You're invited to a Pour Richard's special event!

Connecting good friends with great wine! Never Drink Ordinary! Join us for a Pour Richard's Special Event! Friday, Oct 3 4-7 PM Welcoming winemaker Brett Jackson of Vina Valdivieso Valdivieso's head winemaker Brett Jackson comes to Chile by way of New Zealand, and brings with him a knowledge of cool-climate winemaking, an enthusiasm for Pinot Noir, and the desire to translate the varied terroir of Valdivieso's vineyards. We're already big fans of his single vineyard Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. On Friday, he will also be pouring the Classic Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet; Valdivieso's Sparkling Brut; and the brand-new Caballo Loco (Crazy Horse) blend. This is your chance to taste some terrific new wines, chat with the winemaker about what you're tasting, and maybe pick up a signed bottle or two. Signed bottles make killer gifts for those hard-to-please wine lovers on your holiday list. The Caballo Loco? That might just find its way onto your own holiday table. Check out the video on making of Caballo Loco Want to extend the fun? The Acme Jazz Quartet is playing the very first Jazz at the Black Box, starting at 7 PM. World-class music, right down the street. For more info and/or tickets, click Here Never Drink Ordinary! -Ann and John Please share this email with friends who are enthusiastic about great wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.) [Insert social links here - select the logos from the toolbar on the left side.]

Forward this email Privacy Policy. Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits | 14 Grove Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Representative Roy: What's happening in the district - September 2014 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you know anyone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please forward a copy of it to them. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook by clicking the buttons below. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Thank you for the nomination Rep. Roy was pleased to receive the Democratic nomination for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District at the primary election on September 9, 2014. His name will appear on the general election ballot in November. "It has been a great honor to represent Franklin and Medway in the House of Representatives and I am looking forward to to a second term," said Roy. "We had a very productive legislative session, but there is more work to be done for the citizens of Massachusetts. I will continue to fight hard to make Franklin and Medway great places to work, live and raise a family." The complete primary results for the election can be viewed by clicking here. Ballot question book talk Rep. Roy introduced author Jeff Clements who spoke about his new book Corporations are not People: Reclaiming Democracy from Big Money and Global Corporations. The talk offered a public forum for residents of the 10th Norfolk District to gather information on the public policy question which will appear on the November 4, 2014 state election ballot. The ballot question asks essentially whether your State Representative, should be instructed to vote in favor of a resolution calling for an amendment to the United States Constitution, stating that corporations are not people. The actual language the ballot question can be viewed by clicking here. This would be in response to the Citizens United decision, a U.S. constitutional law case dealing with the regulation of campaign spending by corporations. The talk by Clements offered background on the question posed and an introduction to his book on the topic. In his book, Clements explores the Citizens United decision, where the U.S. Supreme Court decided that corporations, as virtual persons, have the same free speech rights as living, breathing persons. He describes the history of the Citizens United ruling, its ongoing effects on democracy, and the growing movement to reverse it.  Under Article XIX of the Massachusetts Constitution, Part I, the people have a right, in an orderly and peaceable manner, to assemble to consult upon the common good; give instructions to their representatives, and to request of the legislative body, by the way of addresses, petitions, or remonstrances, redress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they suffer. Over the summer, residents of the 10th Norfolk District signed petitions, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 53, section 19, asking that the ballot question on corporate person-hood be submitted to the voters. It is hoped that this forum was the first of many that will take place to help residents make up their mind about the ballot question. Sculpture Park opens in Franklin Franklin's new sculpture park opened this month before a crowd of about 100 in attendance. The crowd, consisting of town officials, police, artists, school children but most importantly, dozens of community members, enjoyed this new addition to Franklin. Rep Roy spoke at the event and had the opportunity to discuss the meaning and motivation behind the works with the artists who created them. In his remarks, Rep. Roy suggested to the crowd "that next time you hear someone talk about STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) education, tell them you want to hear more about STEAM; include art." You can read the Milford Daily News report on the park opening by clicking here. Plainridge casino ceremony Rep. Roy participated in the Plainridge Race Course & Slot Parlor "topping out" ceremony. The topping out ceremony is the formal process of placing the last structural beam during a construction project. The event, which was hosted by Penn National Gaming, gave Rep. Roy, fellow legislators, union workers and citizens of the Plainville area the opportunity to sign the beam before it was hoisted and connected permanently to the structure. The construction of Massachusetts' sole slot parlor in nearby Plainville will ultimately lead to thousands of new jobs in construction, hospitality, gaming and horse farming, as will the partnerships with local communities like Franklin with its nearby hotels and restaurants. More information on the benefits of these jobs to our community can be found by clicking here.  Sunday liquor sale hours changed Sunday, Oct. 26, will be the first Sunday when state package stores will be allowed to open two hours earlier after Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill into law in July. The law moves the earliest hour liquor stores can open from 12 p.m. to 10 a.m. Franklin featured in WGBH video Downtown living doesn't always require being a resident of a big city. Even in the outer suburbs, there's growing demand for small living spaces, a vibrant restaurant scene, and easy access to public transportation. This high-density approach is catching on, despite running counter to the manicured lawns and three car garages that define many bedroom communities. In its ongoing focus on development, WGBH News reporter Stephanie Leydon showed how Franklin is embracing "smart growth" to revitalize its town center. Click here or on the image above to view the video. New FHS opens The new Franklin High School dedication ceremony went off with flying colors, complete with tours, a commemorative concert, and a speaking program in the new courtyard. Rep. Roy was pleased to join his legislative colleagues in congratulating the community on the addition of this flagship building. In his remarks, Rep. Roy noted that the 80% yes vote by the citizens of Franklin was a big piece of the project's success. He thanked the hundreds of volunteers who gave up their time and energy to make this all possible. In addition he noted that today, "we stand proud together to dedicate the flagship building which is a crowing jewel for education in Franklin. We have some of the greatest educational facilities from early childhood, to elementary, to middle, and now to high school. While many communities are playing catch-up, Franklin continues to lead the way." He also observed that Franklin's own Horace Mann would be proud of the work done on this facility. "We are all proud and we look forward to seeing this structure endure as a center for learning whose cost will be returned a thousand fold in the love of study and the improvement of our city, our Commonwealth and our country," said Roy. Pictures from the opening ceremonies can be viewed by clicking here. Summer interns aid in legislative process We celebrated another successful summer with our interns who worked hard to assist in the legislative process on Beacon Hill. Stefan Herlitz from Franklin and Adriana Salvas from Medway provided great service and support for the 10th Norfolk District and we enjoyed a "thank you" lunch last month. Maxwell Morrongiello of Franklin has also been a wonderful intern in our office, but was not available for the photo. Thank you Stefan, Adriana, and Max for the richness of your ideas and the enthusiasm you demonstrated for the political process.  Ladybugs debut on Town Common The Franklin Cultural Council unveiled their ladybugs on the Town Common. The unveiling was part of a year long Public Art Event honoring the 40th Anniversary of the Massachusetts State Bug, born in the town of Franklin. Rep. Roy was delighted to greet for the first time the artistic creation which was part of a joint venture with Senators Spilka and Ross, the other members of the Franklin delegation at the State House. The delegation's ladybug featured the State seal, a copy of the original ladybug bill from 1974, ladybug images, and a note of thanks to Franklin's founders. follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2014 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book

Jones resignation will bring special election

Councilor Glenn Jones announced that he would be resigning effective immediately. He had consulted with the State Ethics Commission on his recent position with Tri-Country and received word that it posed a potential conflict of interest. Had he already been working there and then been elected to the Town Council, it would not have been an issue. As the Town Council does vote to fund the Franklin students as part of the annual town budget, the potential for conflict of interest exists. Hence Jones decided to resign. He acknowledged it was not an easy decision to make. He will return when he can.

The resignation sparks a special election to be called within 90 days according to the Town Charter. It can not be combined with the state election on Nov 4th. It would not provide enough time for candidates.

In other business, the Town Council recognized the Franklin Garden Club for their endless efforts making Franklin look good.

members of the Franklin Garden Club being recognized by Council Chair Bob Vallee

Fire Chief Gary McCarragher provided an update on the operations and rising concerns of the Fire Dept. A copy of the presentation will be shared later.

photo of the Fire Dept personnel total slide 

The Lincoln St/Daniels St construction problems were discussed and Franklin is not pleased with the contractors performance. DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi will be scheduled to a future meeting to review the situation in more detail.



My notes reported live during the meeting Wednesday:

• Live reporting - Closing
• Live reporting: Fire Dept presentation
• Live reporting: Town Council - Oct 1, 2014

Reminder: how to grow the best garlic

The Friends of Franklin Community Gardens will be holding a free class on how to plant garlic on October 4th, 2014 from 10am-11am at the King St. Community Garden in Franklin Massachusetts. 

We will be covering how and when to plant it, how to care for it in the spring, and how to harvest and cure it in the late summer. 

We will have organic garlic available for purchase at the event, and information for joining the wait list for the 2015 growing season for those interested in renting a bed.

A recent visit to the Community Garden showed that tomatoes did well this year.

one of the garden plots at the Franklin Community Garden

Where is the Community Garden?  At the King St Memorial Park

Reminder: Neal Sanders - Oct 7th

Friendly reminder

The Franklin Garden Club along with 

The Friends of Franklin Library are pleased to present local 

Author Neal Sanders. 

Join us as we welcome Neal as he gives 

his presentation on Murder Mystery writing styles 

with horticulture ties.

WHEN: October 7, 2014

Neal Sanders

WHERE: Alumni Restaurant and Bar,
391 East Central St, Franklin,
the Plaza across from the Big Y.

TIME: 7 PM – 9 PM

COST: 1 Can good or Toiletry Item for the Franklin Food Pantry

There will be Raffles and refreshments with Coffee, any other appetizer or beverage can be ordered off the menu at the customers expense, full bar! So grab a glass of wine and listen as Neil gives his presentation.

Book Clubs Welcomed!

About Neal Sanders

Neal retired from the corporate world in 2005 with an idea that he might try his hand at penning fiction. Eight books later, he's established a track record as a writer of exceptionally well-written and intricately plotted mysteries. 

His forte is strong, independent women. Sometimes they solve crimes, sometimes they commit them, but they're always interesting and someone you'd like to get to know better. Gardening also figures into many of Neal's stories, as do strong doses of humor. 

Neal and his wife, Betty, make their home in suburban Boston where their two-acre property has been part of the Garden Conservancy's 'Open Days' program and featured in the Wall Street Journal. He chronicles their garden and his views on gardening in his widely read blog, 'The Principal Undergardener'.

For more about Neal visit his website  http://www.thehardingtonpress.com/

Taste of the Region Oct. 28

Make Plans to Attend the Tastiest Event of the Year!   Taste of the Region will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin. This fun-filled food festival features an eclectic mix of restaurants serving samples of a variety of dishes! There's also an exciting silent auction. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 508-222-0801 for your tickets today! New this year: We will award prizes for Best Sweet, Best Savory and Best Presentation! We still have a few openings for restaurants and food establishments to share samples of their food with potential customers. There is no cost for member restaurants and food establishments to participate. Also, if you'd like to highlight your non-food related business at this very popular event, consider donating a silent auction item! Call the Chamber at 508-222-0801 for more information.

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

"We’re aware of the incidents and are helping out with their investigations"

The FBI said Wednesday that it is helping Franklin police and authorities in two other New England towns as they investigate hoax bomb threats emailed to three school districts this week. 

Franklin High School Principal Peter Light received a threat Tuesday morning that prompted an evacuation of the building. After searching the school, police determined the email was a hoax. 

On Wednesday morning, school districts in Bedford, Massachusetts, and Bedford, New Hampshire, had to evacuate their high schools in response to similar threats. In both cases, the threats were emailed to the principals.

Continue reading the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141002/NEWS/141009312

Live reporting - Closing

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-59: Dedication of Town-Owned Land Known as Fletcher Field Located on
Peck Street For Use As A Public Playground Or Recreation Centre, As Provided In G.L. Chapter 45, Section 14 and Authorization For Town Administrator to Execute Grant Agreement With Commonwealth Of Massachusetts And To Take Other Action To Enable Town To Construct Playground

Nutting - routine matter to get the money for the playground
motion to approve - seconded, passed 9-0

2. ByLaw Amendment 14-741: Chapter 65, Collection Containers – 2nd Reading

tried hard to constrain these but they do get out of hand
everyone is making money and we don't want to discourage the collections but constrain the expansions
we do have support from the building commissioner, the health dept, and the police dept

Cerel - certain non-profits have raised issues with protected status so we have not targeted them
we have focused on the activity, a neutral fashion to address the issues the Town Administrator raised
we have regulated the placement (largely the industrial zones)
recognizing that the churches may have up to two on their own property
if the Salvation Army was to locate here, they would be entitled to up to two on there property

the fine structure would help to ensure that it would not get out of hand

Padula - recommend to change to have the permitting authority as the building commissionier

motion to amend as discussed, passed 9-0

motion to approve - seconded, passed 9-0

Padula - pending criminal cases of stealing from the boxes

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
DPW director will come forth, we have been extremely dissatifed with the performance of the contractor

Harvest Festival this Sunday

Downtown Project - utility work still to be done
paving from Moore ave to Pleasant; base coat no top coat
goal of getting it done in 2015 is still on

just like the State the contractor is overbooked

marketing of the RFP's for Pond St and Emmons St
(copy of letter to be added later)

$4200 grant for recycling efforts
goes into the pot which will help the fees

storm water management expansion with another grant

EPA - MS4 draft permits just came out today after a 6 year delay
we'll before the council in the coming year

Question #5 on the ballot, there are four state wide questions
the 5th will be the dedicated override
$130 tax increase to get better road repair, failing that
Election Day - Nov 4th 6:00 Am to 8:00 PM

Bissanti - where does the money go?
Nutting - we have 220 miles of road
we have water money to do sewers (and then the roads)
we have a couple of million each year, it doesn't cover our needs
Pond St was done in 2001, that was only 13 years ago and it has potholes

Dedicated override can only be spent on the item it was approved for

like a debt exclusion like for a building, can only be used for the purpose

L. OLD BUSINESS
Kelly - Twitter and Facebook to be followed
When are we getting to Facebook?

Nutting- when the technology director can get freed up from the high school
will be using students to replace computers needed

Nutting - twitter is easy, an intern wouldn't be needed

M. NEW BUSINESS
Vallee - to address the Lincoln St
Nutting - we put out a contract, there are limited options

Nutting - we did have  a public hearing, the people were fine at the time
we did address the divider issue
we'll have Brutus come to a future meeting
he hasn't broken the contract

Kelly - isn't this the result of the public bid process and going with the lowest bidder?
Nutting - we can reject low bidders and have to have a very strong case; sometimes there is a big gap between the bidders, all the factors need to be weighed

Nutting - there are difficulties to staff all the details, we have auxiliaries and police from other towns; the police are under a lot of pressure during construction season

Padula - what about fish stocking?
Nutting - conservation discussion on weed control vs fish stocking; weed control did come today and will provide a report. we'll go to the Conservation Commission but it would be more likely in the spring

Leblanc I don't want them to do stuff if it not being done right

Feldman - any info to be shared about the incident at the high school
Nutting - no

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Jones - favorite quote from Facebook/Theodore Roosevelt  (to be added later)
Due to circumstance beyond control, I am resigning effectively immediately
potential conflict of interest with position at Tri-County
this is with a heavy heart

Pfeffer - acknowledge the passing of Bob Gagnon

Bissanti - I want to acknowledge my colleague and friend on his decision
my condolences to the Gagnon family

Kelly - thanks for all your time and efforts spent here

Nutting - time for a special election within 90 days

Nutting - my thanks to Glenn, I don't agree with the Ethics Committee


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn

Live reporting: Fire Dept presentation

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
– Gary McCarraher, Fire Chief

(presentation to be added later)

Franklin, MA: Fire Dept update to Town Council from Franklin Matters

"think of a fire engine as a rolling tool box"

4 personnel out with duty related injuries, and thereby they are operating at reduced staffing
Station 2 can only deploy one vehicle per call (Station 1 can deploy 2 vehicles per call)

education of over 5,000 folks annually primarily seniors and students

concern with a potential spike in calls due to the industrial parks
one new nursing center is online (King St) and another one under construction (East Central)

the number of simultaneous calls is increasing
increase from 44% to 54%
concerned with growth in receiving more than 2 at a time, nearly one a day for the 2014 fiscal year

majority occur 10:00 AM through 7:00 PM
equally distributed over the days of the week

mutual aid calls are increasing

Fire Dept is the lead agency Franklin in emergency management
coordinates any State and Federal resources as necessary

addition of citizen volunteers to the emergency management preparations
Ping4alerts - smart phone app to receive information (no registration required)
training for this system is scheduled next week with roll-out scheduled shortly thereafter

ConnectCTY registration is encouraged
multiple phone #s and email addresses can be added to the notifications

Q - do you need a 3rd ambulance?
A - I need to dig into the data to right size a solution

Q - what is public assistance?
A - exhausted their capacity to find help to get back into bed, and calls like that

the overall call volume isn't going up, but the simultaneous calls are increasing and becoming a concern

Q - the 12 mins for mutual aid concerns me, we need ot try and figure it out
A - that will be the centerpiece of our 2016 budget to figure that out

A- we have a five year plan and it ran out, but we are doing a new plan more incident and need driven, a methodology to say when we get to this level we need to add folks

Q - why haven't we looked at using volunteers/
A - our experience with that, we ended the on call program in 2001, but keeping the program staffed to handle it properly is difficult. I grew up with volunteer fire depts. My father used to get out of his steel mill to go on a call. Folks can't do that anymore. Work is not that forgiving.

Q - we are loosing revenues outside the community
A - we are a little high on the requests in, we are higher on the units coming in. It used to be a wash but now we are running a deficit

Q - the nursing home on 140 is going to hire an ambulance?
A - they are outside our capacity to respond at about 9 mins, we target getting there in less than 8. It is before the ZBA and I sent another memo this week to the ZBA

Q - it is not just another ambulance, it is staffing to go along with it
A - absolutely correct.

Nutting - the grant runs out and we'll need to fund the four ourselves and then look to increasing in some way. You need to hire four to have any effect so that would be about 300,000 to budget for

Q - what is the status of the regional dispatch
A- snails are passing us. We have identified a property in Norfolk, going to bid for software and equipment. I think we are starting to get traction

Nutting -we had a board of directors meeting yesterday to proceed with the purchase of the land, it has been frustrating but this is a better location. we also get to build out from scratch

solar training
A - we haven't had that training yet, but it is looked forward
even at night the hazard is not abandoned. we are all moving quickly to learn and keep our folks safe

Live reporting: Town Council - Oct 1, 2014

Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: none


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.


D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mike Leblanc
asking for a public discussion, the debacle on Lincoln St/Daniels St
appears to be a miss-managed project
starting late, rushing too early
residents can't turn in or out due to the dividers
dip in the road at Winterberry Road
traffic nightmare
Town should hold contractor to re-do the project sections to do it properly
Someone should be held responsible for the work they are doing

Steve Sherlock
offer to Town Councilors to get word out on the dedicated override for the roads coming up on the November ballot


C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Eagle Scout - rescheduled
The Franklin Garden Club
(photos to be added)


E. APPOINTMENTS
- Franklin Cultural Council
Ian Kabat
Karen Wellerson Juhl

motion to approve, seconded passed 9-0

Friends of Franklin Library: Meeting - Oct 1, 7:00 PM

The Friends of Franklin Library will hold their monthly (October) meeting tonight, October 1, at 7:00pm in the Community Room at the Franklin Public Library.

Among other things, we'll be talking about next Sunday's Harvest Festival (we'll be in front of the Post Office) as well as an event we are co-sponsoring with the Franklin Garden Club, "starring" Neal Sanders, a local mystery author.  This will be on October 7 at 7PM at the Alumni Restaurant on East Central Street;  admission is an item for the Franklin Food Pantry.  There will also be an opportunity to purchase Neal's books (and they're good mysteries, with a local flavor).

Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

not that we are wishing for any snow: Ben reads outside the library

Additional info on Neal Sanders can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/author-neal-sanders-oct-7th.html

Look for your new Franklin brochure!

The new Franklin brochure has been printed and will be distributed to businesses and residents in Franklin and surrounding communities in the next several weeks.

Created by the Franklin Downtown Partnership, the piece details many of the entertainment, dining, shopping, business, and recreation options available in Franklin. It also highlight’s the town’s notable cultural and historic sites such as the Historical Museum, the bronze sculptures, and the Franklin Public Library. Included in the brochure are two maps and a comprehensive listing of nearly 150 Partnership member businesses and organizations to make finding what you’re looking for easy and convenient.

“We have talked about producing a town brochure for years. With support from the town Planning Department and the MetroWest Visitors Bureau, we were able to make it a priority this summer,” says Nicole Fortier, Partnership president.

Franklin Downtown Partnership brochure - p1

Franklin Downtown Partnership brochure - p2

The brochure will be distributed to Franklin Downtown Partnership members in September and October. Copies of the brochure have been included in the Dean College new student welcome packets, and local realtors plan to use the piece as a tool to help new residents get to know their surroundings.

Wider distribution to all residences in Franklin, Wrentham, Millis, Medway, Norfolk and Bellingham will be on October 1 as an insert in each town’s newspaper. Copies also will be available at the October 5 Harvest Festival at the FDP information table.

“This brochure gives our member businesses excellent exposure in nearby towns and with visitors to the area. Franklin continues to change and grow, and more changes are on the way. This piece tells our residents and the surrounding communities that Franklin is open for business and has options galore,” says Lisa Piana, Downtown Partnership executive director.

FDP President Nicole Fortier, Communications Coordinator Terri Frank, and Executive Director Lisa Piana at the Partnership office, 9 E. Central St.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to revitalizing downtown Franklin. Interested in membership or volunteer opportunities? For more information please go to our website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, or contact the executive director at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.



This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/09/franklin-brochure-press-release.html

Franklin Matters is proud to be a member of the Downtown Partnership! We are listed in the new brochure in the Media section.