Happy Holidays! from the Blackstone Valley Heritage Corridor

I grew up in Pawtucket, RI and walked over the Blackstone River many times as I went downtown to the Boys Club or Library. I went to college in Worcester, MA and found that to be the headwater for the Blackstone. 20 years ago, we moved to Franklin and I find the water trough normally found on the bridge over the train tracks was crafted by Joseph Jenks of Pawtucket, RI.

I guess I don't get too far from Pawtucket!

If you haven't taken a hike (or bike ride) along the Blackstone, the scenery is a treat any time of year.

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Sent by mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/23/16 - THU 12/29/16

FRIDAY 12/23/16 
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library

SATURDAY 12/24/16
9:30-11:30am   Last-minute Wrapping Station @ Franklin Public Library (paper, tape and scissors will be provided)

MONDAY 12/26/16
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 12/27/16
1-3pm   Animal Affair @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 12/28/16
10:30am   Chanukah Story Time @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 12/29/16
10:30am   Magician Bryson Lang @ Franklin Public Library
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

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 and shersteve@gmail.com

Holiday week: Trash not delayed, Library and Town Offices schedule

DPW - Trash and Recycling

Trash WILL NOT be delayed for the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Your trash and recycling will be picked up on your usually scheduled trash day.

Trash and recycling bins

Franklin Library

Franklin Library holiday hours Dec 24 through Jan 2,, 2017

Town Offices closed on Monday, Dec 26

Town offices closed on Monday, Dec 26

FHS varsity hockey loses to Pope Francis; JV hockey takes win 2-1

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 0 vs. Pope Francis, 5 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-122216/

Pope Francis 5 Franklin 0 @FHSSports @MassHSHockey @MyHockeyLive @In_The_Slot @GlobeSchools @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) December 23, 2016

Great win over Pope Francis 2-1. Coon hat goes to Andrew Demerchant. pic.twitter.com/jAh1i5ZecJ

— FHS Panthers JV Puck (@PanthersJvPuck) December 23, 2016

Great win over Pope Francis 2-1. Coon hat goes to Andrew Demerchant.

MBTA: Sunday (Dec 25) Monday (Dec 26) - Commuter Rail schedule

The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule on Christmas Day and on the observed federal holiday, Monday, 12/26.

Last updated: Dec 22 2016 10:18 AM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/

early morning on the Franklin Dean platform

In the News: recreational marijuana sale rules moved along; dangerousness hearing rescheduled

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

"The Town Council progressed this week with a new set of rules to govern the sale of recreational marijuana in town. 

The council considered - and gave preliminary approval to - a set of bylaw changes at its Wednesday night meeting. The changes include a local tax on marijuana sales, and regulations as to where a marijuana facility might be housed. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the changes reflected a desire to be proactive in regulating recreational use in town. Under the terms of the ballot question, marijuana sales will not be allowed until January 2018. 

"This is step one in addressing what I think will be a lot of issues that not only Franklin but communities across the commonwealth will be dealing with in the coming years," he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161222/franklin-council-considers-marijuana-rules

"A dangerousness hearing for a Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School student accused of threatening to "shoot up" the school has been pushed back as attorneys continue negotiations. 

The hearing, which had been scheduled to take place Thursday in Wrentham District Court, would have considered whether Julius Willis, 18, of 503 Ellis Road in North Attleborough, should continue to be held without bail. The defense and prosecution, however, asked Judge Steven Thomas to push the case back a week, saying they had nearly reached an agreement on possible conditions of release. 

Thomas set a new hearing date for Dec. 29. Willis will continue to be held until at least that date."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161222/hearing-for-tri-county-student-delayed

Tri-County: The TC Insider

December 22 To the Tri-County Community, I have a brief update to share on the December 13 arrest of a Tri-County student accused of making threats against the school. The dangerousness hearing that was scheduled for Thursday, December 22, has been postponed to Thursday, December 29. The student will continue to be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing. Please expect another update via the SchoolMessenger program next week. Unfortunately the events of last week overshadowed some wonderful student achievements. I do not want to begin winter holiday vacation without first telling you of the many exciting things happening around the school. Last week, 60 seniors who qualified for the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship were recognized during a celebratory luncheon. Members of the Student Council continued a Tri-County tradition as they presented donated gifts to representatives from YOU, Inc. and The Santa Foundation. Winter sports are well underway, with all of our teams winning at least one of their first two games. After a difficult few weeks at Tri-County, we look forward to the sense of rejuvenation that comes with a new year. On behalf of the entire Tri-County faculty and staff, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season. Thank you for your support, Mr. Procaccini Important Updates on the Senior Project Juniors and Senior Project The research paper for the Senior Project is well under way and the first draft (typed) of the paper is due on January 11, 2017. Juniors will give a copy to their English teacher as well as a copy to their Related instructor on Jan. 11. This date is firm and penalties are assessed for late assignments. To find out more information on deadlines, as well as grading weights, please access page 5 of The Senior Project Manual located on the website. Once again, please be aware that students who have missed deadlines or are struggling have been remanded to the Homework Center for assistance. An English teacher is allocated to the Center Tuesdays through Thursdays specifically to provide guidance with the Senior Project Paper. Our English Department goes to great lengths to support your child's success. Please encourage your junior to take advantage of this extra help. Deadlines are firm and can be found on page 5 of the Senior Project Manual (located on the website). Upcoming Events Early Release Friday, December 23 Winter Holiday Vacation Dec. 26 - Jan. 2 First Day Back from Vacation Tuesday, January 3 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

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full newsletter text follow this link View Full Newsletter text

Newsletter

In the News: Stony Brook Camera Club; minimum wage; now what for recreational marijuana

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

"The Stony Brook Camera Club of Franklin will present the program "Fine Art Photography and Mixed Media: Creative Inspiration" by Stephen Sheffield at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at the Anglican Church of the Redeemer, 31 Hayward St., Franklin. 

Sheffield, a native of the Boston area, is an alumnus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and mixed media. He went on to receive his Master of Fine Arts in photography and mixed media from the California College of the Arts in Oakland, studying directly under and working as assistant to Larry Sultan, as well as studying under Jean Finley, Jim Goldberg and others."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161222/stony-brook-camera-club-to-present-stephen-sheffield

"When the Massachusetts minimum wage increases to $11 per hour on Jan. 1, it will be among the highest in the nation, but that won't last long. 

"California and New York State have passed bills to raise their minimum wage to $15," said Andrew Farnitano, a spokesman for Raise Up Massachusetts, a coalition of labor unions, community organizations and religious groups advocating for a $15 minimum wage. "This is something where Massachusetts has historically been at or near the front of the country, and I think we're in danger of falling behind again if we don't continue to raise wages." 

Seven other states have plans to raise their minimum wages to even higher levels in the coming years, including New York, which will raise the hourly minimum wage for New York City to $13 next December, then to $15 effective Dec. 31, 2018. California's minimum wage will go to $11 in January 2018, then increase by $1 each year until hitting $15 in 2022."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161222/state-minimum-wage-increasing-to-11-in-new-year

"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 and local officials. Following the Nov. 8 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. On the local level communities like Marblehead are just beginning to wrap their heads around what legalization means for them. 

"It's not going to be a free for all," said Town Administrator John McGinn."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161222/marijuanas-legal-in-massachusetts-so-now-what

Thank you and Season Greetings!

Dear Friend of FPAC and Patron of THE BLACK BOX,         Thank you for attending one or more of our shows at THE BLACK BOX in 2016!  I hope you were able to enjoy The Nutcracker, A Glass Slipper Christmas or Humbug!, presented by the Franklin Performing Arts Company in and out of THE BOX this December, as part of your holiday season celebration.      As 2016 comes to a close, we hope that you will consider a tax-deductible gift to the Franklin Performing Arts Company in support of FPAC programming and THE BLACK BOX.  There are many ways to contribute! You can join one of our Annual Circles or raise your circle level if you are already a member.  You can name a chair or make a gift to our capital campaign and facilities fund. Click here for more information.       Perhaps in 2017, you will join us as a volunteer or audition for a show!  Our extensive calendar includes many fantastic musicals, plays, special events and nights of great music.  Please consider THE BLACK BOX your go-to place for entertainment, and bring friends to an upcoming performance!      We appreciate your consideration of the arts as the focus of your philanthropic end-of-the-year giving.  With the generous support of the community-at-large, we look forward to a successful new year filled with music, dance and theater at our downtown venue.      Thank you and happy holidays!      Raye Lynn Mercer      Executive Director      Franklin Performing Arts Company      FPAConline.com      THEBLACKBOXonline.com

Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

View as a web page.

MassBudget: Providing trusted information with YOUR help

As the year end approaches, I will share appeals from the different organizations that I help to spread the word on the work that they do. If you can consider contributing, that is a good thing!

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State policies that give everyone the opportunity to succeed may be more important now than ever

State policies that give everyone the opportunity to succeed may be more important now than ever.  With YOU and people across the state, MassBudget looks to the year ahead with resolve and commitment to continue providing trusted, non-partisan research that is a crucial resource as we work together to build a better future. In our very own laboratory of democracy here in Massachusetts, we can show the way to good and decent policy solutions that build broadly shared prosperity. Our state led on universal free public education almost two hundred years ago, and on universal access to health care and marriage equality a decade ago.  In the last few years, Massachusetts enacted a significant increase in the minimum wage and one of the most effective state laws on earned paid sick days in the country. People across the state got involved and worked together to get those things done - and make life better for all of us. MassBudget is proud to provide the reliable, accurate information that can help everyone participate - and lead - effectively in our democracy. With YOUR support, that's what we will continue to do: on issues like raising wages for working people, policies that make it easier for parents to balance work and family, strategies for great public education in all of our communities, and systems that help lower income working parents to be able to care for their children and succeed in the workforce. Please support us, so we can provide the research and analysis relied on by active citizens across our Commonwealth working for a better and brighter future for everyone. With best wishes for the holiday season,   Noah Berger President P.S. Give today! It's fast and easy.  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. Follow us on social media:

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

Friendly reminder to catch the new Franklin Almanac

Friendly reminder to catch the new Franklin Almanac on Franklin TV. I caught the broadcast at noon on Wednesday. I knew there was a segment about Franklin Matters but I had not known that the #shopFranklin Small Business Showcase was also featured. The Holiday Stroll and the plastic bag ban discussion also get covered in this format. Very well done!

Franklin TV journalist Polikseni Manxhari

"There’s a new program in town. In fact, it’s all about the town. At Franklin TV we’ve launched our very own news-magazine program, Franklin Almanac. Like an actual almanac of information, it’s a compendium– of life in Franklin, produced and hosted (and written and edited) by our TV journalist Polikseni Manxhari.


See Almanac this week on All-Access TV.  Almanac also has an introductory run weekdays at noon on our TownHall TV channel, Comcast11/Verizon29."


You can read the full article posted on Sunday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/franklin-almanac-arrives-at-franklin-tv.html

FHS wrestling and swim teams post wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS winter sports actions on Wednesday

Wrestling = Franklin, 61 @ Milford, 10 – Final

@FHSSports photo via Twitter

Swimming - Boys = Sharon, 66 @ Franklin, 87 – Final

– Roy Wang and Jack Cashin each won a pair of events to pace the Panthers. Wang won the 500 (5:22.31) and the 100 breaststroke (1:08.50). Cashin took the 200 IM (2:15.06) and the 100 backstroke (1:03.32).

Swimming - Girls = Sharon, 67 @ Franklin, 101 – Final

– Franklin finished first in every single relay event on its way to a big win over visiting Sharon. Freshman Katie McGuire was a double winner, taking first in both the 200 and 500 freestyle events. Senior Megan Lazarek was also a double winner, finishing first in the 200 IM and the 100 breaststroke.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Westwood, 7 – Final

For the remainder of the Hockomock League results on Wednesday
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-122116/

Congrats Panther swimmers! Both Boys & Girls teams were victorious tonight over Sharon. #HardWork #PantherPride

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) December 22, 2016

Great 61-10 win against Milford with pins from Sauer, Racca, Farrell, MacLean, Cropper, Cogavin, Polito, and Hernandez #FHSWrestle

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) December 22, 2016

FHS Grapplers getting after it in Milford. Dylan w another 30 sec pin for the Panthers, followed up w a pin by Eddie. #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/e7ClBBPFBS

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) December 22, 2016

Sign up for the American Wine Specialist Program (AWS)!

American Wine Specialist Program (AWS)

Franklin Liquors along with Vinitas Wineworks and Wine Empire are proud to host the North American Sommelier Association for an American Wine Specialist (AWS) Class.

American Wine Specialist Program (AWS)

The AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® covers each of the 50 American states. Classic wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma will be covered, in addition to all other California American Viticultural Areas. Oregon's Willamette Valley and Washington's Columbia Valley - both home to significant investment by Old World wine families - will be explored at length. 

We will study the rapidly upcoming regions of New York's Finger Lakes, Texas Hill Country, and Virginia's Piedmont. We will also taste a number of native and hybrid varieties from all over the country ... this will be an enlightening experience with depth of information and diversity of American wines.

The course consists of 24 hours (4 full days) of class time and tasting, with a final written exam (5th day) required to achieve the official AMERICAN WINE SPECIALIST® certification and pin, issued by the North American Sommelier Association and recognized internationally by the Worldwide Sommelier Association.

WHEN: 
MAR 25th, 26th, APR 1st and 2nd, 2017 = 9:00AM to 4:00pm (with break)
Exam: 2017 MAY 7th (9:00am - 1 hour)

WHERE: 
Franklin Liquors - 363 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Cost $650

Details And Sign Up Here:
https://www.nasommelier.com/american-wine-specialist-aws

"an open door for future such developments"

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

"Despite strong opposition from neighboring residents, the Town Council gave preliminary approval to a move that would allow for a dense residential development along Summer Street. 

The council at its meeting Wednesday night held a public hearing to consider whether the 11-acre parcel at 496 Summer St. should be rezoned from rural residential to a zone that allows denser development. Councilors voted to move the matter to a second reading. 

Representatives from Medway-based developer Grandis Homes said they were hoping to put in 34 single-family townhouses there. Attorney Richard Cornetta said the parcel was about one acre from Franklin's downtown, and was near an exit for Interstate 495. He said the project would generate about $270,000 in one-time permit fees for the town, as well as about $250,000 in additional tax revenue a year. 

A number of residents, though, expressed opposition with the project, citing traffic, a loss of privacy and a change to the character of the neighborhood as concerns."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161221/franklin-rezoning-considered-in-contentious-hearing

Attorney Richard Cornetta and a representative from the developer making their case to the Town Council

For my notes recorded during the first hour
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/real-time-reporting-public-hearing-on.html

I left the broadcast of the meeting to participate in a work conference call and when I was able to return, the Town Council voted 9-0 to move the measure to a second reading. Likely for the second meeting in January (Jan 18, 2017). 

The Council needed to move the measure forward with a minimum of a 5-4 vote. For the second reading to move to a law, the measure needs to pass by a 2/3 vote (meaning 6 of the 9 need to vote for). As the vote was 9-0, this seems certain for passage despite the neighbors points of contention.

Real time Reporting: Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT congratulations to Lt letter from Chief of Wrentham, thanking the police Dept for
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS light on Main St, near Rockland allows only 3 cars to go through they will be adjusting it, to lengthen it Mercer - great to have the swearing in ceremonies at the Council Jones - new TV show called Franklin Almanac, covers all things Franklin Bissanti - condolences to the Curran family, missed the wake, etc. Pfeffer - time was taken for marijuana use name, Kelly - Town of Franklin received a placque for the Franklin Solar Challenge. The system was installed at the Santa Foundation. 51 homes did take up the challenge
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION none required
O. ADJOURN motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0