Library: Tween - Teen End of Summer party

The "end of summer reading" party for teens and tweens is scheduled for the Franklin Library on Tuesday, August 23 at 12:30 PM

Tween - Teen End of Summer party

This was shared from the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/teen-tween-end-of-summer-party-tuesday.html

How do you connect? A Consumer Guide to Cable Service: 3 Part Series by MA Consumer Affairs

"Cable service is available in most Massachusetts communities through one or more providers, and may be offered as a stand-alone service or as part of a bundled package. The term “bundled package” refers to a specially-priced combination of services that may include telephone service (wireless or landline), television (cable or satellite television), internet or a home security system. Bundled packages often include a contract agreement that will require you to maintain your services for a fixed period of time, usually 12-24 months. 

The cost of cable service alone can be broken down into three main categories: (1) programming, promotions and pricing; (2) equipment and installation; and (3) taxes, fees and surcharges."

iamge from MA.gov series on cable service subscriptions

Continue reading Part 1

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-1/

Part 2

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-2/

Part 3

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-3/

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Aug 23, 2016

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 9, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:

Franklin Public Schools - "the key to learning"

2. Guests/Presentations
a. Superintendent’s Search Process – Presentations

1. NESDEC - Dr. Art Bettencourt
2. MASC- Jim Hardy
3. ECRA Group – John Connolly

3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Readings

• DJE – Bidding Requirements
• DKC – Expense Reimbursements
• JJF – Student Activity Accounts
• JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
• JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

Discussion on Awarding Superintendent Search Contract

4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading at the next School Committee meeting:

1. DJE – Bidding Requirements
2. DKC – Expense Reimbursements
3. JJF – Student Activity Accounts
4. JJF-R – Student Activity Accounts
5. JJFG – Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2705.29 from the Parmenter PCC for supplemental supplies at Parmenter Elementary School.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report

• Enrollment Update

School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

• Community Engagement

School Committee Liaison Reports

• None

6. New Business 
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

The School Committee agenda would normally be found online here
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/t20162017/
(as of Sunday morning it was not yet posted)

“They help in any capacity as much as they can”

"More than a hundred people gathered at Fletcher Field Saturday morning for some fundraising, some trash talking and a lot of fun at the Random Smile Project’s fourth annual Wiffle ball tournament. 

The Random Smile Project, established in 2006, is a Franklin organization aimed to provide simple acts of kindness to locals in need. 

Its mission, member Colleen Swenson said, is to “offer a bridge of support for our community members during difficult times.” 

This year, the proceeds from the tournament will benefit Franklin resident Jim Cashin, who is recovering from a liver transplant he received in June."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160821/locals-play-wiffle-ball-to-benefit-franklin-resident

sign at one of the wiffle ball diamonds between games

To donate to the Random Smile Project or find out more about what they do, visit their webpage  http://www.randomsmile.org/

Downtown Parking Map

The DPW must be busy preparing the signs as I did not see the new ones around on my Saturday walk. I did see signs that according to the new regulations would be taken down (I think). For example, the "resident parking' now enabled for Winter Street and Crescent St would be going away (as I read the new rules).

The new parking map was posted to the Town of Franklin page on Friday. You can view it here, download it here, or go to the Franklin page to get your copy.




View the PDF here

• Download your copy here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeGY4THpKVmYzRWc/view?usp=sharing

• Or from the Franklin page

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A17AB-000F8513

JPG image of the most central downtown region shown on the full map

legend of parking zones for downtown Franklin

as I read the new parking rules, these designated parking zones would go away

In case you missed the Town Council making these changes, you can find the full set of regulations and vote results here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/town-council-actions-taken-august-10.html

"it is incredibly important we all work together to conserve water while these dry conditions persist”

"Today (Friday - 8/19/16)  I listened in on a state wide conference call from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and as expected things do not look good considering the current drought we are in. The forecast for any sizable rainfall to help our water issue does not look good. No sustained rain fall in the near future. 

Given the fact that citizens for the most part are heeding the current water ban in town, we still have trouble with private well owners. Despite the fact that the ban is not covering these private well uses, I ask anyone with private wells to please respect the water ban and avoid watering lawns, washing cars, and other outdoor water activities. 

We all share the same water, public and private. Please conserve water! 

Note: there is a $200 fine for anyone not following the water ban guidelines. 

This is extremely important to the health, safety and well being of our community."

Thank you,
Councillor Glenn Jones
Franklin Town Council

• Governor Baker's Press Release

“With much of Massachusetts continuing to experience extremely dry conditions, I am asking the public to administer best water conservation practices for the foreseeable future,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By minimizing water use, especially while outside, we will collectively take crucial steps necessary to enable ground water and reservoirs to rebound quicker as we work together to manage and reduce the effects of a statewide drought. Individuals should also check with their city or town officials to find out what local restrictions are in place as they vary from community to community.”

http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2017/governor-elevates-response-to-widespread-drought.html#

U.S. Drought Monitor

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-weight-loss-program-at-y.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-drug-kiosk-success-drought.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/in-news-farms-feeling-drought-post-75.html

loans "to help them start, grow and create new jobs"

The Town of Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development, in conjunction with South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation, announces the Franklin Business Loan Program, which will be rolled out during the Small Business Administration’s workshop, ‘SBA Advantage, Connections that Work’ on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Golder Room (in the Campus Center), Franklin, MA 02038. At this seminar, the SBA and SEED will provide information on their loan programs and resources available to help business owners.

The loan programs provide financing for new and established businesses to help them start,
grow and create new jobs in Franklin by forming a partnership with SEED, which provides loans from $1,000 to $5.5 million.

http://seedcorp.com/

SEED offers three loan programs:

1) The Micro Loan Program provides loans from $1,000 up to $50,000, which can be used for working capital, inventory, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and refinancing of business credit card debt. The term on the loans is 6 years at a 6 percent fixed interest rate with no prepayment penalty.

2) The Revolving Loan Fund provides loans up to $250,000, which can be used for the purchase of land and buildings; equipment and furnishings; working capital, or as the down payment on a larger project. The SEED portion of the project is generally 40 percent or less, although in cases where there is a larger financing gap, SEED’s portion can be greater. The term on the loan is up to 10 years at a 5 percent fixed interest rate with bank participation and 6 percent without. There is no prepayment penalty.

3) The 504 Loan Program provides up to 40 percent of the financing needed behind a
bank/credit union’s 50 percent for the acquisition and improvement of commercial and
industrial buildings; and the purchase and installation of heavy machinery and equipment.
SEED’s portion can range from $120,000 to $5 million for most businesses, and $5.5 million for manufacturing businesses. SEED’s portion offers a fixed interest rate below market for 20 years, currently at 4.1 percent, and at 3.7 percent for 10 years.

SEED is a non-profit economic development organization certified in 1982 by the U.S. Small
Business Administration with the mission to grow and create jobs throughout the region. SEED also provides business assistance and works with other economic development organizations and financing institutions in the region to ensure that individuals who are committed to owning and operating a small business are able to obtain the assistance they need to be successful.

For more information, or to register for the seminar, please contact Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development at (508) 520-4907 or email
development@franklin.ma.us.




This was shared from the Town of Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024A150D-000F8513

"He chose the Franklin Food Pantry"

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. 

That is how the phrase usually goes, unless you are a certain 9-year-old boy living in Franklin. For Suhas Wijegoonasekara, it goes more like this: When life gives you lemonade, make a food pantry donation. 

The youngster is planning to do just that with proceeds from a lemonade stand he is operating on a sidewalk bordering the Franklin Town Common from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, Aug. 21 

Even before the first cups have been filled and served, though, the stand is already a triumph for the soon-to-be Kennedy Elementary School fourth-grader. For many youth, running a lemonade stand is something of a summertime rite of passage, and it's no different for Suhas. He has been working on his mom, Amali De Zoysa, to allow him to have a stand for a long time now."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160819/franklin-boy-to-serve-up-lemonade-for-food-pantry

Donate to the Franklin Food Pantry securely online

In the News: Rain garden tour, Museum photos on show

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

"Franklin residents and town employees joined representatives of the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) for a tour of five Franklin rain gardens on Aug. 17. The tour was part of an ongoing partnership between CRWA and the Franklin Department of Public Works (DPW) to demonstrate to residents how rain gardens can prevent pollution and help get rainwater into the ground. 

A rain garden collects and filters polluted runoff from driveways, rooftops and streets. The DPW has installed 15 rain gardens and 94 rainwater holding basins throughout Franklin. The gardens, maintained by the DPW with help from neighbors and volunteers, prevent polluted runoff from entering the Charles River and its tributaries and replenish ground water levels. 

The native grasses and perennials planted in the rain gardens were chosen for their ability to withstand both wet and dry conditions, including the current drought."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160819/franklin-showcases-some-of-its-best-rain-gardens

one of the 14 rain gardens around Franklin can be found at the Parmenter School

"A unique event allowing a rare opportunity to view selected vintage photographs from the collection of the Franklin Historical Museum will be held from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at Almont Gallery and Studios, 161 Main St., Medway. 

The public is invited to view classic vintage photos from the museum’s collection which have been digitized for clearer and closer viewing. The images will be shown on giant, poster-size digital display units hung throughout the gallery. 

Many of the photos are labeled with dates and information, but guests will have the opportunity to name people, locations and events not previously identified. The images date from the early 1900s through the 1950s and include photos of Franklin High School athletic teams, police and fire department photos, factory and mill images, family photos and more."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160819/franklin-historical-museum-to-present-classic-photos

Franklin Library: End of Summer Jam with Jamie Barrett

Summer time is almost gone, school about to open. The reading list hopefully has been completed so it is time to celebrate!

Join Jamie Barrett at the Franklin Public Library on Monday, Aug 22 at 1:00 PM to help celebrate.

This was shared from the Franklin Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/08/end-of-summer-jam-with-jamie-barrett.html

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/19/16 - THU 8/25/16

FRIDAY 8/19/16
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
1pm   Mr. Vinny’s Puppet Shadow Puppet Puppet Show @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   FSPA in the Box: Bye Bye Bieber
7:30pm   FSPA in the Box: Bye Bye Birdie
 
SATURDAY 8/20/16
8am-3pm   4th Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament - Random Smile Project @ Fletcher Field
9am-3pm   Book Sale @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 8/21/16
9am   Bag Sale @ Franklin Public Library
1-4pm   Pour Richard's Snappy End of the Summer Bash

MONDAY 8/22/16
8am   SAFE Coalition Inaugural Golf Tournament @ Franklin Country Club
1pm   End of Summer Jam with Jamie Barrett @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 8/23/16
10:30am   Legos and Giant Games @ Franklin Public Library
12-2pm   Teen and Tween End of Summer Party @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 8/24/16
10:30am   Comedian - Juggler Bryson Lang @ Franklin Public Library
8:15pm   Movies in the Park @ Choate Park in Medway

THURSDAY 8/25/16
10:30am   Family Storytime @ Franklin Public Library
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition Substance Abuse Drop In Center @ St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street)
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Hosts Open Houses - Sep 1 and Sep 10

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold back-to-school Open Houses for prospective students and families on Thursday, September 1 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class.

Franklin School for
the Performing Arts (FSPA)

Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school provides an extraordinary faculty of artist-teachers and a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage and for life. FSPA offers extensive classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano.

A year-round calendar of performing opportunities features musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, chamber ensembles, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, summer theater, ballet and dance company performances, and the school’s signature Spring Concert. THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located just behind the school and provides a professional venue for FSPA student productions. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in FPAC’s annual season of shows.

Registration is ongoing. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. For more information, including fall class schedule and catalogue, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

Set your calendar: Ladybug 5k - Saturday, October 15

This year's Ladybug 5k will be on Saturday, October 15th, starting from Kennedy School at 551 Pond St. In addition to the 5K, there will be kids races, games, face painting, and raffles. Fun, family friendly event.

• Race registration and number pick up start at 8:30 AM
• Kids race at 9:30
• 5K at 10 AM
• Cash prize for top male and top female overall in the 5K

Registration is available for the 5K, kids race and family pricing of $50 per family.

Participants can preregister at https://racewire.com/register.php?id=6650

For more details see our website at www.ladybug5k.com

The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015

Franklin Public Library: Book Sale - Aug 20-21

The monthly Library Book Sale is being held Saturday and Sunday at the temporary location 25 Kenwood Circle. The book sale is on Saturday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and the Bag Sale on Sunday from 9:00 to Noon.
This would be a good time to stock up for your late summer reading!

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/I02471121

In the News: weight loss program at Y, drought conditions worsen

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

"The Hockomock Area YMCA has announced that all three of its branches will now offer a 10-week weight loss program called Weigh to Change following the success of the Foxborough spring program, during which 31 members lost a total of 267 pounds and 318.5 inches. 

An information session will take place at the following locations:

• Bernon Family Franklin Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30; or 10 a.m. Sept. 3.
• Invensys Foxboro Branch, 67 Mechanic St., 6:30 p.m. Sept. 1; 9 a.m. Sept. 10.

The fall program will begin Sept. 12 and will run through Nov. 19."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160818/hockomock-area-ymca-to-hold-weight-loss-program

"The weekly report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that the area in Massachusetts experiencing extreme drought conditions has expanded dramatically despite spotty downpours last weekend and this week. 

According to the monitor, which is overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the area in the state seeing the second highest level of drought jumped from 3.66 percent last week to 16.86 percent this week. The area in extreme drought includes much of MetroWest and the Milford area. The extreme drought area includes the eastern two-thirds of Middlesex County, the northern half of Norfolk County, nearly all of Essex County and all of Suffolk County.

U.S. Drought Monitor Massachusetts

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160818/extreme-drought-worsens-in-mass

Franklin Historical Museum To Host Miniature Metals Exhibit In October

A very special exhibit will open October 2nd at the Franklin Historical Museum. A personal collection of miniature metal artwork, hand crafted by Franklin born Abraham Megerdichian will be on display for the month of October. Megerdichian’s son Robert will open the exhibit with a presentation and talk about the history of his father’s work.

A selection of about 20 tiny recreations of everyday objects, made from brass, aluminum, stainless-steel and copper will be on display. A sampling of items for this exhibit include: a brass Asphalt Roller, a copper and steel Cannon with Cannonballs, an aluminum Inkwell with Feather Pen, a Flexible Flyer Sled and tiny brass Roller Skates.

miniature metal artwork 1

In his life time, the elder Megerdichian, a machinist by trade, made over 300 miniatures for family and friends as gifts for holidays and special occasions. Just a hobby to him at the time, his work is now being recognized as the intricate creative artwork that it is. It’s a labor of love by his son Robert to bring his father’s work out of storage and into the public eye.

Various pieces are currently being exhibited at The Attleboro Area Museum of Industry, The Science Museum in Boston, The Lynn Museum, the Providence Children’s Museum, and soon at Connecticut’s New Britain Industrial Museum. Robert approached the Franklin Historical Museum because of his father’s connection to Franklin.

miniature metal artwork 2

Abraham was born in Franklin in 1923 to Armenian Immigrants, but the family later moved to Cambridge where he was raised. The family kept close ties to Franklin and Abraham helped build Camp Haiastan, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Camp on Summer Street.

Robert Megerdichian’s presentation will cover his father’s craft, his artwork, his love of family, as well as an interesting history and anecdotal stories of Franklin’s Armenian Community.

miniature metal artwork 3

Join us for this very special event, 1:30PM, Sunday afternoon, October 2nd, 80 West Central Street, Franklin. 

Visit us on our Facebook page and our webpage franklinhistoricalmuseum.com. Admission is always free and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

Local Music Scene Raises $3000 For Franklin Food Pantry

On June 25th, 2016, local musicians in The Greater Milford Area Local Music Scene came together to raise much needed money for the Franklin Food Pantry at The Black Box located right next door to the pantry.

Co-organizer Bill Donovan explains why he and co-organizer Ray Auger decided to raise money for the pantry. "The Franklin Food Pantry does not receive funds from the state or town. They rely ultimately on us, the community, to help keep the shelves full."

Auger and Donovan decided to throw a concert with some of their friends to help raise money for this worthy cause. The two are founding members of Fringe Benefits and Charity Case respectively. These are fundraising event bands made up of different members from other local bands. 

Franklin Food Pantry

"You've heard of super groups, this is along the same lines with the exception that we don't share their money and fame, lol," explains Auger. "It's a chance for local musicians to collaborate with each other and raise a little money for various local causes. I had been doing Fringe Benefits for some time now with my acoustic partner Justin Redden. Recently I talked Bill into forming Charity Case with Matt Zajac. How it works is that we choose a cause, put a set list together, piece together the rest of the band and play a show."

Dan Feeley and South Street Six, all musicians with ties to the Franklin area, joined Fringe Benefits and Charity Case at The Black Box for a night of great music and dancing to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. A small ticket price, some great raffles items, good friends and generous sponsor donations from Dean Bank, F&P Molla Inc, and Elemen-Tree House led to a grand total of $3000 raised from the night.

James puts that into perspective, "An average bag of groceries costs $18 to put together. That's about 167 bags of groceries that we were able to donate to those in our community in need. It feels good to do something we love as musicians while giving back. Music heals and music helps and we are looking forward to doing more great events like this."

In the News: Charles River Meadowlands meeting, last day to register for state primary

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

"The Charles River Meadowlands workshop will take place 6-9 p.m. Sept. 27 at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. 

Community activists have been meeting for the past six months as they work to raise awareness of the Charles River Meadowlands in the Franklin/Bellingham/Medway area. 

Led by Franklin resident Alan Earls, the group has gained support from state and local officials, and the Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the Charles River Meadowlands. The open space, designed to provide a natural buffer in times of flooding, also offers opportunities for outside recreation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/charles-river-meadowlands-workshop-announced

image from Charles River MEadowlands webpage

"Friday is the deadline to register to vote in the Sept. 8 state primary. 

Clerk’s offices at city and town halls will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, for voter registration. Voters can also register on line at sec.state.ma.us/OVR, in person at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices or by mail by downloading a form available on the secretary of state’s website and sending it to or dropping it off at the local city or town hall. Mail-in forms must be postmarked by Friday for a voter to be eligible for the primary. Some town halls may close voter registration at 5 p.m. Friday - please contact your town for details."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160814/friday-last-day-to-register-to-vote-in-state-primary

Mr Vinny's Shadow Puppet - Puppet Show comes to the Library

Mr Vinny's Shadow Puppet Puppet Show comes to the Franklin Public Library on Friday, August 19 at 1:00 PM.

The puppet show is best for kids from 3 - 9 years old.


Note: the Library is operating from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while construction and renovation work is done on the main building downtown.

Mr Vinny's Shadow Puppet - Puppet Show comes to the Library

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/I02471121

Mr Vinny was also scheduled to appear here in June.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/06/mr-vinnys-shadow-puppet-puppet-show.html

In the News: site plan process changed, appraisal day scheduled

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

"The town has approved new rules that allow for less paperwork for certain building renovations and alterations. 

The Town Council recently gave its final, unanimous approval to a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow for limited - instead of full - site plans for some of those projects, should they meet certain criteria. 

Since full site plans are costly - owing to engineering work and the need to notify neighbors - town officials said they may dissuade building owners from improving their properties. It's hoped the change will improve that situation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/franklin-approves-limited-site-plan-process

Additional information from the most recent Town Council meeting (8/10/16) can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/town-council-actions-taken-august-10.html

word on the street says the development of the Ficco's and Keagan space was waiting on this change

"The Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central St., will hold Appraisal Day from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16. 

Antiques will be appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman, of Coyles Auction Gallery of Bellingham. Guests are allowed a maximum of three items to be appraised at a rate of $5 each."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160817/franklin-historical-museum-to-hold-appraisal-day