Franklin 4th of July schedule for Monday, July 2

The schedule for the Franklin 4th of July celebration for Monday, July 2

•      6-10 PM: Rides and food booths open (WRISTBANDS FROM 6-10 PM - $30)

•     7-10 PM: The News Team (a four piece rock and roll outfit that plays classic rock and funk hits)

Food Booths:
Democratic Party — Pizza and water
Knights of Columbus — Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and Gatorade
Republican Party — Corn dogs, nachos and root beer floats
Rod and Gun Club — Fried dough and French fries
Temple Etz Chaim — Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board
4th of July Coalition — Soda, seltzer water and ice cream


View the full schedule or download a copy (PDF) here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruYRILk6bmkiq32hDsndMPOiQSA6vJbL/view?usp=sharing

Visit the 4th of July website for updates  https://www.franklin4th.com/
Consider contributing to the nonprofit volunteer based organization that does all the work to put this event together. There is a donation button on the webpage.

"Dragon Wagon" amusement ride on the Town Common

"Flying Bobs" amusement ride on the Town Common

Trash/Recycling Delayed on Weds/Thu/Fri for 4th of July

With the 4th of July falling on Wednesday, those scheduled for Mon or Tues pickup will do so as normal. Those scheduled for Weds, will get picked up Thursday. Those for Thursday, on Friday. Those for Friday, on Saturday.


Collection Schedule
Waste Management collects trash and recycling once every week between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
on your designated service day. 

Holidays
Collection will be delayed one day if your collection day falls on or after one of these observed holidays. Please note if an observed Holiday falls on a Sunday there will be NO DELAY in collection.

• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day

The updated solid waste flyer should have been delivered with the mail recently. If not, you can get a copy here or on the Town of Franklin page

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/franklin_2018_2019.pdf

Franklin Residents: Trash and Recycling pick up schedule - one delay from Wednesday

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar As part of an ongoing effort to provide outreach to Norfolk County communities, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently hosted a free informational seminar on computer assisted land record research. At the seminar, attendees learned how to navigate the Registry's online research page www.norfolkdeeds.org and to access documents such as deeds, mortgage discharges, Homesteads and other land related materials. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds state-of-the-art computer system has more than 6 million land document images available for viewing, dating back to 1793. Register O'Donnell noted, "We have put a great deal of effort into ensuring our land documents are online and are accessible within 24 business hours of recording. The feedback we have received from attendees indicates these computer seminars are very helpful whether or not the attendee is a real estate professional, genealogical enthusiast or simply an interested member of the general public." For those attending the seminar, computer skills were not required. Each attendee received free reference materials, which they took home with them. Additionally, there were several staffers on hand, including Register O'Donnell, who were available to assist and answer questions. "Those attending our recent Spring seminar learned how easy it is to look up land related documents. With this knowledge, they can do this research from the comfort and convenience of their home or work computer," noted the Register. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Computer seminars are held by the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds twice each year in the fall and the spring. The dates are advertised in local papers throughout the county as well as through the Registry's social media outlets. For further information, you can contact Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or at agardner@norfolkdeeds.org." 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, 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 at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds:  Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar

"this is an opportunity to play offense rather than playing defense on this crisis"

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

"From the Berkshires to the Cape, cities and towns across Massachusetts are taking legal action against the makers of opioid drugs, joining a broad effort to hold them responsible for the ravages of opioid abuse. 

About one-third of all communities in the state have announced plans to sue pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, alleging the companies recklessly promoted painkillers while discounting the threat of long-term addiction they pose. 

Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey is also taking drug companies to court. In a lawsuit filed June 12, Healey accused Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin and other opioid drugs, of misleading prescribers and consumers about the risks of its products, contributing to the deaths of more than 670 Massachusetts residents who were prescribed Purdue drugs since 2009."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180701/massachusetts-communities-taking-drug-makers-to-court

Franklin's Town Council met in Executive Session on June 20, 2018 to discuss joining this law suit. As the discussion was held in 'executive session', we'll find out in a future agenda when either the Council will get a new item to discuss in open session or at some point the minutes of the executive session will be voted on to be released for public viewing. With two members of the Council as members of the SAFE Coalition (Casey and Dellorco), it is likely Franklin will take some action on this topic.

June 20 agenda
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-20-town-council-agenda

June 20 Action Taken
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_june_20_2018.pdf

Visit the SAFE Coalition webpage

Franklin 4th of July schedule for Sunday, July 1

The schedule for the Franklin 4th of July celebration for Sunday, July 1

• 1-10 PM: Rides and food booths open 
• 2:30-3:30 PM: School of Attleboro Rock
• 4:30-5:30 PM: Jamie Barrett
• 7-10 PM: Backyard Swagger Band (a high energy country rock cover band)

More about Backyard Swagger at http://www.backyardswagger.com/



Food Booths:
Democratic Party — Pizza and water
Knights of Columbus — Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and Gatorade
Republican Party — Corn dogs, nachos and root beer floats
Rod & Gun Club — Fried dough and French fries
Temple Etz Chaim — Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board
4th of July Coalition — Soda, seltzer water and ice cream


View the full schedule or download a copy (PDF) here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruYRILk6bmkiq32hDsndMPOiQSA6vJbL/view?usp=sharing

Visit the 4th of July website for updates  https://www.franklin4th.com/
Consider contributing to the nonprofit volunteer based organization that does all the work to put this event together. There is a donation button on the webpage.

the strawberry kids ride is back

zero gravity amusement ride

Concerts on the Common - Schedule for Summer 2018

The Concerts on the Common schedule for the Summer of 2018 is found here. 

The main program is scheduled to run on Wednesdays from 6:30 PM  - 8:30 PM. The Children's Programs from 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM. 

You can download a copy of the schedule
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oG2-XOINB4ziJgVbf_4N0B6MNJCrG_SJ/view?usp=sharing




The concerts will use the new stage. Franklin's Town Council authorized the purchase last year and it has arrived in time to be used this summer.

stage in the early morning dewy sunlight

full stage view

When is a Grand Bargain Actually a Grand Problem?

In Massachusetts, politics is something of a blood sport, and nowhere has that been made more clear than in the recent “grand bargain” legislation to avert the placing on the ballot issues put forth by interest groups, many with the best of intentions. These would have had crippling effects on small business in the Commonwealth and a chilling effect on the potential recruitment of new companies to our state. The process is broken and must be addressed, and because some changes are constitutional in nature, ironically ballot reform may have to be addressed with yet another ballot measure.

The process for placing an item on the ballot on which the people will decide the result is relatively simple. First, one needs an idea for a problem they believe must be fixed that our representatives are not addressing. Ten registered voters later, the issue is presented to the Attorney General’s office for review of format and an initial assessment of legality and/or constitutionality. Then the organizers raise the money necessary to get 64,750 to sign the petition to place it on the ballot. They need not support the petition, but believe that it deserves a public vote.

From there, the issue goes merrily off to the Legislature which may adopt the question into law, propose a substitute or do nothing. Then, the issue proponents go out and gather an additional 10,792 signatures and the issue goes to the ballot. If there is a legislative substitute, both go to the ballot. Once on the ballot, the issue goes to the people who will, no doubt, be subject of well-funded campaigns put forth by organizers and opponents designed to cast the issue in its most or least favorable light. In November, the people decide – UNLESS there is some kind of Legislative compromise by which the proponents agree to pull off their question from the ballot. The gun is placed firmly at the Legislature’s head at this point, and regardless of the feasibility of the solution, only getting most of what proponents want will lead to the removal from the ballot.

What is wrong with this process? Mostly everything, sadly. The threshold to get something on the ballot is absurdly low. No policy is inherently all good or all bad, but there are reasons that these issues were not put forth by our elected legislators in the first place. The best they can do is make something “less bad” or from another perspective “less good”. We hire our legislators to make the best possible policy decisions for us. Sometimes they are right; sometimes they are wrong, but there are, and should be, consequences at the ballot box if they choose a disastrous change in the law.

This year, four particularly challenging ballot propositions came forward, three of which would have crippled small business in our state. The first, the millionaire’s tax, was struck down by the courts on constitutional grounds, but proponents vow to bring it back in a more constitutionally acceptable manner. The second, a sales tax reduction proposition, would have lowered the sales tax in Massachusetts from 6.25% to 5%, repealing what at one time was put forward as a temporary measure, but whenever government and revenue are involved, temporary has a way of turning permanent. And, if successful, the legislature would have sought to replace that revenue with some other tax or fee. The third, the paid family leave initiative would have placed a new tax on businesses and employees alike to fund a new government entity to ensure up to 26 weeks per year, a kindhearted gesture with real financial consequences that could have put small businesses out of businesses. The fourth was, for many small businesses, the most frightening - the increase in minimum wage to the highest in the nation, put forth by union groups with no members actually paid at minimum wage.

So, now we have a compromise. The sales tax remains the same but we will have a weekend sales tax holiday in August. Paid family leave has been cut back in length and small businesses (under 25 employees) are exempt from paying in – but their employees will have to pay in. And the minimum wage will go up to $15 per hour, with a gradual phase out of time and a half for Sundays. There will not be a teen or training wage component, virtually guaranteeing that no business will hire young people to learn the importance of work.

The so-called “grand bargain” gave proponents most of what they wanted, all of which have very real consequences for small businesses and large businesses alike. We citizens and taxpayers are held hostage by interest groups, and ballot initiative reform is a necessity in this state. Legislators are wary of addressing it for fear of being labeled as against the will of the people. Our legislators are forced to respond and compromise on issues they might otherwise never have addressed as remedies for the people of the Commonwealth.

Our citizens deserve a fair system, devoid of governance by special interests, and we welcome the opportunity to work with our legislators toward reforming the ballot initiative process and allowing them to do the job of fashioning good through a deliberative process.

The Southeastern Massachusetts Legislative Alliance of Chambers [SEMLAC] is comprised of the following chambers of commerce: Bristol County, Cape Cod Canal Region, Cranberry Country, Sandwich, SouthCoast, Taunton Area, Tri-Town and United Regional. SEMLAC represents the business interests of the communities each chamber serves and addresses policy issues of importance to the region as a whole.

When is a Grand Bargain Actually a Grand Problem?

Franklin's 4th of July schedule for Saturday, June 30

The schedule for the Franklin 4th of July celebration for Saturday, June 30

• 11:00 AM: Adult's Road Race 5K / registration and check in at 10:00 AM
• 11:45 AM: Children's Road Race (1.2m) / registration and check-in at 10:30 AM at the Gazebo
Races sponsored by the Franklin Recreation Department. Sign-up for the Adult race through RaceWire (https://my.racewire.com/event/5719) and for the Children's Road Race through the Recreation website (http://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department/news/4th-july-road-race)

• 12-5 PM: Face painting, natural henna art and other crafts/vendors,
• 12-10 PM: Rides and food booths open (WRISTBANDS FROM 12-5PM -$30)
• 12:30 PM: Children's Bike Parade / meet at the Gazebo (Bike parade sponsored by the Franklin Lions Club)

• 3-5 PM: Flippo the Clown
• 5-7 PM: DJ Mike Rutkowski
• 7-10 PM: Duppy Conquerors (a Bob Marley tribute band)  https://duppyconquerors.com/





Food Booths:
Democratic Party — Pizza and water
Knights of Columbus — Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and Gatorade
Republican Party — Corn dogs, nachos and root beer floats
Rod and Gun Club — Fried dough and French fries
Temple Etz Chaim — Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board
4th of July Coalition — Soda, seltzer water and ice cream


View the full schedule or download a copy (PDF) here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruYRILk6bmkiq32hDsndMPOiQSA6vJbL/view?usp=sharing

Visit the 4th of July website for updates  https://www.franklin4th.com/
Consider contributing to the nonprofit volunteer based organization that does all the work to put this event together. There is a donation button on the webpage.

amusement ride set up on the Town Common

Jim Smith: Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Fight

From the GoFundMe page created by Emilie Smith: 

"My uncle Jim, a father of two teenagers, has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He is an incredible and humorous person who has spent the last 19 years caring for my two cousins as well as my sister and me. He has taught me about music and the bigger meanings in life since I was born. He still has two teens to put through college, as well as bills and this diagnosis has come at the worst time (job loss, financial struggles). 

This money will go into a non-profit my dad and I have created at EastBoca.org, and the money will pay for a variety of my uncles bills that he will struggle to pay. Any donations are extremely appreciated! All of you are so wonderful for helping!"

To contribute to this cause, visit the GoFundMe page 
https://www.gofundme.com/stage-4-pancreatic-cancer-fight

Jim Smith: Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Fight 

Via the Twitterverse

A Go Fund Me page has been set up for the Smith Family. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Please keep Jim, Susan, Katy and Hannah in your prayers.https://t.co/czo1fGz1i8

— Terry Nolan Fenton (@nolan1051) June 29, 2018

Fiscal Year 2019 First Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Fiscal Year 2019 First Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills will be mailed out on Friday, June 29, 2018. The due date for these bills is, August 1, 2018.

You can pay online at http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments


Reminders:

• Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.
• If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.
• If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.

Fiscal Year 2019 First Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 6/29/18 - THU 7/5/18

FRIDAY 6/29/18
9:30am   Family Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Nonagenarian Celebration @ Franklin Senior Center
12-6pm   NO Farmers Market due to 4th of July festivities @ Town Common
1pm   Joe Landry’s Historic Slides and Videos - Franklin Pool @ Franklin Senior Center
6-10pm   Franklin’s 4th of July Celebrations @ Town Common

SATURDAY 6/30/18
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30am   Musical Yoga @ Franklin Public Library
11am-10pm   Franklin’s 4th of July Celebrations @ Town Common

SUNDAY 7/1/18
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1-10pm   Franklin’s 4th of July Celebrations @ Town Common

MONDAY 7/2/18
10:30am   Animal Affair @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Garden Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
6-10pm   Franklin’s 4th of July Celebrations @ Town Common

TUESDAY 7/3/18
All Day   Drop In Craft @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Family Book Tasting Event @ Franklin Public Library
6-10pm   Franklin’s 4th of July Celebrations @ Town Common
7pm   Friends of Franklin Library Book Group @ Franklin Public Library
9:30pm   Fireworks @ FHS

WEDNESDAY 7/4/18
All Day   Library Closed
12-5pm  Franklin’s 4th of July Celebrations @ Town Common

THURSDAY 7/5/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Pre-K Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7pm   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

Franklin 4th of July schedule for Friday, June 29

The schedule for the Franklin 4th of July celebration for Friday, June 29

• 6-10 PM - Rides and food booths open
• 7-10 PM - Groove Doctors (a seven piece rock-soul-blues-funk whirlwind)

For more about the Groove Docotors http://www.groove-doctors.com/

the Groove Docotors http://www.groove-doctors.com/

Food Booths:
Democratic Party — Pizza and water
Knights of Columbus — Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and Gatorade
Republican Party — Corn dogs, nachos and root beer floats
Rod & Gun Club — Fried dough and French fries
Temple Etz Chaim — Soft pretzels, fresh squeezed lemonade and a raffle board
4th of July Coalition — Soda, seltzer water and ice cream


View the full schedule or download a copy (PDF) here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ruYRILk6bmkiq32hDsndMPOiQSA6vJbL/view?usp=sharing

Visit the 4th of July website for updates  https://www.franklin4th.com/
Consider contributing to the nonprofit volunteer based organization that does all the work to put this event together. There is a donation button on the webpage.

The big slide is set up near the Single Solder Monument

Anniversary: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 - why does this matter?

Summer travel is here and the Mass Pike or i90 is one of the major gateways. The interstate highway system grew over the years but was actually born on June 29. From the US Census:

"June 29 marks the anniversary of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. Observe this historic day with our activity “The Highway System” that uses an interactive data visualization to examine population density along Interstate 90."

Interactive data visualization
https://www.census.gov/dataviz/visualizations/031/

Anniversary: Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956

More info on the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aid_Highway_Act_of_1956

MassBudget: Minimum wage increase would raise earnings of low- and middle-income families

Frequently asked questions

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. June 27, 2018 Minimum wage increase would raise earnings of low- and middle-income families In a well-functioning economy, people who work full time should be able to earn enough to support themselves and their families. That's important for families and for the overall economy, which relies on consumer spending to keep local businesses thriving. Last week, in response to a multiyear grassroots campaign, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted House Bill 4640, which, among other things, would increase the Massachusetts minimum wage from $11 an hour to $15 by 2023. The bill would also increase the minimum wage that employers are obligated to pay tipped workers from $3.75 to $6.75 by 2023. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) has published an analysis of the minimum wage provisions in the bill, which now awaits the Governor's signature or veto. The report, FAQ: The Massachusetts $15 Minimum Wage Proposal, finds the increase would raise the wages of about 840,000 Massachusetts workers, or 25 percent of the workforce. Of those who will be directly affected by a minimum wage increase, 90 percent are at least 20 years old, 56 percent are women, and 55 percent work full-time. Read the report here. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

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

BFCCPS hold Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 27

The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation on behalf of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS) is pleased to announce that construction has begun in preparation for the school’s upcoming move to 500 Financial Park Drive in Franklin.

The Foundation hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony at the new site on the morning of June 27th. Special guests included Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy and Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.

Donald Tappin, President of the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation greeted attendees to the ceremony stating “We are very excited for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, after almost a quarter century as one of the best performing schools in the state, to finally have a home of its own. We look forward to having the capacity to bring our academic success and most importantly, the culture of character development and community service to even more students and their families. This project of ours has been a long-time in the making and would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of many individuals.”

Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy presented the school with a special citation on behalf of the House of Representatives in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offering the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School a sincere congratulations in recognition of the next chapter in the school’s educational journey.

Head of School Heather Zolnowski closed the ceremony sharing “I am honored to be able to speak on behalf of the students, faculty, staff and parents of BFCCPS to thank everyone who worked so hard over the past 6 years to make this dream a reality. This is an exciting time in the history of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. The new facility and grounds will provide the administration and faculty with the opportunity to enhance an already very successful academic program, provide a comfortable and safe environment for students, faculty and staff and secure the schools future for decades to come. Our expanded school facility will allow us to address our historically long waiting list for enrollment and welcome more students into our school community than ever before. These opportunities would not be possible without the collaboration, hard work and dedication of the people standing before us today.”

Following the ”turning of the soil” invited guests received a tour to highlight progress at the site. The building’s foundation has been poured, and steel delivery for the building’s frame has commenced. The new 72,000 square foot facility will open for the 2019-2020 school year. Event photography and aerial photography of the site are available here.

The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation secured funding for the new school primarily through a $24,550,000 tax-exempt bond issued by MassDevelopment and purchased by Citizens Bank with participation by HarborOne Bank, Websterfive Bank and Radius Bank. The bond financing was supplemented with a $2,000,000 loan provided by The Property and Casualty Initiative.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School opened in 1995 and is one of the original 13 Charter Schools in the state of Massachusetts. Priority in the schools annual enrollment lottery is given first to siblings of current students, then to residents of Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Milville, Norfolk, Plainville, Upton, Walpole, and Wrentham.

The educational program at BFCCPS offers a strategic partnership with parents, rigorous academic program, foreign language instruction, commitment to arts education, character education, and community service activities.

For the 2019-2020 academic year, BFCCPS will increase enrollment from 50 students to 92 students per grade in Grades Kindergarten through Grade Five resulting in a total of 290 new spaces. Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will go live on November 1, 2018.

Over the next ten years, enrollment will expand from the current cap of 450 students to a total of 900 students. Families that are interested in enrollment at BFCCPS can learn more at www.bfccps.org/about/enrollment and candidates for employment are encouraged to follow http://bfccps.org/about/employment for ongoing information.

BFCCPS hold Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 27

Farmers Market alternatives for this week

With the Franklin 4th of July Celebration beginning today, there will NOT be a Farmers Market on the Town Common. The Mass Grow web page has an interactive map to enable finding other markets near Franklin

https://massnrc.org/farmlocator/map.aspx

There are 15 places within 15 miles of Franklin with many of them on Saturday or Sunday. 

Farmers Market alternatives for this week

"upgrade gives our customers an additional, convenient way to pay fares"

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

"Beginning this fall, all commuter-rail passengers will be able to pay their fares on-board with a credit or debit card, according to Keolis Commuter Services, the MBTA’s operating partner. 

In a press release, Keolis and MBTA officials said a new mobile point of sale (POS) system has been tested and refined since February, and over the next two months will be expanded to include all conductors. 

“This upgrade gives our customers an additional, convenient way to pay fares, and gives conductors another way to sell on-board tickets that is easier and simpler than using cash and counting change,” MBTA General Manager Luis Manuel Ramírez said in a prepared statement. “As we plan for the future of fare collection that is fully integrated across all modes, this new technology shows that we’ll continue to look for improvements under the existing system.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180627/all-commuter-rail-trains-to-accept-on-board-credit-card-payments-this-fall

"upgrade gives our customers an additional, convenient way to pay fares"