Town Council moves plastic bags to EDC, moves rural business to 2nd reading

I missed the Town Council meeting on Thursday and will need to catch up with the Franklin TV replay when it is available. In the meantime, the actions taken as published gives a pretty good summary of what happened. We'll also need to wait for the minutes to be approved to find out the additional details in the conversations around each item.

For example, why did Councilor Pellegri vote against sending the ban on plastic bags to the Economic Development Committee? Rather than speculate, we'll await for the replay and or minutes, whichever is available first. She cast the only no vote when the measure passed 8-1. When the next Economic Development Committee meeting is is unknown. The newly renovated webpage currently shows no meetings for this group for the remainder of the year.

The Council did approve the resolution opposing Question 4 on the statewide ballot. The vote on this measure passed 9-0.

The Council moved all 6 of the bylaw changes to a second reading for the proposed rural business zone on Washington St.

The full set of action taken can be found in the PDF shown below:






The full set of documents released for the meeting can be found in the interactive PDF here
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/town-council-agenda-2

(Note the link will take you to the new Town of Franklin webpage)

Or use this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-19.html

downtown Franklin early on the morning of Oct 16

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton Visiting Franklin’s SNETT Trail - Oct 26

On Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Matthew Beaton, will be participating in a trail ride of Franklin's SNETT trail. The goal is to expand awareness of trail conditions and potential future economic development opportunities relative to trail expansion between the Town of Bellingham and The Town of Franklin's recently rejuvenated, historical downtown.

Secretary Beaton will be joined by State Legislator's, Local officials, community leaders and interested resident's — all are welcome to participate.

"I look forward to riding with Representative Roy and other members of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) community to witness, first hand, the beauty of this 22-mile Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) trail," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. "Our ride will raise awareness regarding this regional asset and provide an opportunity to learn from trail stakeholders."

"The Southern New England Trunkline Trail or SNETT runs from Franklin all the way to Douglas virtually unobstructed, except for a large wall right here in Franklin," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) "The Town of Franklin, the Friends of the SNETT, and the Franklin Legislative Delegation have been working together for a number of years to ensure access to Franklin's portion of the trail. This ride will be a great opportunity to illuminate both the trail's shortcomings and unrealized potential to the Commonwealth."

"Well maintained, accessible recreational trails and open space have a significant impact on quality of life in Franklin and across the state," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Improving and expanding access to the SNETT will allow more people to enjoy the beautiful natural resources our region has to offer, be active and connect with the community and local businesses."

"The SNETT Trail of Franklin is an important part of the town's character," said Senator Ross (R-Wrentham). "To continue to develop this stretch of land means we are creating new opportunities and access for residents looking to enjoy the natural beauty of their home town."

There has been a dedicated movement by local groups, such as the Friends of the SNETT, as well as by the Franklin and Bellingham Legislative Delegation to fund path improvements, path expansion and fix a large obstruction at the intersection of the trail and Prospect street.

The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) runs approximately 22 miles from the Franklin State Forest on the east, to the Douglas State Forest on the west. It passes through the towns of Douglas, Uxbridge, Millville, Blackstone, Bellingham, and Franklin, and is one of the longest trails in southern Massachusetts.

SNETT trail header at parking lot on Grove St

Additional photos of the SNETT taken in Sep 2013 can be found here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157636043702445/with/10016999443/

FHS girls soccer, field hockey and volleyball top Mansfield

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Friday, Oct 21

Football = Attleboro @ Franklin – Postponed to 10/22 at 3:00.

Boys Soccer = Mansfield, 2 @ Franklin, 0 – Final

– Mansfield’s Jed Tolbert notched his sixth shutout of the season and the Hornets cashed in twice in the second half to beat Franklin. Sam Hyland headed home a corner kick from Sean Lanzillo in the 49th minute for the game-winner. Cullin Anastasia doubled the lead in the 73rd minute, finishing off a direct kick from Lanzillo.

FHS Panthers

Girls soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final

– Franklin’s Molly Duncan scored early in the second half off of an assist from Halle Atkinson to put the Panthers up but Mansfield found the equalizer in the final 10 minutes. Amanda Mangano converted with just eight minutes to go to keep the Hornets undefeated (13-0-2).

Volleyball = Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

– Franklin used the energy of senior night to sweep Mansfield, 25-20, 25-21, 25-20. “It was a strong performance by the entire team,” Franklin head coach Kate Horsmann said. Senior Erin Skidmore had 14 kills and 11 digs to lead the Panthers while Meaghan Maguire had six kills and three blocks, Lauren McGrath had 22 assists, two aces and a kill and Maddie Kuzio finished with 22 digs and a pair of aces. For Mansfield, Jess Haradon had 20 digs, Meg Hill had 10 kills and Emily Kleber had six kills.

Field hockey = Mansfield, 2 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

– Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh scored a pair of goals with her sister Erin Walsh, a freshman, scoring once to lead Franklin to a 3-2 win. Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said Cassi Ronan, Caroline Lounsbury and Kayla Marshall also played well for the Panthers.


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-102116/

The Kids Count Data Center is a resource for you

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Kids Count Data Center is a Resource  Everyone engaged in public policy debates about improving the lives of children in Massachusetts needs trusted data that can inform analysis of challenges and potential solutions. With so many different tools and resources, it can be hard to find trusted information. That's why we want to make sure our readers know about the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT Data Center. It contains thousands of child well-being indicators related to education, poverty, health and youth risk factors. By being able to filter by state, city, county and congressional district, users are able to access data that is relevant in their communities and comparable to other places. As part of the KIDS COUNT network, MassBudget manages this national data resource in Massachusetts and incorporates additional local data. To give an example, the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) improves the economic security of working families. The EITC raises the after-tax incomes of over 400,000 low-wage workers and their families, 13 percent of all tax filers in Massachusetts. Those who benefit are mostly working parents. It also helps a smaller number of other low-wage workers. The KIDS COUNT Data Center makes it easy to see how many tax filers benefit from the EITC in each city and town in the Commonwealth. With a few clicks, you can also map the share of filers that received the EITC across the state. If you haven't done so lately, visit the KIDS COUNT Data Center today and see what it has to offer. You can also Tweet about it, and like it on FaceBook. Visit the KIDS COUNT Data Center here (LINK). The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

I queried the Kids Count Data to see what the reduced lunch price data looked like for Franklin and the neighboring communities. It was easy to do. You can add other school districts to this table or query other types of data.

• The table view of the data

Kids Count Data for local reduced lunch price data - table

• The line chart view of the data

Kids Count Data for local reduced lunch price data - line chart

Tri-County Regional to host Manufacturing and Robotics Open House to celebrate Manufacturing Month

On Tuesday, October 25, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will celebrate October as "Manufacturing Month" by hosting an Open House for its Manufacturing and Engineering Technology programs.

Tri-County plans to showcase its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and equipment. The event is expected to draw legislators, business owners, parents, and any others who may be interested in seeing new education, career, and business opportunities.

The Open House will include presentations by Tri-County students, as well as administrators from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. Wentworth has offered evening courses inside Tri-County's Manufacturing Center of Excellence since 2014.

"Tri-County students construct and create new products every year by utilizing a state-of-the-art manufacturing lab that provides the tools they need to make their ideas real. Thanks to their dedicated teachers and administration officials, those students will be uniquely prepared to contribute to our manufacturing sector on the day they graduate." said Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III

"We are trying to change the perception of today's modern manufacturing," said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). "Today's manufacturing is clean, technology driven, innovative, and most importantly well-paying and accessible. Today's manufacturing is often dominated by the Biotech, Medical, and Robotic industries, and Tri-County High School is doing a great job at meeting the need for skilled workers head-on."

"Tri-County has created an Advanced Manufacturing Program that will not only train high school students during the day, but through a partnership with Wentworth Institute of Technology, will also train unemployed or underemployed adults at night," Said Tri-County Superintendent Stephen Dockray. "Tri County is providing the skilled labor desperately needed in the manufacturing industry."

"The manufacturing and robotics programs at Tri-County are shining examples of modern manufacturing education in our community," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Manufacturing is a significant driver of the Massachusetts economy, and these students are learning necessary skills to create, innovate and thrive in the workforce."

Many Massachusetts residents are unaware that manufacturing is alive and well across the Commonwealth. Massachusetts is home to more than 7,000 manufacturers, providing over 250,000 jobs to its citizens. These innovative manufacturers make groundbreaking products for global consumption.

Jobs in the Manufacturing Industry offer flexibility, excitement, and good pay. While companies seek smart, dedicated workers to fill job openings, Tri-County seeks out new ways to provide students with the training and employability skills necessary for success in this evolving industry.

Tri-County's Open House will expand awareness of the school's Career Programs. Several of these programs address the growing need for manufacturing workers in Massachusetts by offering students hands-on training that addresses the technological advances of the industry.

The School encourages all interested parties to visit.

Event details:

Manufacturing and Robotics Open House

9AM-11AM Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

147 Pond Street

Franklin, MA 02038

image from Tri-County webpage

In the News: Kennedy speaks to FHS AP class; Tri-County explores modern manufacturing

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

"The key to success as a lawmaker on Capitol Hill is to find common ground, U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III told students Friday at Franklin High School's U.S. National Government and Politics AP class. 

He said it is his job to address change in a Congress where his party is a minority. 

"If I want to get something passed, I need to find pieces of policy that my Republican colleagues will not only like, but will champion," he said. "We will have philosophical disagreements about a number of issues, but my job isn't to pick a fight." 

Democrat Kennedy - running for re-election in the state's Fourth District against Dighton Republican David Rosa, who spoke to the students earlier in the week - learned that the environment, gun control, abortion rights and national security were the top concerns among the U.S. National Government and Politics AP class.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161021/kennedy-gives-talk-at-franklin-high-school

U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III speaking at the recent ribbon cutting for downtown Franklin

"A microscopic pair of scissors sparked a large reaction from Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School students Friday morning. 

As Alex Magyar, vice president of operations at Medway’s MicroGroup, Inc., placed the tiny tool under a microscope, he explained the device - built right there in the company’s facility - is used for cataract eye surgery. 

“That is awesome,” said one student. “That is terrifying,” cried another.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161021/tri-county-students-get-inside-look-at-franklin-manufacturing

Join us for a Pour Richard's Special Event - Saturday, Oct 22 2 to 5 PM

Pour Richard's Presents: Wine Traditions

'Wines of Character, Not Caricatures of Wine' Never Drink Ordinary! Saturday, October 22   2-5 PM This Saturday, visit France without leaving Franklin..... Your tour guides? Ed Addiss, Barbara Selig, and Leigh Ranucci of Wine Traditions, our favorite hunting ground for all things French and fabulous. Wine Traditions represents 60+ small, family-owned producers, scattered across France, but concentrating on many areas we rarely see represented here. The wines are sustainably produced, and many domaines are fully organic or biodynamic. Best of all, they are also very affordable; Ed and Barbara feel that wine is meant to be enjoyed with meals, not worshipped or 'collected', and price accordingly. From Bordeaux to Beaujolais, Burgundy to the Rhone, and Champagne to forgotten corners of the Southwest, these wines are a revelation. They are also flat-out delicious.  We'll have over 20 wines open for tasting, and Ed, Barbara, and Leigh will guide you through the portfolio in an informal, walk-around format. We'll have-mais oui!-some French cheeses on hand to complement the wine. Tasting is free of charge, 21+ please. Thank you for trusting us with your beverage business. Please share this email with friends who are interested in delicious wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.)  Cheers! Ann Williams  Our Beer List  |  Our Wine List Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits  (508) 520-9163 | www.pourrichardswine.com  14 Grove Street  Franklin, MA 02038 Sun 12-5  Mon 12-7  Tues-Thurs 10-8  Fri-Sat 10-9

Sent by ann@pourrichardswine.com in collaboration with Try it free today

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 10/21/16 - THU 10/27/16

FRIDAY 10/21/16
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library (all skill levels welcome)
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center
6:30pm   Spooky Games @ Franklin YMCA
7pm   Homecoming Game: FHS Panthers vs Attleboro HS
7:30pm   Fiddler on the Roof @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 10/22/16
12-3pm   Clarion Farm 10th Anniversary Open House @ 444 Lincoln Street, Franklin
5-7:30pm   6th Annual Pasta Dinner by Franklin Sons of Italy @ Franklin VFW
7-10pm   2016 Homecoming Dance @ FHS
7:30pm   Fiddler on the Roof @ The Black Box
7:30pm   The Daigles - concert @ Original Congregational Church, Wrentham

SUNDAY 10/23/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast returns to Franklin Rod and Gun Club - open to public
12-2pm   Franklin Cub Scouts Recruitment Day @ Beaver Pond
2pm   Fiddler on the Roof @ The Black Box

MONDAY 10/24/16
10:30am   Tea and Tangles @ Franklin Art Center
4pm   Krafty Mondays (ages 6-12) @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 10/25/16
6-9pm   Taste of the Region @ Tri-County RVTHS

WEDNESDAY 10/26/16
3:30-5pm   Halloween Extravaganza @ Franklin Recreation Department

THURSDAY 10/27/16
4-6pm   Halloween Party @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street, Franklin)
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center
7pm   SAFE Coalition presents “Four Legs To Stand On” @ Tri-County RVTHS

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

The Tri-County Insider

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To read the full text View this link In Your Browser

OCTOBER 20 To the Tri-County Community, As the leaves change color, our focus at TC turns to recruitment of next year's freshmen class. Our Admissions Team visited Franklin middle schools this week, and we are preparing for visits from local eighth grade students over the next few weeks. It is a great time for our student ambassadors to reflect and share their experiences here at TC. You can see the wheels turning in their head as they reflect and speak to students sitting in the same chairs that they sat in only a year or two ago. Our second annual Showcase Spectacular was a great success. Over 300 visitors walked through our programs and joined us for lunch. Many participated in games and contests in the shops. Thank you to all that attended or took part in it. As the fall comes to an end, the sports playoff picture is really shaping up with our Golf and Girls' Volleyball teams already qualified for the playoffs. Our cheerleaders won one competition already and have their sights set on a couple more over the next few weeks. Special thanks need to go out to our Sports Boosters that sponsored the Homecoming Dance last weekend. Almost 400 students attended the dance. Thank you for your continued support, Mr. Procaccini    Career Days: There will be no school on Thursday, October 27, and Friday, October 28, due to our annual Career Days. Students volunteering in their shops as part of the Career Day events will need to supply their own transportation. Upcoming Events Career Day - No School Thursday, October 27 Career Day - No School Friday, October 28 About The TC Insider The TC Insider is a biweekly newsletter for the families of Tri-County students. Forward to a Friend Follow on Twitter Like us on Facebook View Email In Browser Tri-County RVTHS 147 Pond Street Franklin, MA 02038 www.tri-county.us 508-528-5400

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District · 147 Pond Street · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

FHS golf finishes 7th in League Championship

Franklin finished 7th in the Hockomock League golf championships were held on Thursday at the Blue Hill Country Club in Canton.

The individual FHS scores were

Bryan Woelfel – 84
Matt D’Errico – 87
Matt Dao – 92

For complete results
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-league-golf-championship-results-2016/

FHS has a 7-3 record in the head to head team competition. All the Hockomock League standings can be found here (Scroll to the bottom of the listing to find the golf standings)
https://hockomocksports.com/standings/

one of the FHS golf team

Hockomock Sports provides a photo gallery from the event.
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Fall-2016/Hockomock-Golf-Championships/

FHS golfer 2

FHS golfer 3

An attempt to identify the FHS golfers is underway. Names will be added later