Saturday, December 30, 2017

FHS boys hockey advances to final at Mt St Charles; wrestling finishes 7th (of 76); FHS girls run team pentathlon

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Friday, Dec 29, 2017

Boys Hockey


 The semi-final game for the Mt Saint Charles Tournament
Boys Hockey = Franklin, 2 vs. Bishop Guertin, 1 – Final


Other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-12-29-17/

Indoor Track


 The FHS girls indoor track team participated in a team pentathlon on Friday. The "A" team finished 4th, the "B" team finished 6th.

https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/MeetResults.aspx?Meet=319294&show=all










































Wrestling



Wrestling = Lowell Holiday Tournament (Canton, Foxboro, Franklin, Stoughton) 
– Franklin had the best showing among Hock teams, placing seventh overall with 112.5 points. Jordan Carlucci (126) placed fifth overall and TJ Remillard (132) took seventh in his bracket. For Foxboro, senior Phil Dure was eighth overall in the 126 bracket and the Warriors earned 64 points. Canton earned 50 points and Stoughton had 31 points.

Complete results bracket by bracket for the wrestling meet can be found online
http://arena.flowrestling.org/event/fde9a39a-9aae-16dc-2162-2358faabd4fb

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers
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"The reason for the unique color and spots goes back over 600 million years"

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

"It’s well known to true Milfordians that the famous Milford pink granite is used in landmark structures around the country like Grand Central Station in New York and the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., but there are still a few that are less known to even the most avid townies. 
Anne Lamontagne, of the Milford Historical Commission, found that the William McKinley Tomb in Canton, Ohio, as well as the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial in Ohio, overlooking Lake Erie are both made completely of the indigenous rock. 
She also said that parts of the base of the Statue of Liberty, and even parts of the Escadrille Memorial la Fayette in France."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171229/celebrating-milfords-trademark-pink-granite

The Franklin Library also is a showcase for the Milford granite
The Franklin Library also is a showcase for the Milford granite

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Town Offices Closed on January 1

Town Offices Closed on January 1

Town Offices Closed on January 1
Town Offices Closed on January 1

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage  http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-offices-closed-january-1st

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Franklin Library: New Year's Eve Party - Dec 30 - 10:00 AM

Celebrate New Year's Eve early by partying at the Franklin Library on Saturday from 10:00 AM to Noon.


Franklin Library: New Year's Eve Party - Dec 30 - 10:00 AM
Franklin Library: New Year's Eve Party - Dec 30 - 10:00 AM


This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/noon-years-eve-party

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Friday, December 29, 2017

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/29/17 - THU 1/4/18

FRIDAY 12/29/17
10:30am   Fairytale Snow Queen Party @ Franklin Public Library
11:30am   Mommy and Me Fitness (ages 3-8) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm

SATURDAY 12/30/17
10am-12pm   Noon Year’s Eve Party @ Franklin Public Library
11am-1pm   Happy New Year Party @ Kidz Plaster Zone
2pm   Franklin Public Library Closing

SUNDAY 12/31/17
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed

MONDAY 1/1/18 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!
All Day   Franklin Public Library Closed

TUESDAY 1/2/18
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Friends Book Group @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 1/3/18
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Friends of Franklin Public Library Meeting @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   YA Dystopian Book Club @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 1/4/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time (ages 0-18 months) @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA 

Guide to Holiday Lights and Events (includes Franklin, MA) click HERE.

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.


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Review of Meadowlands Initiative in 2017; Events for your 2018 Calendar

The Charles River Meadowlands Initiative looks back on a busy 2017 and forward to a promising new year. During the course of the year we met several times as a group to discuss plans and opportunities. The First Universalist Society of Franklin was a generous host and Sue Bencuya and Paul Sager provided coordination and opened the premises for us. We have continued to receive guidance from the Metacomet Land Trust and active participation from Metacomet Treasurer Susan Speers.

 We also had a chance to provide written input and suggestions to the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in its periodic review of its Master Plan for the Charles River Natural Valley Storage Area, the land holdings of which are the focus of our efforts in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway. Significantly, this document outlines the tripartite mission of the Corps relative to the CRNVSA – namely flood control, conservation, and recreation. During a public hearing held in Millis on April 19 by the USACE, a large contingent of Meadowlands people participated – offering comments and suggestions and strongly emphasizing the expectation that the Corps will do more in the future to support the recreation aspect of its mission through helping to develop access points, launching sites, etc.

 We presume that concerns expressed at the hearing have been acknowledged and recognized in the document. At this writing, the finalized Master Plan is working its way through the USACE as it awaits final approval. When that occurs, we expect that the local Corps officials will be able to meet again and, in particular, will respond to a pending meeting request to discuss the Meadowlands, made by the Town of Franklin.

 At the request of a Meadowlands participant from Bellingham we also shared the "message" about the desirability of preserving the lands surrounding the CRNVSA holdings as the town prepared to approve the economic development of a large land parcel. While we were pleased to have this opportunity, in fact the town had been working with the developer of the site along High Street in Bellingham, to reserve a buffer area close to the Charles for walking trails and to minimize disturbance to the land. This now appears to be "baked in" to the process – a real boon for a beautiful and now more accessible area.

 State Representative Jeff Roy is continuing to monitor the fate of the earmark he proposed and passed along with Rep. Kevin Kuros and former Rep. John V. Fernandes on behalf of the Initiative. As is often the case with state spending, authorized funds are used subject to the discretion of the administration; so, whether this money will eventually turn into action at the relevant state agency is still anybody's guess.

 In October, the Initiative held an ambitious walk – and slog – between Oak Street Extension in Franklin and White Ave in Franklin. The event attracted about 20 local residents. Although there is a narrow margin of dry Federal land, we initially opted for the wetter route to avoid brambles and private property. However, the route eventually emerged into beautiful upland fields and tall stands of evergreens rarely visited by people. Two Franklin town council candidates attended the event. The event showed that the long-term possibility of connecting multiple points along the eastern side of Mine Brook, though the route nearest Oak Street Extension will clearly require more engineering. [We have also been reminded by the Franklin Conservation Agent that ConCom restrictions will loom large.]

 Finally, in December, we provided a short document – requested earlier in the year by the Franklin Town Administrator -- describing the most achievable near-term actions that the town could take to enhance access to the Meadowlands via town land. These suggestions included working closely with the developer of the Montage condominiums on Pond Street to link their planned trails to existing marked trails in town lands extending to White Avenue. At present, the developer is committed to providing a small public parking lot with access to a loop trail around the property and a spur directly to Mine Brook to permit launching small watercraft. [NOTE: Parallel discussions with the Town Planner have this action under study – with plans to get a town GPS team on site early in 2018 to make the proposal more concrete and specific.] Potential key additions to town lands were also outlined as well as a suggestion that signage be provided at trail heads and that the town investigate the feasibility of adding downstream access to Mine Brook. Lastly, we suggested a "second look" at a canoe launch to the Charles River proposed many years ago from Plain Street and put off due to site conditions. With the removal of the dam upstream of this location (Pearl St. Bellingham), the site may have new relevance.
Review of Meadowlands Initiative in 2017
Review of Meadowlands Initiative in 2017
Looking ahead to 2018 we hope to continue meeting periodically as needed for planning purposes but the year will be kicked off on Feb. 2 (Groundhog Day and World Wetlands Day) with an information session for the general public at the Franklin Public Library from 3-6 pm. We are also "sponsoring" a related activity in the Children's Room – a reading of "Ms. G's Shadowy Road to Fame" (a fictionalized treatment of the story of our official State Groundhog!) with Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen as volunteer reader.

 On April 22 (Earth Day), we will lead a walk into the Franklin section of the Meadowlands – time and location to be announced.

 Other suggestions for 2018 are welcome. Please send them along!

 Sincerely,

 Alan Earls​
www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org


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Annual Report 2017: Zoning Board of Appeals

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. I'll highlight some key sections from the current report over the next week or so.

The following is a text representation of the printed pages 70-71 (actually 77-78 of 264)


"ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

 Municipal Building
355 East Central Street
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038
lkerwin@franklinma.gov
Telephone: 508-520-4926
Direct line: 508-553-4856
FAX: 508-520-4906

 The Zoning Board of Appeals currently consists of three (3) members and two (2) associate members appointed by the Town Administrator, subject to the confirmation by the Town Council, for terms of such length and so arranged that the term of one member shall expire each year. There is currently one (1) opening for an associate member. The Board would like to thank Casey Thayer for her service as ZBA Secretary and we wish her well in her future endeavors.

 The Board of Appeals holds Public Hearings, as advertised, for Variance(s), Special Permits (including gravel removal), Findings and Chapter 40B applications.

 The Board also renders determinations on land use and zoning issues. All necessary forms and applications may be obtained through the Building Inspection Department and via the Zoning Board of Appeals website at http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals.

 The Zoning Board of Appeals meets in Town Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building on Thursday evenings usually twice a month, at 7:30pm.

 The calendar may be viewed via website at http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals. All meetings are open to the public.

 The Board has been very active this fiscal year and the following agenda is a list of all applications filed, indexed and recorded with the Town Clerk.

 Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals

 Member, Since
Bruce Hunchard, Chairman, 1991
Robert Acevedo, Vice Chairman, 2003
Timothy Twardowski, Clerk, 2010
Philip Brunelli, Associate Member, 2009
Ian Luke, Associate Member, 2016
Leeanne Kerwin, ZBA Secretary"
Annual Report 2017: Zoning Board of Appeals
Annual Report 2017: Zoning Board of Appeals
You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised
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FHS boys basketball win tournament; FHS boys hockey advance to final of tournament

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Thursday, Dec 28, 2017


 Boys Basketball = Franklin, 48 vs. Arlington, 46 – Final
– Franklin kept Arlington without a final point over the final two minutes and rattled off five straight points to turn a late deficit into a win. Senior Matt Elias (nine points) hit his first three of the game to tie it 46-46 and sophomore Chris Edgehill scored seven of his 14 points in the final quarter, including a pull-up up jumper late to give the Panthers the lead. Senior Paul Mahon (14 points) was named MVP of the tournament while Edgehill and junior Jalen Samuels were named to the all-tournament team.

 Girls Basketball = Franklin, 40 @ Mansfield, 50 – Final
– The Hornets took the lead with a 22-11 second quarter and held on for a double-digit win over their Kelley-Rex rival. Ann Maher finished with a team-high 14 points for Mansfield on four three-pointers. Maggie Danehy added nine points and eight rebounds in the win. Bea Bondhus was Franklin’s top scorer with 14 points and Breanna Atwood added seven.

 Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 vs. LaSalle College, 2 – Final
– Luke Downie scored a pair of goals to help the Panthers win their opener of the annual Mount St. Charles tournament. Joey Lizzotte and Zac Falvey also scored for Franklin.
Wrestling = Lowell Holiday Tournament (Foxboro, Franklin, Stoughton), 9:00 AM
(A two day event per the tweets below)

Out at the Lowell Holiday Tournament along with 75 other teams. Wrestling starts at 10, updates coming throughout the day.
Out at the Lowell Holiday Tournament along with 75 other teams. Wrestling starts at 10, updates coming throughout the day. via @FHSWrestle


 https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-28-17/


Via the Twitterverse


















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Franklin Library: "Fairytale Snow Queen Party" - Dec 29 - 10:30 AM

The Franklin Library is hosting a "Fairytale Snow Queen Party" today at 10:30 AM

Franklin Library: "Snow Queen Party" - Dec 29 - 10:30 AM
Franklin Library: "Fairytale Snow Queen Party" - Dec 29 - 10:30 AM
This was shared from the Library webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/fairytale-snow-queen-party

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“We are working diligently to strike the right balance"

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

"Despite support from a majority of its members, legislation raising the Massachusetts minimum wage from $11 to $15 is ending 2017 the same way it began the year - pending before the Democrat-controlled Labor and Workforce Development Committee. 
Meantime, citizen activists anxious to put a $15 wage floor on the lawbooks are moving forward with their plans to do so without any help from Beacon Hill. 
Raise Up Massachusetts, the coalition behind an initiative petition on track for a vote in November 2018, noted Wednesday that the minimum wage will rise on Jan. 1 in 18 states, but will remain the same in Massachusetts for the first time in four years. Arizona, Colorado, Maine, Oregon and Washington have approved minimum wages that exceed $11 an hour, and California and New York are already on schedule to bring their minimum wages up to $15 an hour. 
While minimum wage hike opponents have warned pay mandates will hold down job growth, the coalition said that since 2014, when the Massachusetts minimum wage was $8 an hour, employers have added more than 211,000 jobs in Massachusetts and the state’s low jobless rate points to a need for more workers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171228/no-bump-for-minimum-wage-earners-as-15-bill-hung-up-in-committee
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"meaningful and purposeful homework assists a student in the reinforcement and extension of learning"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Franklin public schools are piloting a homework-free holiday break for students in kindergarten through eighth grade as part of a broader homework policy implemented this year by the Franklin School Committee. High school teachers have been encouraged to take the same approach where feasible during the holiday period. District leaders plan to conduct a survey following the vacation of faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and students to gather feedback on the experience."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2017/12/27/franklin-schools-pilot-homework-free-vacation/COMthNVjWS1ZdxA7DKPPTM/story.html

In case you missed the message to parents, you can find it here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/franklin-public-schools-message-to.html

Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy
Franklin Public Schools: Message to Parents on Homework Policy
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Thursday, December 28, 2017

Annual Report 2017: Town Administrator

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. I'll highlight some key sections from the current report over the next week or so.

The following is a text representation of the printed page 16-17 (actually 23-24 of 264)
"ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

The Town Administration works with the Town Council together to support the quality of life of our residents. We are diligent in balancing the budget and keeping an eye on the Town’s future needs and maintaining its assets.

Accomplishments in FY 17 include:

Renovation and expansion projects for the Library and Senior Center are completed.

The defective playground at DelCarte Recreation Area was replaced with a new modern playground at no cost to the Town.

We continue to support the Cultural District and are in the process of forming a Cultural District Committee. We’ve begun the process of creating an Agricultural Commission in an effort to support the area farms.

We’ve begun the process for upgrading the streetlights to LED.

We worked with the purchaser of Glen Meadow Apartments and with the addition of the 287 apartments to our Subsidized Housing Inventory, we are now over 10% with 11.89% of our housing stock considered affordable by State law.

We continue to update the Town’s website and information technology. Agendas and Minutes of all
boards and committees are now web-based and can be found on the boards and committees’ pages on our website. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube for up to the minute information and happenings. Visit our website at www.franklinma.gov.

 Personnel
New Human Resources Director, Karen Bratt replaced retired HR Director, Stephanie McNeill Lutz.
New Assistant Treasurer Collector, Kerri Bertone was appointed in September of 2016.

 Other
The Town Administrator’s Office is the Passport Acceptance Facility in Franklin. You can apply for your passport here by appointment on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

Our goal is to deliver high quality customer service while keeping costs under control. There will be difficult challenges to our budget in the coming year; but you can be assured that the Town Administration and Town Council will work together to solve budgetary issues.

It is my pleasure to submit the annual report of the Town Administrator for your review, and please feel free to write, e-mail, or stop by with any questions, concerns, or comments.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeffrey Nutting,
Town Administrator"

The playground equipment was replaced by the manufacturer at no cost to the Town
The playground equipment was replaced by the manufacturer at no cost to the Town


You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

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Norfolk County Register of Deeds O’Donnell to speak at Franklin Rotary Club - February 1

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell will be the guest speaker at the Franklin Rotary Club meeting on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held at 3 Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street in Franklin.

 The Register will discuss the historical nature of the Registry and his ongoing efforts to modernize and computerize the vast number of Norfolk County real estate records. He will also address the Massachusetts Homestead Act and following the presentation address any specific questions members may have.
https://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689
Franklin Rotary
As part of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds community outreach initiative Register O’Donnell offers this program in his effort to provide information as to the functions and services the Registry of Deeds provides to the residents and businesses of Norfolk County.

 To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

 The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org


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FHS boys basketball and girls hockey post wins; indoor track teams turn in strong performances

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Dec 27, 2017


 Boys Basketball = Franklin, 62 vs. Malden Catholic, 36 – Final
– Franklin senior Paul Mahon poured in a game-high 20 points to lead the Panthers past Malden Catholic and into the Somerville Hoop Fest final. The Panthers will play Arlington in the championship on Thursday.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 8 vs. Bishop Stang, 1 – Final




Indoor Track = Boston Holiday Challenge

FHS boys results for the Boston Holiday Challenge
FHS boys results for the Boston Holiday Challenge

FHS girls results for the Boston Holiday Challenge
FHS girls results for the Boston Holiday Challenge



The Indoor Track results can be found online at
Girls = https://ma.milesplit.com/meets/295800/results/562574/formatted#.WkWuat-nGUk
Boys = https://ma.milesplit.com/meets/295800/results/562575/formatted#.WkWu69-nGUk

Note - the links were updated as the original links pointed to the 2016 meet not to the 12/27/17 meet


Other results around the Hockomock League can be found
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-27-17/


Via the Twitterverse


















FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

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Exploring 19 Crimes Wine - Jan 18


Exploring 19 Crimes Wine

Guest Host: Timothy Chagnon C.S.

19 Crimes, one of the fastest growing brands within the Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) portfolio, has been named 'Wine Brand of the Year' by leading US wine industry title Market Watch, demonstrating the outstanding success of this innovation since it was introduced to the US market in 2012.

 Growing to one million cases in annual volume over the last 12 months, 19 Crimes is a unique wine proposition that celebrates the rebellious spirit of men and women exiled from 18th and 19th century Britain to Australia, having committed one of the 19 Crimes meriting punishment via transportation.

 We will taste all 7 wines made!

 Also A Leader In New Augmented Reality Technology
Available now via the Apple App and Google Play stores, this first-of-its-kind app will animate 19 Crimes' criminals-turned-colonists. Hovering a mobile device over the bottles will bring the character on the label to life, sharing their stories of rule breaking that sent them across the ocean to Australia.
Load the app on your phone to check it out at the tasting.

About Timothy:

Timothy Chagnon has been with Treasury Wine Estates since July of 2017. Prior to joining Treasury he had worked extensively in the hospitably industry. Over the past 10+ years, his experiences have encompassed all aspects of the restaurant world including casual fare and fine dining establishments under the direction of such renown chefs as Jasper White and Ming Tsai . Most recently, Timothy was the Wine Director and Certified Sommelier at Flank Steakhouse in Waltham.
January 18, 2018 - 7 PM
 https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/246043718/

Exploring 19 Crimes Wine - Jan 18
Exploring 19 Crimes Wine - Jan 18

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