Two quick updates on Tinkergarten

Two quick updates on Tinkergarten, the new outdoor classes that were recently announced as coming to Franklin. (1) they are a MA based company (2) they just announced additional capital funding to help them expand their leader recruiting efforts.

"Tinkergarten announced on Tuesday it has raised a $5.4 million Series A round of financing led by Owl Ventures, with additional investment from existing investors Omidyar Network (the philanthropic investment firm established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam) and Reach Capital.

“KIDS NOW SPEND UPWARDS TO 8 HOURS PER DAY IN FRONT OF A SCREEN. PARENTS HAVE A STRONG NEED TO BALANCE THAT TIME WITH HEALTHY […] TIME OUTDOORS.”

The Northampton, MA-based company uses an online platform to organize outdoor educational activities for kids ages 1-8 years old. A mix of learning and play, activities are conducted by trained “leaders,” people with a passion for teaching who can be educators, scientists, artists or even attorneys."

Read more about the capital funding here
https://www.americaninno.com/boston/tinkergarten-raises-5-4m-to-get-more-kids-learning-outside/

ICYMI - the prior posting on the Tinkergarten classes coming to Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/tinkergarten-classes-scheduled-for.html

image from Tinkergarten webpage

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/11/17 - THU 8/17/17

FRIDAY 8/11/17
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ Town Common
3:30pm   Lemonade and Giant Legos @ Franklin Public Library
5-10pm   Feast of St. Rocco: Rides, Food Booths, Entertainment @ 201 Main Street

SATURDAY 8/12/17
8-11am   Franklin Dog Park Clean Up @ Dacey Field
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am   Feast of St. Rocco Anointing Mass under the tent @ 201 Main Street
10:30am   Pancake Breakfast with author Josh Funk @ Franklin Public Library
11am-10pm   Feast of St. Rocco: Rides, Food Booths, Entertainment @ 201 Main Street
2-4pm   Cultural Diversity Pot Luck @ Franklin Public Library
8pm   The Black Box Summer Concert: The Love Dogs @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 8/13/17
10:30am   Feast of St. Rocco: Closing Mass @ St. Mary’s Parish
12-8pm   Feast of St. Rocco: Rides, Food Booths, Entertainment @ 201 Main Street
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 8/14/17
2:30pm   Maker Mondays @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 8/15/17
9am   Do Gooders DIYs @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 8/16/17
10:30am   Jungle Jim’s Minecraft Madness @ Franklin Public Library
6:30-8pm   Concerts on The Common: Matt Zajac and Friends @ Franklin Town Common

THURSDAY 8/17/17
9-10am   Rep Roy Office Hours @ Elizabeth’s Bagels
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
12pm   Park it and Read @ various Franklin Parks - check with the Library
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and their Loved Ones @ Franklin Senior Center
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM.

The Vet Ruck Walk will travel through Franklin Saturday, Aug 19

Franklin's Veterans' Services Officer Dale Kurtz says:

"We expect the walkers to enter Franklin about 6 PM on Saturday, August 19. They will travel Lincoln St to make a brief stop at the War Memorial on the Town Common and then proceed through town via Main St to East Central expecting to exit at 7 PM into Wrentham. There will be 8 to 9 walkers and supporters are invited to join in, but we must keep up the pace of the team for them to make their timelines. We hope that veterans, scout groups and town people will come out to support the walkers."


From the Warrior Thunder Facebook page:  

"OUR WTFI ATHLETES ARE AT IT AGAIN! 

NINE OF OUR AMAZING ENDURANCE ATHLETES WILL BE RUCKING 200 MILES (10 MILES FOR EVERY VETERAN WHO TAKES HIS/HER LIFE) ACROSS THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

Oh, and they will be doing it nonstop over 3 days. 

The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult, especially when dealing with injuries, illnesses, the scars of combat and loss of comrades. Those who have not served have a difficult time understanding this and bringing Veterans back into the community, while Veterans have a hard time sharing their stories and becoming part of the community that wants them. 

This 200-mile ruck across Massachusetts will help raise awareness for the needs of Veterans, specifically, the need for them to become part of the community after service, the prevention of suicide and to raise charitable donations to support programs to help them. 

We will start at Bates Memorial State Park and finish at Plymouth Rock Park.
Check out our route at the site below.
http://www.warriorthunderfoundation.org/vet-ruck-new-england/

Grab all of your friends and meet us along the route in your town or any town and cheer us on. I mean, 200 miles, nonstop...come on. 

Wave your flags, bring all your Veteran friends, bring ALL your friends, family, dogs ... even your mother in law (no we won't take her with us).

Check out our website (by clicking tickets above) for the route. We will post the times of each location we travel through. If you would like to be sponsor or want your group or town leaders to meet with us, please contact Darren Bean. (508) 244-9950 or darrenbean@warriorthunder.org 

We are proudly sponsored by Skeleton Optics, Cascade Designs, Petzl, The Cabby Shack and Reebok!! Thank you for supporting our Veterans and their Families."

The Vet Ruck Walk will travel through Franklin Saturday, Aug 19

Download and print this poster to help spread the word:

“We’ve had an excellent blueberry crop this season"

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

"After a rainy, cool start to the season, blueberry gatherers might have expected slim pickings. But the reality is the exact opposite. 

Local blueberry growers say their bushes have been putting on a good show this summer, and picking is plentiful. 

“We have a really good crop of berries this year. The cool wet weather hasn’t seemed to affect the berry production,” said Pam Gianetti, of Gianetti’s U-Pick Blueberries on Franklin’s Union Street. 

There, about five acres of high bush blueberry bushes are tucked away amidst a residential neighborhood at 557 Union St. -- a hidden treasure pocket laden with the plump, dark blue gems of summer. Since 1979 the Gianetti family has welcomed visitors to their blueberry beds to pick their own buckets full of berries."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170808/local-blueberries-are-reaching-peak-of-perfection

we went ti Gianetti's a couple of weeks ago and it was good picking

"It’s safer, and for me that’s a huge concern"

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

"The vibrant colors of the Panthers logo in the center of the new turf field at the high school are almost too bright to look at, but hard to turn away from. 

The fierce, blue panther and its intimidating teeth are sown proudly into the middle of the field, on the 50-yard line. 

“All I know is how beautiful it is and how excited we are to have it,” said athletic director Tom Angelo. 

The department of public works hired contractors to replace two of the three turf fields in town – the high school and Beaver Pond. They will also be replacing the track at the high school, as soon as the field is complete The town budgeted for the replacement far in advance, with the knowledge that turf life is about a dozen years. The project costs about $1.6 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170811/franklin-high-field-gets-new-turf

the new turf is being installed at Franklin High School

the crumb rubber infill is coated with an epoxy which should make it safer

Franklin Public Library: pancakes, potluck, and book sale - Aug 12

Pancake Breakfast with Author Josh Funk, Saturday, August 12, 10:30 AM

Franklin Public Library: pancakes, potluck, and book sale - Aug 12

Cultural Diversity Potluck, Saturday, August 12, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Cultural Diversity Potluck, Saturday, August 12, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, Saturday, August 12, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (and then the 'bag sale' on Sunday from 9:00 AM to noon)

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, Saturday, August 12, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 

This information was shared from the Franklin Library webpages
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/pancake-breakfast-with-author-josh-funk.html

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/cultural-diversity-potluck-saturday.html

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

Economic Development Committee - Quick Twitter Recap - Aug 9

The full set of notes and the recording will be made available shortly. In the meantime, here are the notes I posted via Twitter for the Economic Development Committee meeting held on Aug 9, just before the Town Council meeting also that night.

EDC meeting about to begin #edc0809

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

Inconsistencies in accessories setback, one place says 10, another says 15. Deciding to get this resolved to say 10 in all places #edc0809

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

Proposal to offer the land for minimal sale with caveat that buyer recovers the brown land per revs #edc0809 lot 22 on map pic.twitter.com/98KldicPn6

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

Advantages to private owner over gov't owner could be a compelling item for the right buyer at the right price #edc0809

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

Proposal to bring Nu-style property RFP to Town Council, passed. #edc0809

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) August 9, 2017

photo of the map handed out at the meeting showing the Nu-Style property as Lot 22 

#opioidFranklin: Not An Emergency?

The opioid problem needs to be addressed on multiple fronts. The SAFE Coalition is working hard locally to provide help. Representative Roy and others in the MA legislature are working that avenue. This group is working on the the national level and can use your support.

Yesterday, the President of the United States suggested there would be a big announcement related to the ongoing opioid crisis. But what he said was more of the same – continuing the same, tired rhetoric, without any of the bold action this issue demands and that he promised on the campaign trail.  President Trump even suggested going back to a simple, 1980's-style message "Just Say No," and telling young people alcohol and other drugs are bad is the best path forward. That didn't work then and it will not work now. We need real solutions. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Tom Price, stated that, despite the recommendations of their own Commission on the Opioid Crisis, it was not necessary to declare addiction a national emergency. "We believe that, as this point, that the resources that we need, or the focus that we need to bring to bear to the opioid crisis at this point can be addressed without the declaration of an emergency, although all things are on the table for the President," Price said. Not necessary to declare an emergency? Mr. President, and Secretary Price, with all due respect – if you don't see this issue as an emergency, you haven't been paying attention to the recommendations of your OWN Presidential Appointed Commission! Or every major newspaper, TV news program, and radio news program in the country. Friends, let's force the administration to pay attention. Let's come together as we have so many times before. Please, add your name with thousands of others in support of President Trump acting on his Commission's recommendation to declare a national emergency. Once you do, please pass the letter on to your networks via your social media pages or email. Let's make our voices so loud and clear that they can't possibly ignore us. Let's be a bold and powerful constituency of consequence on this life and death matter. I hope you'll add your name by clicking here and showing them just how wrong they are. Warm regards, Michael King  Director of Outreach and Engagement Donate Now Facing Addiction is a national non-profit organization dedicated to unifying the voice of the more than 45 million Americans and their families directly impacted by addiction. FacingAddiction.org | info@facingaddiction.org 100 Mill Plain Road, 3rd Floor Danbury, CT 06811

39th Feast of St Rocco's opens today

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

1 St. Mary’s Parish is holding its 39th annual Feast of St. Rocco festival this week. 

2 The event will be held Aug. 10-13 on the St. Rocco’s fairgrounds across from St. Mary’s Church, located at One Church Square. The celebration will feature Italian and other festival fare, live music, carnival rides, and more. 

3 Carnival rides will open Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. Get a $25 bracelet for unlimited rides. There will be limited food available (pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs). 

4 The festival will be in full swing Friday from 5-10 p.m. All food booths will be open. The Reminisants will be on the bandstand from 6 to 10 p.m.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170809/franklin-gearing-up-for-annual-feast-of-st-rocco

the carnival rides were delivered to the grounds of the Feast of Sto Rocco's for set up

Additional info on the Feast and schedule of events can be found
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/39th-feast-of-st-rocco-aug-6-13-2017.html

or directly on the St Mary's webpage  http://stmarysfranklin.org/93

Live reporting: Legislation through to Closing

I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 1. Resolution 17-50: Acceptance of Gift - Town of Franklin Police Dept. (Motion to Move Resolution 17-50 - majority vote (5)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 2. Resolution 17-51: Town Clerk Prior Year Bills (Motion to Move Resolution 17-51 - 2/3 majority vote (6)) motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0 3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, in an Area on or Near Union, Cottage and Saxon Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-795 to the Planning Board - majority vote (5)) Bissanti recuses himself motion to waive the reading, seconded, then withdraw was discussed in a planning workshop a few years ago, was also brought up recently at the EDC and then brought here for action to clean up the zoning and plot lines possible addition of another lot to the proposal, lot 53 on Union St difference between C1 and C2, more restrictions on C2 C1 more appropriate for smaller neighborhoods parking requirements and dimensions motion to amend the parcel requested to C1, seconded additional language to clarify the amendment passed 9-0 motion to refer as amended, seconded, passed 9-0
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items questions about the Senior bus? borrowing one from Medway rather than spending over $100,000 for a new vehicle for limited use Cultural Festival and 4th of July possible for combination? Pellegri to reach out Bissanti - town trying to avoid the opioid problem, identified areas in and around Franklin, get some restaurants NARCAN training (should be brought to SAFE Coalition)
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments Brutus recognized for his recent degree  FHS final audit for MSBA is coming to a close, hopefully to get final approval and payment end of Oct/Nov then we cna close the books for the project that began in 2008 Jones - no private well restrictions as we have been getting so uch rain condolences to the Gilboys on the loss of Axe Dellorco - went to the opening on Sat, it was excellent Bob Donovan retiring from the Fire Dept after long years of service Bissanti - thanks to the Cultural Festival folks, it was a great event at THE BLACK BOX, plug for up and coming committee, Franklin Pride a group to raise funds for things that they might need Pfeffer - do have funds as part of the Franklin Elders but there has been no money promised, there has not been that much interest in bus trips; will provide a bus but not buy one Library will be finished in mid-October to late October, bricks still for sale Bridge on West Central St, the flags are fantastic, thanks to whomever does it Kelly - congrats to Bob Donovan on retirement
N. Executive Session - Non-scheduled	N. Executive Session - None scheduled
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

Live reporting: License transactions, Dr Ahern introduction

G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions - 1. New Farmer-Winery Pouring License - La Cantina Winery - 7:10 PM open hearing no comments close hearing motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - School Superintendent - Dr Sara Ahern Started July 1, great 6 weeks to get to know folks and what's happening thanks to Jamie and Jeff for being welcoming and collaborative took a tour of the town and school buildings impressed with collaboration and professionalism found among the staff here

Live Reporting: Town Council - Aug 9, 2017

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: none

A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes June 28 motion to approve, second, passed 9-0 July 2 motion to approve, second, passed 9-0
B. Announcements
C. Proclamations/Recognitions	C. Proclamations/Recognitions 1. Swearing in of Police Officer - Leeanne Baker 2. Recognition of Gary Premo  recognition of Gary as he is leaving to Direct the new Regional Operations Center Recognition of former Detective Chris Baker. It should have been done earlier but due to a clerical mistake acknowledged by the Chief, his recognition is today Recognition of Michael Gilboy, and the passing of Canine Oficer Axe, the police dog who passed recently. < 3 minute recess>
D. Citizen Comments	D. Citizen Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask theTown Administrator to review the matter. Dale Kurtz - Veterans Officer Aug 17-20 Ruck march, Pittsfield to Plymouth down Lincoln to Main to East Central, arrive approx 6:00 AM and leave about 8:00 AM walking about 4 mph Warrior Thunder Foundation dot org for more info Teresa Burr Biannual election, Nov 7th positions and terms of officers posted recently, and replayed here, nominations due Sep 19th   schedule of events to be posted to Franklin Matters
E. Appointments	E. Appointments 1. Design Review Commission Samuel Williams motion to approve, second, passed 9-0
F. Hearings	F. Hearings

39th Feast of St Rocco - Aug 6 -13, 2017

The carnival rides were delivered to the grounds of the St Rocco Festival and will be set up to open on schedule.

carnival rides delivered and ready for set up

The schedule for the rides is as follows:

The entertainment schedule is as follows:

ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE ST. ROCCO FAMILY FESTIVAL


On the Festival Grounds


THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
5:00-10:00 Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)


FRIDAY, AUGUST 11
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) The Reminisants


SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
11:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)
1:00 p.m. Paws, the PawSox mascot will be on the field
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Bobby Costello D. J.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
6:00 - 10:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND Sea Breeze


SUNDAY, AUGUST 13
12:00 - 4:00p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Bob Costello D.J.
12:00 - 4:00p.m. Ride all rides for $25 (bracelet)
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Andi the Clown
4:00 - 7:00 p.m. (ON THE BANDSTAND) Jerry Seeco Band
7:00 -8:00 p.m. Bob Costello D.J.
7:30 p.m. Drawing to be held


For additional information, you can visit the St Rocco's Festival page 
http://stmarysfranklin.org/93