"start the ball rolling on gun legislation"

The MA House of Representatives task force on guns issued its report and recommendations.

All private firearms sales should be completed through a licensed dealer, live-fire training should be required for those seeking a license, and the state should comply in a limited capacity with the National Instant Background Check System, according to the long-awaited recommendations of a team of experts advising House Speaker Robert DeLeo on gun policy. 

While concluding that Massachusetts "already has some of the strongest gun laws in the nation," DeLeo's Committee to Reduce Gun Violence offered 44 recommendations on Monday to reduce gun violence and gun suicide, to improve public safety, and to standardize gun licensure throughout the state. 

"Virtually every gun begins as a legal gun, in the hands of someone who passed a background check," the task force wrote in a 23-page report, noting that most gun owners handle their weapons lawfully, and suicide is the leading cause of gun deaths.

Read the full article at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140203/NEWS/140209355#sthash.yrLZ4x6e.dpuf

Friendly reminder: Library Lovers Month - what is your favorite book?

There are only a few entries thus far... maybe you missed this the first time around. This will be open throughout the month of February. The Friends of the Library will post the results on their Facebook page. (If you haven't found them on Facebook, click here)

To help celebrate February as "Library Lovers Month", the Friends of Franklin Library (FoFL) would like to know what your favorite book is, and why (just a couple of sentences). It can be a book you read recently, or one you read years ago. Maybe you have a favorite author you can tell us about. Who knows, maybe we'll each find a new book or author to enjoy!

Ben Franklin reading outside the Franklin Library

Entries will be accepted until Feb 28, 2014.

As you submit your entry, you'll have the opportunity to view the other entries.

50% CPR & First Aid Training

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In the News: Feehan science fair

Bishop Feehan High School recently announced the winners of its annual Science Fair that included Franklin residents Sydney Maika, Christopher Chou and Marissa Fontaine.

See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140203/NEWS/140209524#sthash.KNWU20gy.dpuf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 5, 2014

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 22, 2014, Executive Session

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.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Financial Forecast – Jeffrey Nutting

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Bylaw Amendment 14-727: Amendment to Chapter 47, Alcoholic Beverages – 2nd Reading

2. Bylaw Amendment 14-729: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1, Exhibit A, Water System Map - 2nd Reading

3. Bylaw Amendment 14-730: Amendment to Chapter 139-14, Exhibit A, Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building

The set of documents released for this agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/020514.pdf

"It’s quite an important service"

The Milford Daily News has an article on regional transportation. In the article it mentions the GATRA bus that services Franklin.

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority, meanwhile, has bus routes that serve Franklin, Bellingham and Medway. Ridership on those three routes grew from about 27,400 in 2011 to 29,700 in 2012. 

Mary Basilone, the mobility manager for the authority, said local leaders and her agency saw a need to transport commuters, seniors, college students and others and started routes to meet that demand. 

She said her agency would like to improve connections with other regional transit authorities and enhance night and weekend service, but it needs funding to do so. 

She acknowledged there are competing interests for transportation money as state leaders work to improve bridges and roads in addition to public transit.

You ca read the full article here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140202/NEWS/140209634/1994/NEWS/?tag=2#sthash.BOupOlAs.dpuf

In Aug 2009, the Franklin Area Bus was wrapped in Dean College colors

Information on the Franklin Area Bus, can be found on the GATRA page here
http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

Franklin Food Pantry: current needs

If you would like some donation ideas that can help to fill some gaps in our current supply:

Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central St

Healthy Future Shelves

• Gluten Free
• Quinoa
• Dry spices and herbs
• Vinegar
• Olive or canola oil

Nonfood shelves

• Toothbrushes
• Shaving Cream/Gels
• Deodorant
• All Purpose Cleaners

Food shelves

• Canned Ravioli
• Canned Fruit
• Cereal

These items can be dropped off at the Food Pantry during our open hours Tue - Fri from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Or left in the box at the entrance to to Food Pantry. Please don't leave liquid items in the box when it is really cold.  Thank you!