Sewer Rehabilitation Underway in Downtown Areas

Phase 5 of our sewer rehabilitation project is underway and will last through much of the summer. 

Sewer service will be interrupted in localized areas for short periods of time (several hours) throughout the process. 

Our contractor, National Water Main, will provide advanced notice of service interruptions to those affected. 

Feel free to contact our office at 508-520-4910 with any questions or concerns.

Laurie J. Ruszala, P.E.
Water and Sewer Superintendent
Franklin Department of Public Works
257 Fisher Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-520-4910


This was shared from  http://www.franklinma.gov/node/126073

In the News: hypothermia cause of death, FHS graduates challenged to change

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

"Officials announced Friday that hypothermia killed a local college student whose body was found after a week-long search in May. 

Nancy Doherty, the mother of 20-year-old Michael Doherty, said Friday that she was devastated by the news. 

“He was trying to come here, but he got lost in the neighborhood and never made it,” she said. 

Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a statement that Doherty, a Duke University junior, had died as the result of hypothermia brought about by prolonged exposure to atmospheric cold. The death, he said, had been ruled as accidental, and no foul play is suspected."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170602/officials-michael-doherty-of-franklin-died-of-hypothermia

"Graduating Franklin High School seniors were urged to change the world, even if just in a little way. 

The school’s Class of 2017 graduated Friday evening, with friends and family gathered in the school’s gymnasium. 

The first speaker, Wesley Kozil, class vice president, recounted the class’ success in athletics, schoolwork and in activities. 

“None of this would be possible without the support of our teachers, family and friends,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170602/change-word-franklin-high-seniors-are-told

Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operations Hope To Yield Safety Improvements

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety in Franklin, the Franklin Police will conduct a pedestrian safety enforcement operation that focuses on motorists who fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

Pedestrian safety is a key issue in our community, and the Franklin Police Department is committed to upholding pedestrian safety laws to protect our citizens.

The Franklin Police Department strongly encourages members of the community to follow basic safe practices:

Traffic safety is everyone's
personal responsibility

• Drivers should be on the lookout for and stop for pedestrians.
• Drivers should stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk and stay stopped until the pedestrian is two traffic lanes away or has reached the sidewalk.
• Pedestrians should use a crosswalk when crossing the street and obey pedestrian signals.
• Pedestrians should look both ways for traffic before crossing and ensure cars are yielding before crossing. Remember that having the right-of-way does not prevent you from being seriously injured by a driver who is not paying attention. Traffic safety is everyone's personal responsibility.
• Pedestrians should wear bright colored, reflective clothing and use a flashlight when walking during hours of darkness. Be visible!

We are committed to doing our part to keep the community safe. We urge every member of the community to help by keeping themselves safe and following basic rules of the road.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/pedestrian-safety-enforcement

The PDF of the media release can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017_media_release_pedestrian_safety.pdf

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 6/2/17 - THU 6/8/17

FRIDAY 6/2/17
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market Opening Day @ Town Common
4:30pm   Yoga on the Town Common
5pm   FHS Commencement
11pm   FHS All Night Party

SATURDAY 6/3/17
7am-12pm   Annual Fishing Derby (rain date June 4) @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
9am-12pm   Recycling Drive (bottles/cans/clothing/household goods…) @ Kennedy School
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7:30pm   Blackstone Valley Bluegrass and Baza @ Original Congregational Church, Wrentham
7:30pm   Black Box Cabaret Series: Ali Funkhouser @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 6/4/17
10am-12pm   Touch-a-Truck Event @ field behind ECDC
12pm   Tri-County RVTHS Commencement
1-3pm   Franklin Cub Scout Packs Info and Registrations @ Town Common
1-3pm   Lemonade Stand to benefit 2 teams riding in Kids Pan Mass Challenge @ 72 Stewart Street
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 6/5/17
7pm   Learn to Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

WEDNESDAY 6/7/17
6pm   Mindfulness in Nature: A Guided Meditation Walk @ DelCarte
7pm   Franklin Art Association Meeting @ Franklin  Senior Center
7:30pm   Let’s Laugh Today: Laughter Yoga @ FUSF June 14 this month

THURSDAY 6/8/17
1-6pm   American Red Cross Blood Drive @ Elks Lodge
4-8pm   FSPA Open House @ 38 Main Street
4-7pm   Strawberry Stroll @ Downtown Franklin
4pm   Family Coloring Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm   Stony Brook Camera Club @ Anglican Church of the Redeemer (31 Hayward St)

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

Tri-County RVTHS STEAM Camp Student to Appear on The Food Network Kid’s BBQ Competition

Last summer Gabriella “Gabi” Valeri, a resident of North Attleboro, enrolled in Tri-County Regional’s STEAM Cooking Camp called, “Hey Mom and Dad, Let Me Cook Dinner!” During the camp Gabi learned how to prepare healthy meals and snacks while learning proper knife handling skills, safety in the kitchen and how to read and follow recipes like a chef. She also trained in planting and tending in the Tri-County School Garden where she received tips for growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Gabriella “Gabi” Valeri

Gabi first learned about the Food Network Kids BBQ show on the Internet. She was interested in competing for the chance to win $10,000 and the title of Kids BBQ Champion. She decided to enter. She was elated when she was contacted by the show and invited to participate in an online casting interview via Skype. From there she was asked to submit a YouTube video of her grilling. After that she was contacted to meet face-to-face with the Executive Producer of the show. She was so excited when she heard she was chosen to be on the roster of kid competitors.

Gabi will be barbecuing on the Food Network Kids BBQ Father’s Day Feast episode airing on Monday, June 12, 2017 at 8:00 PM EST. She will be competing against three other talented kids to whip up a feast for Dad's day and hope to delight hosts Eddie Jackson and Damaris Phillips and guest judge Roger Mooking. The first round has the kids scrambling to finish their steak and eggs, then the ultimate challenge and chance to win the $10,000 prize will come down to how well the kids mix surf with turf.

“We wanted to share this amazing opportunity because we felt the skills she learned in Tri-County’s STEAM Camp greatly increased her chances of making it on the show,” said Gabriella’s mother, Marguerite Valeri. “This was her only formal instruction.”

Tri-County’s licensed teachers use their industry expertise to teach campers about everything from Engineering Technology to Cosmetology. During the week-long camps, students will learn how to program a video game, build like an engineer, or cook like a chef. These creative activities allow campers to refine valuable STEAM skills during the summer months.

“We wish Gabi the best of luck and are so proud of her,” said Jean George, Director of Vocational Education at Tri-County. “Parents and teachers agree that summer is the perfect time to enjoy activities that interest our children and continue authentic learning. Tri-County Summer STEAM Camp offers sessions that are fun and allow campers to become familiar with 21st century careers.”

Gabi attends North Attleboro Middle School in North Attlleboro and is looking forward to attending Tri-County’s Summer STEAM Camp once again this year. She hopes to enroll in Tri-County RVTHS in the ninth grade where she will pursue a vocation in the Culinary Arts Career Program.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham. For more information, go to www.tri-county.us.

FHS boys tennis and girls lacrosse teams both win to advance in playoffs

Boys Tennis = D1 South = #7 Franklin, 4 vs. #10 Brockton, 1 – Final

– Franklin advances to the D1 South Quarterfinals. The Panthers will play the winner of #2 Brookline and #18 Natick on a date and at a time to be announced.

Girls Lacrosse = D1 East = #1 Franklin, 18 vs. #8 Natick, 10 – Final

"As the reigning D1 East Sectional Champs, and current top seed, the Franklin girls lacrosse team knows there is a target on their back. 

Natick came out firing on Thursday afternoon at Franklin High, but a strong second half effort and nine goals from sophomore Annie Walsh led Franklin to an 18-10 victory over eighth-seeded Natick. 

Heading into halftime, Natick led 7-6, completely controlled time of possession and led in draw controls at the break. 

Kendall Reardon started off the scoring for Franklin, scoring three minutes into the game, but on the ensuing Natick possession Annika Streeter would answer back to tie the game up at one. Streeter then set up teammate Victoria Norchi open in front of the net, and she scored to put the Redhawks up 2-1. Reardon would then score her second goal of the game to knot the game at two, but Norchi scored on an empty net to give Natick a 3-2 lead."

Continue reading the game recap by Joe Clark, HockomockSports.com Student Reporter
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-lacrosse-walsh-rally-past-natick-in-second-half/

For other results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-060117/

For photos from the girls lacrosse game
https://peterraiderphotography.smugmug.com/Spring-2017/Girls-Varsity-Lacrosse-2017/Girls-Varsity-Lacrosse-61-vs-Natick/

Franklin’s Annie Walsh races past a Natick defender in the first half.
(Peter Raider/HockomockSports.com Student Photographer)

School Committee Newsletter - Spring Edition 2017

Hello

Attached please find the link (https://www.smore.com/60620) for the Spring Newsletter from the Franklin School Committee. 

As a reminder, the Policy subcommittee is hosting a community forum on the proposed homework policy change on June 6, and the Community Relations subcommittee hosts their final coffee of the school year on June 9. Details on both in the newsletter.

Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

The Franklin School Committee

School Committee Newsletter - Spring Edition 2017

Lemonade Stand to benefit the Jimmy Fund/ Dana Farber - June 4

This Sunday on June 4, from 1-3 pm, please stop on over to 72 Stewart Street in Franklin for a Lemonade Stand! 

This lemonade stand is being held to benefit two teams riding in the Kids Pan Mass Challenge Ride in Franklin on June 11: the Neuroblastoma Ninjas and the Pedal Pushers! 100% of proceeds from this ride will directly benefit the Jimmy Fund/ Dana-Farber Cancer Institute! 

Here is a little background on the motivation behind these teams!

• The Neuroblastoma Ninjas was inspired by our friend Noah Smith of Franklin 3 years ago. When Noah was 10, he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and was treated at the Jimmy Fund/Children's hospital. His team has since raised over $35,000 for the PMC kids ride! 
• The Pedal Pushers- Cruising for the Cleary's, was formed by our wonderful friends at Davis Thayer Elementary School in Franklin, as a way to honor our 6-year-old son Jack, their classmate. Jack has been an amazing rock and brother to his 4-year-old brother Nicholas, who was diagnosed with the same type of cancer as Noah at 22 months old. 

Both of these boys went through a similar treatment and were able to beat this relentless disease, but their battles will always continue. These treatments are painful, and leave 95% of survivors with long-lasting or future side effects, including being at risk of relapse and secondary cancers. Despite these treatments and advances, there are still many who succumb to this disease. These kids will also ride for 9 year old Max Derba, and 35 year old Peter Daley, who both passed away from neuroblastoma. We need a better way for these children and adults!

Franklin is a wonderful community, and almost all of us can probably say we have been affected by cancer, whether a parent, child, sibling, friend, etc. While we continue to make strides in the search for a cure, there is an endless amount of room for improvement. Supporting Dana-Farber will help raise survival rates and improve the quality of life for survivors. We hope you will stop by, grab a glass and maybe a snack, and support these amazing kids doing their part in changing the future for others!

If you are unable to visit the lemonade stand but would still like to purchase a "virtual lemonade" please feel free to sponsor Jack or Noah's PMC Ride (no donation is too small!).

Pedal Pushers- Cruising for the Cleary's
https://profile.kids.pmc.org/franklin/CJ0547

Neuroblastoma Ninjas
https://profile.kids.pmc.org/franklin/SN0147


Thank you all for taking a moment to hear about our cause!

Side note: there is the potential for rain Sunday afternoon, but we will still be there (under a tent) as long as its not crazy raining!

PMC Franklin Kids Ride - Sunday, June 11

opening today - Franklin Farmers' Market

"Join us on the Franklin Town Common every Friday from June 2 to October 27, 12pm-6pm, and support these local businesses from around New England."

• 46 Oak
• A Basket Full of Herbs
• Ackerman Maple Farm
• Amado Ceramics
• Andy's Heaven and Hell Hot Sauce
• Angel Hair Alpacas
• Birchtree Bread Company
• Cactus Pottery
• Clarion Farm
• Claymark Studio
• Cooks Valley Farm
• Eric's Sharper Edge
• Everything Jalapeno and Not
• Fairmount Fruit Farm
• Forest Edge Pottery
• Foxboro Cheese
• Franklin Honey Company
• Grateful Farm
• Kelleys’ Farm
• La Cantina Winery
• Lanni Orchards
• Little Shop of Olive Oils
• Montville Candy Company
• Painted Lady Flower Farm
• The Pumpkin Farm
• #ShopFranklin
• Wenger's Farm

For more information on the Farmers Market and the individual vendors

http://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/vendors.html

opening today - Franklin Farmers' Market

Travel Alert: I-90 Reduction - 2 lanes only on June 3 and 4

Dear EZDriveMA Customer,

I-90 DRY RUN: Upcoming Lane Reductions on I-90 to Prepare for Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project

        •       From 11:59 PM on Friday, June 2, to 5:00 AM on Monday, June 5, MassDOT will reduce I-90 to 2 lanes in both directions between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass.
        •       MassDOT and its contractor will be conducting a "dry run" of the traffic logistics on I-90 for the major construction that will take place from July 26 to August 14 .
        •       A "crossover" on I-90 will direct all vehicular traffic to either the eastbound or westbound roadways at different periods of time – see the map below.

                http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/portals/8/Images/highlightedProjects/CommAveBridge/CommAveCrossover.jpg

Travel Alert: I-90 Reduction  - 2 lanes only on June 3 and 4

About the Project

The Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project will replace the bridge that carries Commonwealth Avenue and the MBTA Green B Line over I-90/Mass Turnpike and the MBTA Commuter Rail. The existing bridge, constructed in 1965, is in poor condition. The project will replace a structurally deficient bridge while adding dedicated bike lanes and extensive pedestrian safety upgrades.

2017 Construction Window – Transportation Impacts

Between Wednesday, July 26 and Monday, August 14, these modes of transportation will be impacted in the Boston University/Saint Paul Street neighborhood:
        •       MBTA Green B Line from Babcock Street to Blandford Street Stations: closed from 9:00 PM on July 26 to 5:00 AM on August 14 (shuttle buses will run between Babcock Street and Blandford Street Stations)
        •       Commonwealth Avenue eastbound and westbound between Brighton Avenue/Packard's Corner and Kenmore Square: closed to private vehicular traffic from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14 (two-way access will be maintained for MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists)
        •       Boston University (BU) Bridge: closed to private vehicular traffic from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14 (two-way access will be maintained for MBTA buses, emergency services, pedestrians, and bicyclists)
        •       MBTA Bus Routes CT2 and 47: detoured from normal routes from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14 (see project website for detour maps)
        •       I-90 (Mass Pike) between the Allston Interchange and Beacon Street Overpass: lane reductions from 9:00 PM on July 28 to 5:00 AM on August 7 and intermittent closures of Exit 20 on/off-ramps (2 lanes in each direction during peak period)
        •       MBTA Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line: service impacts for two weekends (July 29-30 and August 5-6) – service will be maintained during weekdays; shuttle bus service from Boston Landing to Reservoir Station (Yawkey Way during Red Sox games)
        •       Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited Line: service impacts for two weekends (July 29-30 and August 5-6) – shuttle bus service between Albany, NY and Boston

These short-term impacts are necessary for MassDOT's contractor to work continuous shifts 24 hours a day using Accelerated Bridge Construction. This approach reduces the construction duration from four to five years to two intensive construction windows, with the second construction window occurring in 2018.
Please see the project website, www.mass.gov/massDOT/CommAveBridge, for a detailed project schedule, temporary traffic impacts and detour maps.
MassDOT's goal is to anticipate and manage potential traffic impacts. A key to this success is minimizing traffic volume as much as possible in the area. With that in mind, we are asking abutters and customers to:
        •       Reduce – Try to schedule your vacation during this planned construction period. Avoid the construction area as much as possible.
        •       Reschedule – Alter work schedules, commuting times, or work from home, if possible.
        •       Re-mode – Shift to public transportation, walking, or biking. One side of the bridge will remain open to pedestrians and bicycles throughout the project.

Stay Informed!
        •       Visit the project website, www.mass.gov/massDOT/CommAveBridge, to sign up for the project email list and encourage your colleagues, employees, friends, and neighbors to sign up.
        •       If you have any questions about the project, please contact Jim Kersten, MassDOT Legislative Liaison, at (857) 368-9041 or email CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us.


Please visit the following link for additional information.

http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx


Thank you,
EZDriveMA Customer Service Center.

Cub Scout Information available at Town Common June 4

Franklin Cub Scout Packs will be holding an info and registration event on Sunday June 4th from 1-3pm on the Town Common. 

If you are interested in Cub Scouts for your son entering K-5th grade in the fall, please stop by and say hello! 

Leaders from the 3 Scout Packs in town will be onhand to answer your questions and help get you registered.

• Pack 92 serves families in Charter. Parmenter, and Jefferson schools. For more information visit us at http://franklinpack92.org

• Pack 17 serves families from Keller and Davis Thayer.  For more information visit http://pack17franklinma.scoutlander.com

• Pack 126 serves families from Kennedy and Oak Street schools.  For more information visit http://franklinpack126.org

https://franklinpack92.org/

MassBudget: Backgrounder - Q&A about a $15 minimum wage

MassBudget Backgrounder Information. Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Democracy. Frequently Asked Questions about a $15 Minimum Wage MassBudget has released a new fact sheet that examines issues related to the introduction of a $15 minimum wage in Massachusetts. It covers the following questions: Who would be affected by a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour - their age and demographics? How big an increase would the average minimum wage worker receive? How are tipped workers like waiters covered under minimum wage laws, and how might they be affected by potential changes? How has the minimum wage rate and its value changed over time in Massachusetts? How has the relationship between wage growth and productivity growth changed in recent decades? Which other states and cities have enacted a $15 minimum wage? Read the new fact sheet 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

Downtown Partnership: June 1, 2017, General Meeting Agenda

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com FDP General Meeting Agenda Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting Thursday, June 1, 2017, 8:30 a.m. Dean College Campus Center Golder Room (second floor) Open Meeting Adoption of Agenda Member Introductions Town Update - Jeff Nutting FDP Updates - Lisa Piana Strawberry Stroll Membership Discounts FSPA - Raye Lynn Mercer Small Business Marketing Presentation                          Michael Carroll, Senior VP, Dean Bank New Business Adjourn Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership, 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by downtown.franklin@yahoo.com in collaboration with Try it free today

In the News: microbrewery tasting room moves forward; ABCC rule creates confusion

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

"A bylaw change that would allow local microbreweries or wineries to have tasting rooms is a step closer to reality. 

The Town Council is set to take up the measure in June after it received approval from the Planning Board at its May 22 meeting. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the board passed the change, but altered one aspect of the proposal - the square footage of a microbrewery’s facility that could be devoted to a tasting room. 

“What we had done originally is allow (a tasting room of) 33 percent of the square footage,” Hellen said. “The Planning Board scaled that back to a quarter.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170531/franklin-council-to-consider-microbreweries-bylaw

"It is a problem many craft beer drinkers run into – the buildup of a large collection of growlers they have purchased at the breweries they have visited. 

But, last week, the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission issued a new advisory, informing breweries they could fill any glass growler (typically a 64-ounce or 32-ounce jug) full of beer as long as the growler is completely blank with no labeling at all from another brewery. 

Although, generally in favor of the move, many MetroWest brewers say the new advisory is confusing and may wait before they start filling growlers other than their own. 

On Wednesday, members of the Mass. Brewer’s Guild – a trade organization for Massachusetts breweries – held a board of director’s meeting to discuss the new guidelines, said board member Keith Sullivan, co-owner of Medusa Brewing Company in Hudson."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170531/new-growler-laws-offer-confusion-to-local-brewers

MBTA: Through Tuesday: Change at Back Bay opening sooner

Due to the Simon Company's Copley Place construction, Back Bay Stations Dartmouth Street underpass will remain closed until June 7, 2017.

Due to Copley Place construction being performed by the Simon Company, the Dartmouth Street underpass leading to and from the west side of Dartmouth Street at Back Bay Station will be temporarily closed until Wednesday, June 7.

Customers are encouraged to use the stations main entrance on the east side of Dartmouth Street during the underpass closure.

Affected routes:

• Orange Line
• Framingham/Worcester Line
• Needham Line
• Franklin Line
• Providence/Stoughton Line

Last updated: May 31 2017 10:42 AM
Sent by the MBTA.

entrance to Copley Place under construction earlier this year

The last notification said that the closure would be in place until June 15
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/mbta-update-back-bay-construction.html

FHS Commencement info and All Night Party - June 2

"This is the homepage for the 2017 Franklin High School Commencement Ceremony. You will find all of the information about the ceremony on this site including information about times and locations, ordering tickets, handicap seating, parking and more. We hope this helps our families plan an enjoyable celebration of your students' success."

https://sites.google.com/a/franklinps.net/fhs-commencement/home

The FHS All Night Party will operate for the graduates to have a safe and fun evening from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM

http://www.fhsallnightparty.com/

FHS Commencement info and All Night Party - June 2