MBTA: Franklin Line has returned to normal service (no shuttle buses)

Normal train service has resumed on the Franklin Line, following the completion of bridge work. Shuttle buses are no longer in place.

Last updated: Nov 13 2016 07:04 AM

Franklin MBTA commuter rail at Franklin/Dean Station heading to Forge Park

The MBTA had blocked the full weekend for shuttle service
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/reminder-through-sunday-franklin-line.html

FPAC’S THE ADDAMS FAMILY Awarded NETC Moss Hart Awards Honorable Mention

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) received Honorable Mention recognition from the New England Theatre Conference (NETC) 54th Annual Moss Hart Awards for FPAC’s 2015 production of The Addams Family. Presented at the 65th annual NETC Convention on October 29, the 2016 Moss Hart Awards honored eight productions from across New England. FPAC’s The Addams Family was one of two theatrical productions recognized in the Community Theatre Division. The prestigious awards honor the life of celebrated Broadway playwright, director, and producer Moss Hart. As stated by the NETC, the annual honor “seeks to encourage artistic growth and the highest standards of excellence in theatre.”

FPAC’s The Addams Family

The commendation represents back-to-back honors for FPAC, having been awarded an Honorable Mention last year for Peter Pan, which launched the company’s first season at THE BLACK BOX. FPAC also received an Honorable Mention for West Side Story by the 2004 Moss Hart Awards. FPAC’s devilishly delightful The Addams Family was presented at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue in downtown Franklin, as part of the company’s milestone 25th anniversary season. 

FPAC’s The Addams Family - panorama

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC brings together professional artists, community performers and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment. With a special focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

This was shared from the Franklin Cultural District webpage
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2016/11/fpacs-addams-family-awarded-netc-moss.html

Franklin Voter Turnout from 2003 - 2016

I updated the chart to show the Franklin voter turnout from 2003 - 2016. I did leave out the primary elections;  including only the major elections.

The updated chart:

• The Presidential elections are shown in light Blue.
• Regular Franklin elections shown in Red
• The three override elections are shown in Yellow
• The State elections are shown in Green

The data that drove the chart can be found here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sqfzWIc7Uv9qQvCbajPEktP4krPSQJ8HwJpi_I84J7c/edit?usp=sharing

" the secret to our success, ... it has a lot to do with the positive thinking"

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

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, looking back on a period of immense change in the area. 

The partnership will be officially noting the birthday this weekend, with a gala set to take place Saturday night at the Black Box. 

Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana said the group began with a handful of business owners, who decided to work with the town to revitalize downtown. in 2001. Piana herself joined as director in 2005. 

"In 2005, there were 15 members; now, there are more than 250," she said. "We've really grown as an organization, and we've worked hand-in-hand with the town."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161111/franklin-partnership-celebrating-its-15th-year

Downtown Franklin is looking good all dressed up for Veterans Day

What has the Downtown Partnership been doing for 15 years?

Some of the achievements are shown in this
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/08/franklin-downtown-partnership.html

and some are shown in this
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/08/what-has-fdp-been-doing-for-15-years.html

Milford Area Chamber of Commerce preps for its 27th Annual Dinner and Auction - Nov 19

Laura O’Callaghan, President of the Milford Area Chamber of Commerce, announced that plans for the Chamber’s 27th Annual fundraising Dinner & Auction are almost complete and the results are exciting. The event returns to the Portuguese Club in Milford for the sixth year on Saturday, November, 19th. Doors open at 6:30 and a limited number of tickets are still available. 

O’Callaghan stated; “Every year since 1989 our community has come together to share an evening of fun, excitement and delicious food to help the Chamber fund the important work it does for the Greater Milford area residents and businesses. The venue and format changed a few years ago and now all the food is generously prepared and donated by local restaurants, caterers and businesses. The array of dishes that are available is an absolute feast and our guests discover new, local places to try as a result. It’s a win/win for everyone.”

http://milfordchamber.org/auction-spectacular/

“The Milford Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that performs vital business referral functions as new residents move into town, assists local small business with training, insurance and benefits information for its employees, advocates for its members at the State House and at the national level and provides dozens of networking activities for its members throughout the year. We are the voice of the business community in Milford and the surrounding nine towns. We cannot survive without the support of our membership and our community and we are grateful for the support we receive as a result”, O’Callaghan added.

This year’s auction will include more than 100 silent auction items; items donated by businesses throughout the area. These include golf foursomes, electronics, home furnishings, wine baskets, toys, autographed sports memorabilia, merchandise and a variety of services and more. There are also more than 30 live auction items that will provide the highlight of the evening, as well as the majority of laughs. 

 “Celebrity Guest Auctioneer” Dick Ferrucci from WMRC radio will resume his yearly position on the gavel and 2016’s lineup of items are among the best the Chamber has ever received. In addition to the African Safari trip the Chamber has successfully auctioned for the past seven years they’ve added a trip to Ireland, airline tickets to anywhere in the USA, sporting event packages, getaways to Maine, Rhode Island and more! The 50/50 raffle winner will also be drawn that evening.

For more information, to purchase tickets, see a complete list of available auction items or even make a donation to the Chamber, visit www.milfordchamber.org, call them at 508.473.6700 or stop by their offices at 258 Main Street, Suite 306.

The Milford Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1922 and will mark its 95th year of service in 2017. Its mission is to connect businesses and professionals by bringing them together for a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas, information, products and services. The Chamber advocates for the business community, promotes economic development, and enhances the quality of life throughout the area. The Chamber serves the communities of Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis and Upton.

Franklin Historic Commission to host veterans

The Franklin Historic Commission will host local Franklin veterans on Saturday morning, November 12 from 9:00-10:00AM at the Museum.

State Rep Jeff Roy, Veterans Representative Dale Kurtz, Town Officials and Members of the Town Council will be in attendance to honor the Veterans.

A light breakfast of pastries, donuts, coffee and juices will be served.

The commission hopes that this will be the first annual breakfast for the Veterans.

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

more Franklin fall foliage photos

Thanks to Sethu for sending along some more Franklin fall foliage photos to share

Franklin fall foliage photos

Franklin fall foliage photos 1

Franklin fall foliage photos 2

Franklin fall foliage photos 3

Franklin fall foliage photos 4

Reminder: Through Sunday: Franklin Line shuttle

Shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line train service between Dedham Corporate Center and Readville Stations on Saturday, November 12th, and Sunday, November 13th, due to Shore Line Bridge Replacement in Hyde Park.

Due to Shore Line Bridge Replacement, buses will replace trains between Dedham Corporate Center and Readville Stations in both directions on the following dates:

- Saturday November 12th, 2016
- Sunday November 13th, 2016

Customers should allow additional travel time anticipating delays of approximately twenty (20) minutes.

The following trains will be affected:

• Saturday - All
• Sunday - All

The following stations will be affected:

• Dedham Corporate Center
• Endicott
• Readville

Last updated: Nov 10 2016 01:56 PM

MBTA train on the Franklin Line headed to Forge Park Station

Note: based on the MBTA Alerts, all the trains on Saturday and Sunday actually ran with more like a 30 minute delay. Let's hope they might be closer to the 20 advertised here.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 11/11/16 - THU 11/17/16

FRIDAY 11/11/16 *** VETERAN’S DAY *** No School, Library Closed
7am-11pm   Franklin Lions: DVDs4Vets Collection @ both Franklin Honey Dew locations
9am-2pm   Boston Children’s Hospital Bloodmobile in Franklin - donate blood, register online
7pm   Night Out with Fiori and La Cantina Winery @ FIORI
7:30pm   The Rising Stars Cabaret @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 11/12/16
12:20pm   Try Hockey for Free @ Pirelli Veteran’s Arena
6-11pm   Franklin Downtown Partnership 15th Anniversary Gala @ The Black Box
7-9pm   Showcase Pro Wrestling to Benefit Oil for Veterans Program @ Elks Lodge
7:30pm   Elastic Five & Brehon and the V8’s Concert @ Original Congregational Church in Wrentham

SUNDAY 11/13/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast returns to Franklin Rod and Gun Club - open to public
11am-2pm   FSPA Hosts Family Fun Open House @ FSPA, 38 Main Street
11:30am   Big Band Brunch with Kenny Hadley @ The Black Box
3:30pm   LiveARTS Concert: Ina Zdorovetchi- Harp @ FUSF

MONDAY 11/14/16
10:30am   Tea and Tangles @ Franklin Art Center
4pm   Krafty Mondays (ages 6-12) @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 11/15/16
5-7pm   Preschool Fair hosted by Franklin MOMs Club @ Norfolk Public Library
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 11/16/16
6-9pm   Shopping Extravaganza @ Annie Sullivan MS
6:30pm   Doggie Tales @ Franklin Public Library. Grades 2 and up, registration required.
7:30pm   Dean College School of Arts performs: Into The Woods @ Dean College

THURSDAY 11/17/16
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones (each month new theme) @ Franklin Senior Center. Call the center to register.
4pm   Lego Club (ages 3-12) @ Franklin Public Library
5-8pm   #shopFranklin - Small Business Showcase @ Franklin High School
6:30pm   The Gravestone Girls @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Franklin SEPAC: Transition Fair @ Horace Mann MS
7:30pm   Dean College School of Arts performs: Into The Woods @ Dean College

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 Kennedys with Nalani and Sarina Nov 19

THE KENNEDYS with Nalani and Sarina Nov 19th 8PM $20 The Kennedys will be returning to The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse on Saturday, Nov 19th, at 8PM.  Even after more than ten years, over a thousand gigs and 500,000 miles of touring as a married, music-making couple, singer-guitarists Pete and Maura Kennedy still savor each instant in life and in each others company, and it shows in their music. The Kennedys have been charming audiences, record buyers and critics for the past decade with their exuberant mixture of folk, rock, country, pop and their own brand of secular gospel, a philosophical depth in their lyrics, and joyful, kinetic performances and recordings. The Kennedys use a full palette of vocal and instrumental colors to bring their songs to glowing life. Maura's lead vocals range from comforting to yearning, from girlish to womanly, from exuberant to delicate. Multi-instrumentalist Pete provides a vibrant tapestry of chiming, jangling and twanging guitars, as well as mandolin, electric sitar, and ukulele, interwoven with Maura's sturdy acoustic rhythm guitar.  http://www.kennedysmusic.com/ Twins Nalani and Sarina will be opening the show.   They are young, but they've already displayed an impressive social conscience. "We'll Be Free" is a bold statement made on behalf of sexual equality, and it's won the duo the applause of the LGBT community. "Scattered Girl" is a generational anthem that addresses the difficulties of young adulthood in frank, immediately identifiable language. In a pop landscape largely bereft of Asian-American voices, the twin sisters' perspective is welcome. Their songs are catchy AND meaningful, their look is dazzling, their message is courageous, and the sky is the limit. http://www.nalanisarina.com/ "In addition to being charismatic and confident singers and musicians, rotating among guitars, keyboards and ukuleles, their secret weapon is their songwriting."                ~ David Bianculli, TV Critic for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.  Upcoming Shows Dec 3     Ellis Paul Dec 10   A Celtic Christmas with Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy Jan 7      Christine Lavin and Don White Jan 28    Peter Mulvey

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Volunteers needed for Holiday Decorating Downtown Franklin - Nov 20

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS AVAILABLE 
Sunday, Nov 20th, 2016 to decorate Downtown Franklin for the Holidays. 

• Meet at 9AM at the parking lot across from the Uptown Pub.
• Bring gloves and dress appropriately for the weather.

ADDITIONAL HOURS
HILLSIDE NURSERY, Saturday, Nov 19th, 12Noon to sort the bundles of greens. 

• 2 hours of time for a group of 6-10 volunteers needed.

Any questions, please email me at emason4234@gmail.com.

PLEASE SHARE!

Thanks in advance for spreading the word! Happy Holidays everyone!!

decorations on the bridge in November 2007

In the News: Horace Mann honors vets; Plain St residence ribbon cutting

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

"Song, speeches, video and words of gratitude filled the Horace Mann Middle School's auditorium during an assembly Thursday morning. 

At the receiving end were local veterans, who were treated to refreshments before being invited to attend a speaking program - featuring the school band and chorus. 

Students played a number of patriotic songs - including the anthems of each armed service - and there were segments on the history of Veterans Day and biographies of lesser-known heroes. 

Speaker Kenzie Atwood asked her fellow students to remember waking up and eating breakfast in their homes that morning, and to think about the veterans who sacrificed such luxuries."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161110/franklin-middle-school-honors-vets

Oak St and Horace Mann in the morning sunshine

"Almost exactly one year after breaking ground on the project, state and local officials returned to Plain Street to cut the ribbon on a house for those with intellectual disabilities. 

People gathered at the eight-unit facility - called the Murphy-Rosa House - Thursday morning to hear speeches and see the inside of the building, intended to accommodate clients of the state's Department of Developmental Services. 

Lisa Audette, the town's Housing Authority agent, said the project, in the works since 2004, would at last provide disabled people with a level of independence that all humans deserve. 

"It's been a long time coming," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161110/franklin-officials-cut-ribbon-on-new-housing

FHS football falls to Braintree 41-22

From Hockomock Sports. we share the FHS football game results from Thursday, Nov 10. 

Football = Non-Playoffs

Franklin, 22 vs. Braintree, 41 – Final
1st Quarter: (F) Jake Noviello 15 yard pass to Connor Peterson, Matt Zucco XP good; (B) Nick Martin 41 yard rush, XP good; (B) Drew Caruso 3 yard rush, XP good.
2nd Quarter: (B) D. Caruso 15 yard rush, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (B) N. Martin 5 yard rush, XP good; (B) D. Caruso 31 yard rush, XP good.
4th Quarter: (F) J. Noviello 14 yard pass to C. Peterson, M. Zucco XP good; (B) Mitchell Nevins 22 yard pass to Brennan Quigley, 2pt pass failed; (F) J. Noviello 28 yard pass to Eddie Scannapieco, M. Zucco 2pt pass to Joey Blaise.

Kinley Baird looks to make a move (hockomocksports.com photo)

Photos from the game can be found online
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Fall-2016/Franklin-Braintree-Football-11/i-VnRWHqB

Additional results from around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-111016/

Your Invitation To the Small Business Showcase at FHS, Nov 17

FREE - Great Family Event

Come Join Us For A SMALL BUSINESS SHOWCASE November 17, 2016 5:00 to 8:30 PM Franklin High School A TERRIFIC COMMUNITY EVENT FREE and Open to the Public Raffles, Giveaways, Shopping, and Presentations! Fun, Interactive and Educational   Entertainment by Franklin Forte and FHS Student Ensembles. The Small Business Showcase is co-sponsored by #shopFranklin, an organization formed to help support and promote local, independently owned and operated businesses in Franklin and The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning, a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing quality learning experiences in Franklin and surrounding communities.

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

"a great opportunity to create some dialogue"

By Joe Clark and Jaron May, HockomockSports.com Student Reporters

"Behind all of the great competition that happens in the Hockomock League, there are some amazing students, coaches and athletic directors that embody the values of sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork. These influential people all came together on Wednesday at Oliver Ames High School for the the Hockomock League’s Captains Conference for 2016/2017 Winter and Spring Sports. 

Over 500 Hockomock captains listened to messages that stressed the importance of leadership and sportsmanship in athletics by having students participate in group activities, listening to a guest speaker, and talking to other captains about effective leadership. 

The day began with the theme of leadership. To start, the captains were challenged with a simple, yet thought-provoking request – to find the best quote that defines leadership. While making the rounds, there were many worthy quotes that defined what a leader is, the most popular being John C. Maxwell’s “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

Continue reading the article online at HockomockSports.com
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-captains-gain-valuable-lessons-at-leasership-conference/

one of the gallery of photos from the event, click through to find more

In the News: marijuana passed, now what? ; Charter vote reflections

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

"Voters in Massachusetts have legalized marijuana, but it will likely be more than a year before the first pot shops open in the state. 

In the meantime, there’s a long to-do list for lawmakers and government officials. Following Tuesday’s vote, policymakers will soon begin the process of implementing and regulating pot sales in the commonwealth, a process that could potentially see legislators alter the new law by enacting higher marijuana tax rates and adding regulations. 

“I think there’s a general agreement that we need to respect the will of the voters and implement this, implement it in a reasonable amount of time and also resolve some issues that are not addressed in ballot question and some that were addressed but were not best practices based on the experiences in Colorado and Washington state,” said Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, one of the most prominent elected officials to support the pot legalization ballot question.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161109/marijuanas-legal-in-massachusetts-so-now-what

"While local public school officials are thrilled that a ballot question to expand charter schools failed, charter school officials are feeling regretful that more students will not be able to reap the benefits of a charter school education. 

Ballot Question No. 2, which would have lifted the cap on charter schools, allowing 12 new charter schools or enrollment expansions of existing schools across the state per year, was defeated 63 percent to 37 percent by Massachusetts voters Tuesday. 

Question 2 supporters argued that lifting the cap would provide under-served students in poorly performing school districts an opportunity to attend a charter school."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161109/local-public-charter-school-officials-reflect-on-question-2-results

the sidewalk on Oak St at the schools complex

Texas Hold'Em Tournament - November 18

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce will holding a Texas Hold'Em Tournament, on November 18 beginning at 6PM, at Bella Sarno Ristorante in North Attleboro!

Please pass this on to anyone who would like to play. You can register here: www.unitedregionalchamber.org/TexasHoldem

www.unitedregionalchamber.org/TexasHoldem

Public Disclosure of Fiscal Year 2017 Proposed Valuations

The Town of Franklin has completed a revaluation as required by the Department of Revenue and has received permission to disclose the proposed values pending preliminary certification from the DOR. The Fiscal Year 2017 values are based on the value of property as of January 1, 2016 and were developed analyzing Calendar Year 2015 sales and also income and expense information received for apartment, commercial and industrial properties. 

The analysis by the Assessors’ Department indicates that over the prior year assessments, single family properties increased in value by about 4%, residential condominiums increased by about 3%, residential vacant land stayed about the same overall, apartments increased by about 20%, commercial property increased by about 6% and industrial property increased by about 3%.

These are preliminary statistical averages. Some properties increased in value, some properties remained essentially the same in value and some properties decreased in value. Some properties have a substantial increase in value due to additions and/or renovations to the property or due to corrections in the property data descriptions resulting from a review, a re-measure and/or a re-inspection in the course of our town-wide cyclical review and revaluation programs.

From November 2, 2016 to November 16, 2016 real and personal property values are available for review at the Franklin Municipal Building during normal business hours from 8 AM to 4 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8 AM to 6 PM on Wednesday, and 8 AM to 1 PM on Friday. A listing alphabetically by street address is available. Real property values by Location, Owner or Parcel ID are available on the Town’s website at www.franklinma.gov under Departments, then Board of Assessors and then select FY 2017 Proposed Real Estate Assessments.

Any taxpayer who is concerned with the accuracy of the valuation of their property should contact the staff at the Assessors’ Office at the Franklin Municipal Building (508) 520-4920. Remember in accordance with Massachusetts General Law that these assessed values represent property values as of January 1, 2016 based primarily on Calendar Year 2015 actual market data and not the current or any projected future property market indicators.

At the end of the public disclosure period, we will request final certification of the FY 2017 revaluation assessment program from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

TOWN OF FRANKLIN BOARD OF ASSESSORS

newly updated Town of Franklin webpage

You can follow the steps above or follow this link
http://franklin.patriotproperties.com/default.asp?br=exp&vr=6

This was shared from the Board of Assessors page
http://www.franklinma.gov/board-assessors/news/public-disclosure-fiscal-year-2017-proposed-valuations