massachusetts’ students have a better education. I’m far from a mathematician, but something just doesn’t add up.

Read her full article online
http://news.wgbh.org/2016/10/07/local-news/question-2-lifting-charter-school-cap-doesnt-add

"consider more stringent regulations for the panels"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town may consider stricter zoning requirements for solar panels after a local resident brought his concerns to the Town Council. 

Resident Michael Swetz raised the matter during the public comment segment of a recent council meeting, saying he was motivated by a possible 40-panel solar installation on Prospect Street. 

According to Swetz, current laws regard the panels as benign, and do not impose much in the way of regulations on them. 

"Under the zoning ordinance, they're an auxiliary building," he said. "Right now, ground-based solar panels can be put in your backyard like a garden shed, with no screening requirements or safety requirements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-may-consider-harsher-solar-rules

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html

The statement by Michael Swetz during the Citizens Comment portion of the Town Council meeting on Oct 5 can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html

Jason, Brittany & Braydyn's Fire Fund

"Would it be possible for you to share the link below for a Franklin family who lost their home on Beaver street to a fire? 

The family does not have a place to live. They have a kindergartner at Davis Thayer and are expecting a daughter in February.

Their son is in my son's class at Davis Thayer."

Jason, Brittany & Braydyn's Fire Fund

You can donate via GoFundMe -->> https://www.gofundme.com/2pwt6xys

“Increased trust leads to being able to manage better in a lot of ways”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts leads the nation in a lot of things, but transparency isn’t one of them. When news start-up MuckRock published a ranking of government transparency in all 50 states based on how long each took to respond to public records requests in 2015, Massachusetts placed 49th. Only Hawaii lagged behind the commonwealth. MuckRock found Massachusetts hands down little punishment for public records violations and slaps on huge fees for information. The upside, though, is that recent pushback could spark some change in the law. 

Because of social media and the internet, demand for public records has increased over the years. With that, demand for records to be online and easily available has grown. While recent laws aimed at making public records easier to obtain will affect everyone, they are mainly targeted at the state level. At the town level, though, transparency can also be a problem, cropping up at selectmen and other municipal meetings across the region. If you ask Hopkinton's Chris Bullock, though, just putting numbers online isn't enough. Though many municipalities in MetroWest and the Milford area have their records online, Bullock said they need more context."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161009/transparency-changing-municipal-relationship-with-public

screen grab of part of Franklin's 2014 data in ClearGov (note: 2014 is only year currently available)

• For some of Franklin's data in the ClearGov view

http://www.cleargov.com/massachusetts/norfolk/city/franklin/2014

• Boston is working on CityScore which summarizes the city operations in key performance metrics.

https://www.boston.gov/cityscore

• More about the dashboard can be found here

http://www.cityofboston.gov/mayorsdashboard/

Register O'Donnell Reports Increased Lending in Norfolk County

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Increased Lending in Norfolk County It was a split decision when it came to 3rd quarter real estate data (July-September 2016) in Norfolk County, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. The Register noted that while real estate sales were flat, the lending market continued to boom thanks to continuing low interest rates. O'Donnell stated, "Overall, Norfolk County is holding its own in terms of real estate sales. A total of 5,295 property transactions were recorded in the county during the 3rd quarter, representing a 1% reduction from the same period in 2015. However, total real estate volume, both residential and commercial, for the quarter came in at $2.9 billion, a 21% increase compared to last year's numbers. The average sales price, including both residential and commercial quarter 3 was $808,198, a solid 25% increase year over year. It should be noted the total sales and average sales numbers were impacted by a $205 million dollar sale of Westwood Station that took place in mid-August." "The lending market," noted O'Donnell, "was the real silver lining story. The total number of mortgages recorded was 9,717, a solid 21% increase from the previous year. In addition, total mortgage financing finished at $4.65 billion for the quarter, a 34% increase from last year's 3rd quarter 2015. Clearly, consumers and businessmen are taking advantage of continuing low interest rates to pay for new home purchases, home improvements, education expenses and expansion of business. More than anything, these robust lending figures tell us the eastern Massachusetts economy remains vibrant." While there is no question the local economy remains on solid footing, some of our neighbors continue to face economic challenges. "The 3rd quarter saw 83 foreclosure deeds recorded , a sobering 34% increase year over year. More encouraging was the reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process. A total of 201 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings were recorded during the 3rd quarter period compared to 238 for the 3rd quarter 2015. While one foreclosure filing is one too many, hopefully this trend in reduced filings will continue," stated O'Donnell. O'Donnell went on to list the ways the Registry of Deeds can help those facing a foreclosure. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. I would urge those facing issues paying a mortgage to avail themselves of these excellent programs," stated Register O'Donnell. On another consumer note, Homestead recordings were flat during the 3rd quarter. A total of 3,710 Homesteads were recorded versus 3,700 during the same time period in 2015. Register O'Donnell reiterated the importance of filing a Homestead, "A Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I encourage homeowners to continue to avail themselves of this important consumer protection tool." In conclusion Register O'Donnell stated, "While the Norfolk County real estate sales figures were flat for the 3rd quarter 2016, I am glad there was no significant drop-off. What was really encouraging were the solid numbers seen in lending activity. One note, however, the Federal Reserve is again considering raising interest rates before year's end. We will need to watch this carefully to see how it affects real estate activity." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter and instagram @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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Register O'Donnell Reports Increased Lending in Norfolk County

In the News: Women's Success Network meeting, legalizing recreational marijuana ballot question

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Women’s Success Network will welcome S. Brent Harding from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St. 

Harding will explore the color of red and its symbolism and power to generate feelings, self-esteem and action. Her hands-on activity will give participants the opportunity to complete a personal mission statement that will help provide the roadmap to their vision both personally and professionally. 

Harding is the founder of the Wealth Warrior broadcast, a weekly Internet show, dedicated to helping people achieve financial freedom and generational prosperity through financial literacy and focused action. She has also been featured in the Boston Business Journal, Women’s Business Journal and The Urban News magazine. 

To register: wsninc.org. Registration must be completed by Oct. 25.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161009/womens-success-network-to-welcome-s-brent-harding

"Legalizing recreational marijuana will fall on to voters this November, but trying to parse the conflicting rhetoric of opponents and proponents for ballot Question 4 can be difficult for even close followers of the proposal. 

Some say marijuana is a gateway drug, others say it can actually help opioid addicts get clean. Some say it causes brain damage, but others say the claims in those studies are unfounded. With the two sides directly contradicting each other it begs the question - how safe is marijuana? But even within the addiction community, opposing schools of thought date back much longer than Colorado's 2012 legalization of recreational pot. 

Miriam Boeri is an associate professor of sociology at Bentley University. She focuses on drug addiction and has worked closely with heroin and methamphetamine addicts. She favors marijuana legalization and feels it has potential to limit the number of new addicts. In April 2015, she published a piece in Newsweek with the declarative headline "Marijuana is not, repeat not, a gateway drug."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161009/is-pot-is-addictive-battle-smolders-around-ballot-question

Recap of the Town Council meeting - Oct 5

The key moment to take away from the Town Council meeting could be found in the section where the Historical Commission provided an update on the work their interns did during the summer. Mary Olsson introduced Allison Anderson, one of the two interns. Both interns have had training in curation and management of historical artifacts.

Franklin is effectively sitting upon a treasure trove of historical items, the value of which is hard to determine as the inventory and caring processes had been put together by volunteers. Now the volunteers have done well for what they had, but many weaknesses were highlighted and a part time curator would be very worthwhile. The summer project effectively set up a framework for future work to build upon. There needs to be a continued investment in people and supplies.

Now that the Historical Commission has a better understanding of what is required, as well as the Town Council, it would not be surprising to see a proposal for a part time curator during the budget cycle.

In other key items, the Town Council referred a set of bylaws to the Planning Board. These items would establish a 'country store' zone to enable the Hillside Nursery to expand their operations on Washington St. After the Planning Board does their public hearing and makes revisions (if necessary), the items come back to the Town Council for public hearings (and possible revisions) before being voted on.

In the Citizen Comment, Michael Swetz Jr, 3 Kara-Lyn Drive detailed the ground installation of a solar panel grid that is apparently being governed by the shed bylaw. The lack of proper guidance in the shed bylaw for such an installation is creating a safety hazard. You can find a copy of the text presented with photos here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html




The notes reported live during the meeting can be found here:

• Live reporting: Legislation through to Closing
• Live reporting: Historical Commission update
• Live Reporting: Town Council - Oct 5, 2016

The published agenda for the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-5.html

new crosswalk being added on Pleasant St to enable access to the DelCarte property
and foster walking on the newly installed sidewalk

Oak St PCC fund raiser with Papa Gino's - Oct 13

The Oak St PCC is holding a fund raiser with Papa Gino's on Thursday, October 13 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM.

Papa Gino's

Bring in a copy of the flyer shown here to ensure that Oak St PCC will get 20% of the proceeds from the evening.

The Papa Gino's in the Franklin Village Plaza will honor this deal.

In the News: Hope Bus visits Oct 20, Real ID coming to MA

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hope Bus will visit three of Dean Bank’s four branches in October and November. 

Due to parking limitations in downtown Franklin, staff and resources from the bus will be moved inside the main office branch, 21 Main St., Franklin, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20. The bus itself will be parked throughout the work day on Nov. 2 at the bank’s branch at 411 Pulaski Blvd., Bellingham, and at its branch in the Park n’ Shop Plaza, 8 Main St., Blackstone, on Nov. 16. 

The Hope Bus is a mobile resource vehicle that offers free information and resources related to breast cancer. Staff will be present throughout the day to answer questions, provide confidential guidance to those affected by breast cancer and direct visitors to the proper avenues of support if interested."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161008/gloria-gemma-hope-bus-to-visit-dean-bank-locations

Dean Bank, 21 Main St Franklin

For more info about the Hope Bus
http://www.gloriagemma.org/the-hope-bus

"The ability of Massachusetts residents to access certain federal buildings and airplane departure gates in future years could depend on the success of a $62.2 million contract with a Colorado company hired to revamp the state's three-decade-old driver's license software system. 

After the Massachusetts Department of Transportation authorized the state to move forward with Fast Enterprises on Thursday, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said the new software package could support the state's plans for licenses that comply with the federal REAL ID law. 

Pollack said the computer system allows the registry to issue driver's licenses and provides information to law enforcement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161008/state-agrees-to-62-million-software-for-real-id-licenses

For more info about Read ID
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions

FHS girls soccer and volleyball posts wins on Friday

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Friday, Oct 7

*** Football = Franklin, 13 @ King Philip, 35 – Final

1st Quarter: (KP) Shane Frommer 62 yard punt return, XP good.
2nd Quarter: (KP) S. Frommer 15 yard rush, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (KP) S. Frommer 11 yard rush, XP good; (KP) Brendan Lydon 1 yard rush, XP good; (F) Jacob Wolowacki 1 yard rush, XP good.
4th Quarter: (KP) B. Lydon 5 yard pass to Brett Mazur, XP good; (F) J. Wolowacki 3 yard rush, XP no good.

*** Boys soccer = Stoughton, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

– Franklin built a two goal lead in the first half but the Black Knights stormed back with three unanswered goals to grab the win. Farley Asmath and Nitin Chaudury netted goals off assists from Liam Kapples to put the hosts up 2-0. Stoughton answered as Noah Schulze scored on a free kick from 30 yards out and then tied the game before the break on Tyler Melo’s strike from outside the area. The Black Knights netted the game-winner with Melo finishing off a cross from Jordan Asnes. Stoughton head coach Aaron Salter said, “It was an excellent team performance today from every player.” Salter had specific praise for his back line as well as Melo and junior Brian Peoples.

*** Girls Soccer = Franklin, 4 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final

– Meghan Doherty, Miranda Smith, Sara Yelle and Molly Duncan scored the goals for the Panthers, while Calen Frongillo has a pair of assists and Emily Mastaj and Nadia Havens each had one.

FHS Panthers

*** Volleyball = Stoughton, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

– Lauren McGrath helped set Franklin up for victory, notching 33 assists along with seven digs and three aces to lead the Panthers. Erin Skidmore had 15 kills and 11 digs, Maddie Kuzio had 21 digs and three aces, Lindsay McGowan contributed with seven kills, four digs, three aces and Meaghan Maguire finished with eight blocks and five kills for Franklin. For Stoughton, Riley Bagley had 43 digs while Val Whalen added 17 kills and sophomore Molly Turner had 20 assists.


For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-100716/