Sunday, January 4, 2015

"Survey Says" - Which option on the 150 Emmons St property would you like to see?

As mentioned in the agenda for the Town Council meeting on Weds Jan 7, 2015, the council is scheduled to discuss the four options for the 150 Emmons St property.

Let's do a quick survey to see what you would choose?






The letter outlining the four options to the Town Council is found on page 25 of the 79 page PDF file released for the Town Council meeting January 7, 2015:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/010715.pdf



150 Emmons St
150 Emmons St

Updated 7:00 PM 1/6/15

Currently there are 63 responses with 15 for 'selling the property as is' offset by 15 doing nothing while 27 would 'sell with the restriction of no drive' through and another 6 would look to see who would actually be the occupant before doing anything.

survey results as of 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015
survey results as of 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015


Note: if you do have any trouble leaving your response for the survey, please leave your vote in the comments. There are two of those not in the above totals atthistime.



Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 7, 2015

Note: The meeting has a scheduled start of 6:00 PM. They will open the meeting, go to Executive Session with a return to open meeting after their discussion on the Fire Fighters Union contract.  


A. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Collective Bargaining with Fire Fighters Union


The Town Council needs to meet in executive session for the purpose to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with fire fighters’ Union; I declare that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body. 
The open session will reconvene at the conclusion of the executive session.


B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- December 17, 2014

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

D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

E. CITIZEN COMMENTS

F. APPOINTMENTS
- Historical Commission: Phyllis Messere Malcom

G. HEARINGS
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-745: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule, Residential Uses, Office Zoning District – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Artistry Kitchen – Change of Manager

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

  • Community Opportunity Group – Community Development Block Grant 
  • 150 Emmons Street 
  • Town Administrator’s Annual Update, Five Year Fiscal Forecast, Master Plan Update

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-01: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging 
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-745: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule, Residential Uses, Office Zoning District – 1ST Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. ADJOURN


The full set of documents released for this meeting can be found here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/010715.pdf

150 Emmons St, Franklin, MA
150 Emmons St, Franklin, MA

Options for 150 Emmons St decision

The Emmons St discussion is likely one of the key items on the Town Council agenda for their first meeting of 2015. The letter from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting to the Town Council lays out the current options for the discussion on the Request for Proposal (RFP) to sell the property.

As the Council is aware, we discussed an RFP for the sale of 150 Emmons Street with a minimum bid of $475,000. We did receive one bid for $500,000. The proposal submitted does not identify any specific use for the property. 
The Council has several options including:
1. Sell the land for $500,000 and allow the developer to construct anything on the property allowed by zoning. 
2. Sell the land for $500,000, but restrict the use. (The discussion at the Economic Development Committee was whether to allow for VSEs (Vehicle Service Establishments) for any use or not allow VSEs for fast food/coffee uses? 
3. Sign a Land Disposition agreement and allow the developer 180 days to find a tenant (s) acceptable to the Council. 
4. Take no action at this time.
If the Town Council chooses to sell the property, we will need until July 1, 2015 to relocate the Recreation Department.

The screen grab of the letter can be viewed here: 

screen grab of letter with options for decision on 150 Emmons St
screen grab of letter with options for decision on 150 Emmons St


150 Emmons St, Franklin   MA
150 Emmons St, Franklin   MA


The letter is found on page 25 of the 79 page PDF file released for the Town Council meeting January 7, 2015:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/010715.pdf

Planning Board - Agenda - January 5, 2015

The agenda for the Planning Board meeting on Monday January 5 has two main items.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PlanningAgendas/2015%20Agendas/January%205,%202015.pdf


1 - the zoning by law change proposed for the town owned property on Pond St



2 - the application for Midas Muffler to join in the lot with Wendy's




The Planning Board meeting is scheduled to be held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 7:00 PM.

355 East Central St, Franklin, MA
355 East Central St, Franklin, MA 

Franklin Annual Report 2014: Council on Aging (Senior Center)

Continuing our reading of the 2014 Annual Report we come to the section from the Council on Aging which is responsible for the Franklin Senior Center

The Franklin Senior Center

The Franklin Senior Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Center provides programs, services and activities along with outreach, information and referral to serve the needs of older adults, disabled individuals and their families.

The Senior Center offers a health screening and wellness, nutrition, social service coordination, socialization, recreation, transportation, educational programs, a supportive day program, and volunteer and intergenerational opportunities.

The Center’s mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s older adults by:

  • Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
  • Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social and physical well-being.
  • Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
  • Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as liaison to local, state and Federal resources for older adults and their families.


Highlights

Last year, we added several new activities including: a weekly Open Art Studio for aspiring artists, an Aging Mastery Program which offered ongoing presentations on health and wellness, and lessons for using tablets and smartphones. In addition, we started to offer Reflexology sessions and a Chess Club.

We recruited a Senior Greeter to provide a brief orientation and tour of the Senior Center for newcomers, and we hosted an Open House to showcase the programs, services and activities offered at the Senior Center. Authors, Jennie Coughlin and Marjorie Turner Hollman gave presentations about their recently published books, and we hosted lectures on the History of Cathedrals and Travels in Southern India. We offered two evidence-based programs: Powerful Tools for Caregivers, and Chronic Pain Self-Management.

We collaborated with the Franklin Food Pantry to offer a mobile food pantry at the Senior Center. The Norfolk County District Attorney sponsored a Prescription Drug Mobile Take-Back. The 2013 WMRC Senior Expo was hosted by the Senior Center. The Expo featured 35 exhibitors, health screenings, a senior fashion show, and attracted over 400 seniors.

Caregiver Support

The AARP reports that 42% of U.S. employees have cared for an older relative or friend in the last five years, and 19% of retirees stopped working to provide elder care. Clearly, assistance is needed for members of our community who are struggling with this issue.

As part of our commitment to caregivers, we offer several respite and support services to alleviate the physical and emotional stress caregivers’ experience. They include:
• Supportive Day Program “The Sunshine Club” offers a structured, stimulating day program for frail elders and respite for their caregivers. This program enhances the quality of life for participants who enjoy fun activities, socialization and gentle exercise.
• Companion Caregivers is an in-home service that provides a companion for frail elders and respite to their caregivers by offering an affordable companion service.
• Caregivers Support Group is facilitated by two moderators who have completed a training program with the Alzheimer’s Association. The group meets biweekly.
• Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a 6-week evidencebased program that teaches caregivers how to reduce guilt and stress, communicate effectively, set goals and problem solve.

Health & Wellness Programs

The concept of Healthy Aging has become an integral component of our Wellness Program. This is a multi-faceted approach to encourage and maintain elder independence by fostering optimal mental, social and physical well-being.

The program provides chronic disease self-management, fall prevention, physical activity, healthy eating, social connection and community engagement. The Center’s Health & Wellness program offers the following:
• Health Clinics: Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar, Podiatry, Flu Vaccinations, and Vision & Hearing screenings.
• Evidence-based programs: Developed through rigorous research, these programs provide clear physical, psychological, and social benefits with
measurable outcomes; e.g, reducing doctor’s visits and hospitalizations.
• Fall Prevention: Evidence-based seminars, Gait Assessments, Fall Risk Assessments, Medication Management and Home Safety evaluations, which
evaluate elders’ home environments to determine if the risk for dangerous falls can be reduced. Based on this evaluation, installation of grab bars and adaptive devices are provided.
• Fitness: Cardio Tone & Stretch, Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, Chair Exercise, Walking Club, Bocce, Line Dancing, Chair Volleyball, Reiki, Reflexology and Meditation are offered.
• Support: Eye Health, Weight Loss, and Caregivers Support Groups; individual consultations with our Health & Wellness Nurse.
• Education: Monthly presentations such as Paring Down to Essentials, Medicare Boot Camp, Cooking for One, and Five Wishes Advance Directive.
• The Center’s Health & Wellness Nurse provides weekly blood pressure testing.

The Center provided over 3,500 health service contacts last year. We offered 2 seminars, the Aging Mastery Program and Living Your Best Life; 2 evidence-based workshops, Chronic Pain Management and Powerful Tools for Caregivers; a Flu Vaccine Clinic, and 3 Gait Assessment clinics over the course of the year. In collaboration with the Medway Senior Center, we offered the Aging Mastery Program, which encourages elders to take key steps to improve their well-being and add stability to their lives. Built on the foundation of actionable goals, sustainable behaviors, clear incentives and peer support, this self-paced program enables participants to create their own personal pathways for aging well.

Outreach/Social Service Coordination

The Franklin Senior Center provides assistance with housing, employment, home care services, tax abatements, long-term care placement, prescription drug programs, and many other programs and services for elderly and disabled residents through the Center’s Social Service Coordinator. The Coordinator can make home visits to homebound residents to assess needs and make referrals. The Social Service Coordinator can also assist the non-senior population. The Coordinator can help seniors and others access several social benefit programs, including Food Stamps, Fuel Assistance, Mass Health, Supplemental Security Insurance, Veteran’s benefits, and many other public benefits.

The Social Service Coordinator assists seniors and the nonsenior community by referring them to monthly legal clinics, and the SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program, which provided assistance with health insurance questions and problems for 152 elders last year. Free income tax preparation assistance was also provided by Senior Center for 115 seniors and by the AARP for 140 seniors. An information session providing assistance to seniors in obtaining real estate tax abatements and the State’s Circuit Breaker tax credit was also offered. Our volunteer completed Circuit Breaker Tax Credit returns for 48 elderly residents, resulting in a total of $43,350.00 in senior tax relief.

The Council on Aging tapes a cable television show, The Senior Circle, which offers a wealth of information on senior topics and issues of interest. The show is shown on Franklin Public Access, Channel 8.

Nutrition

The Center’s Common Grounds CafĂ© offers seniors a nutritious, affordable breakfast and luncheon in a social setting, as well as monthly theme parties. By utilizing volunteers, we can offer an extremely affordable meal that accommodates senior budgets. A recent study found that “Social contact may be as effective as physical activity in improving mood and quality of life.” The CafĂ© and our monthly parties offer a great
opportunity for seniors to enjoy a delicious meal enhanced by social interaction. Last year we served over 20,000 nutritious, affordable meals at the Café, a 5% increase over last year.

Educational Programs

We offer instruction and educational programs in numerous areas including the following:
• Computer, Tablet & Phone Instruction
• Italian Conversation Group
• Current Events Discussion Group
• CPR Certification
• Painting Instruction
• Woodcarving Instruction
• Knitting & Quilting Instruction
• Arts & Crafts Instruction
• Writers Group – Senior Scribblers
• Book Discussion Group
• Cribbage Instruction
• Smart Driver Classes
• America- An Artful Journey

Social and Recreational Programming

The Senior Center offers a varied assortment of social and recreational activities in an effort to reduce social isolation by encouraging friendship and engagement. The Center’s CafĂ© and social events foster social interaction as do many other social and recreational opportunities offered at the Center. Some of these include: cards, board games, arts & crafts, pool/billiards, movies, day trips and our chorale group.

Transportation

Handicapped accessible transportation is available to Franklin’s elderly and disabled residents through GATRA, the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority. Dial-ARide service is available to Franklin’s older residents within Franklin or out-of-town within a 15 mile radius.

GATRA also offers a fixed route bus through town and long-distance transportation for medical appointments to Boston and other destinations. GATRA transportation can be scheduled by calling 800-698-7676.

The Council on Aging works with GATRA to assure optimal access to, and quality of both Dial-A-Ride and the fixed bus route services for senior and disabled riders. The Senior Center also offers weekly recreational trips at an affordable price for older adults.

Friends of Franklin Elders

The Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc. (FOFE) is a private, non-profit organization, which was founded to assist the Franklin Senior Center with funding. The Friends supplement town funding for the Senior Center by funding programs, services, and equipment. FOFE raises funds through its annual membership drive. The Center relies on FOFE to help fund salaries for our Grill Cook and Health & Wellness Nurse. The Friends also funded our annual Veterans Breakfast, our Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, entertainment for social events, and various other expenses. The Friends publish our monthly newsletter, The Franklin Connection. In collaboration with the Benjamin Franklin Charter School, FOFE provides gifts to 40 homebound elderly residents.

Tax Work-Off Program

Franklin offers a Tax Work-Off Program for senior homeowners aged 60 and over. Seniors can take a credit of up to $800.00 off their real estate taxes by working in various town departments at the minimum wage. This program provides important tax relief to senior citizens, while supplying the town with knowledgeable workers. In 2013, ninety-three participants worked for a total of 8,495 hours at a total cost of $67,960. Senior workers were placed in the Library, Treasurer/Collector’s office, the Recreation Department, the DPW, the Assessors’ office, the Building/Inspection office, the Senior Center and several schools.

Volunteers

The Council on Aging is deeply indebted to our volunteers for their steadfast service and commitment to the Senior Center. They enrich our programming and enhance our ability to serve older adults effectively. Volunteers donate their time working in our gift shop, café, Supportive Day Program, as instructors, and in many other capacities. Last year, 106 dedicated volunteers contributed 11,212 hours of service to the Senior Center. Each year, we pay tribute to our volunteers for their dedicated service at our annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, which is funded by the Friends of Franklin Elders.


Intergenerational Activities

The Senior Center is committed to joining generations and we enjoyed many intergenerational activities with students of all ages over the course of the year. These activities help to create a sense of community, improve self-esteem in both generations, and dispel age-related stereotypes.

The Tri-County Technical Regional Vocational School Health Services students visited the Center bi-weekly to interact with seniors and assist with activities; they also hosted a Health Fair. Tri-County’s Honor Society offered free gift wrapping for seniors during the holidays.

National Honor Society students at Franklin High School hosted their annual Spring Fling for seniors with a free luncheon, entertainment by talented students, and generous raffle prizes which the students solicit from local merchants.

Our Supportive Day Program met monthly with students from the Early Child Development Program. Horace Mann students organized a Poetry Day at the Center and shared classic poems with seniors who shared their poems as well. Our seniors mentor students at the Parmenter School’s Book Buddies program. We hosted two interns from Franklin High School and two interns from Xaverian Brothers High School.

Some further conveniences offered at the Senior Center include:
• Hairdresser/Barber/Manicures
• “Ben’s Bounty” Gift Shop
• Free Medical Equipment & Supply Loans
• Fitness Equipment
• Franklin Connection Newsletter
• “Senior Circle” Cable Program
• Recycling – Batteries & Light bulbs

Funding & Partnerships

The Center’s total funding from all sources was $285,921 last year. When broken down, this includes 54% from the Town’s General Fund, 22% from Revolving Funds, 12% from the state’s Elder Affairs grant, 8% from the Friends of Franklin Elders and 4% from the MetroWest Health Care Foundation.

The Franklin Council on Aging partners with the Franklin Police Department and the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. The Franklin Police Patrolmen’s Association officers offer a holiday luncheon at the Senior Center every year, along with educational presentations and Bingo parties.

The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office collaborates with the Senior Center and the Franklin Police to create awareness of scams and fraudulent schemes to reduce elderly victimization and enhance the safety of older adults.

The Sheriff’s Office sponsors the Yellow Dot Program which furnishes a sticker for an elder’s vehicle, which directs first responders to the driver’s medical information in the glove compartment.

The Sheriff’s Office and the Franklin Police Department also manage the Project Lifesaver program, which recovers elders with dementia who may wander. The program provides subscribers with a wrist bracelet with a radio transmitter. Should the subscriber wander, a search and rescue team is deployed to track the signal. The program is available to elderly residents suffering from dementia.

The Senior Center also worked with a Veterans organization, “IPods for Wounded Veterans” to send afghans to military hospitals in Washington D.C.

In Memorium: Stella Jeon

The Franklin Council on Aging was greatly saddened by the loss of long-time member, Stella Jeon. Stella was a passionate advocate for the Senior Center, the town of Franklin and those with low vision. Stella was the embodiment of kindness and touched many lives in our community and beyond. Stella will be commemorated with the re-naming of the Center’s library as the “Stella Jeon Memorial Library” and the addition to our parking lot will be designated as “Stella Jeon Way”.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Alves
Senior Center Director

Mah Jongg lessons start in January at the Senior Center
Mah Jongg lessons start in January at the Senior Center


For additional information on the Council on Aging (Senior Center) you can visit their page on the official Franklin website  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index


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The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2014report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/


FHS Winter Sports: hockey teams win, track teams lose

From Hockomock Sports we can share the results of the FHS winter athletic teams from Saturday:

Hockey - Boys


Milford, 1 @ Franklin, 8 - Final - Connor Anderson scored twice for the Panthers and six other Franklin players scored once. Drew Wilde scored Milford's lone goal.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Hockey - Girls


Franklin, 2 vs. Westwood, 1 - Final



Indoor Track - Boys


Franklin, 23.5 vs. Mansfield, 76.5 - Final - The Hornets had one of the best days of all Hockomock teams on the day. Aidan Friend finished in 6.88 in the 55M dash, Dean Jenssen finished at 36.88 in the 300M, Mike Duggan finished the 600M in 1:28.96 and Dan Romano (9:54.03) and Jake Affanato (9:54.36) had the two best times in the two mile race. Behind Romano and Affanato in the two mile was Franklin's Ryan Spelman (10:27.41) and Nate Zaccardi finished the 55M dash in 7.09.

Indoor Track - Girls


Franklin, 33 vs. Mansfield, 67 - Final - Junior Lauren Waters finished the 55M dash in 7.64, the best Kelley-Rex finish on the day, Lindsay Goulet clocked a 42.45 in the 300M race, second best in the league and Mikaila Amerantes (1:39.33) and Rachel Stier (1:42.63) had the two best finishes in the 600M race. Franklin's Meghan Doherty registered a 1:42.98 in the 600M face, the third best finish - only behind Amerantes and Stier. Elaina Rebello (3:16.18, 1000M), Brittany Robinson (5:31.00, 1 Mile) and Sabrina LoMonaco (33-04.75, Shot Put) had strong days for the Panthers as well.


For all the Hockomock League results, check this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-010315

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Franklin Annual Report 2014: Recreation Department

Continuing our reading of the 2014 Annual Report, we come to the Recreation Department.


The Recreation Department is located at 150 Emmons Street. The Recreation Department offers Franklin and Medway residents a variety of programs and events for youths and adults as well as coordination of youth sports organizations field use and coordination of maintenance at athletic fields. The department operates and schedules activities for Chilson Beach at Beaver Pond, Fletcher Field, Dennis Pisani Field (formally Theron Metcalf), Henry “Ski” Faenza Tot Lot (Nason Street Tot Lot), King Street Memorial Field, Dacey Community Field, and Meadowlark Lane Athletic Fields. The department is also responsible for scheduling the use of all school athletic fields during the summer, when school is not in session. Our department works closely with the various town youth sports organizations and Athletic Director Brad Sidwell to schedule all youth sports activities around the high school team practices and games.

Chilson Beach

This year, Chilson Beach was a busy place with over 3000 visitors utilizing the many functions of the pond. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and hiking were some of the activities available at Chilson Beach. We continue to operate soccer, field hockey, football, boy’s lacrosse and cross country running on and around the turf field. The turf field was used for NFL Flag football, Pop Warner football, soccer, and lacrosse, as well as yoga for senior citizens, tai chi, boot camp, and many other recreational activities. A portable recycled plastic walkway was installed for handicap accessibility to the water and playground area. The Franklin High School soccer, lacrosse and field hockey programs play all of their home games on the turf field as well.

Summer Playground Program

An eight week playground program was held at King Street Memorial Field & Medway’s Choate Park from June 23-August 15, 2014. The program hours were Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily. Activities included: organized games, arts and crafts, water activities, sports, and weekly visitors. The themed weeks featured camp shirt tie dye on Tuesdays, field trips on Wednesdays, a giant slip and slide every Thursday, and Pizza day Fridays. The program grew this summer to over 1,000 registrants. The Franklin Summer Playground Program Director this year was Kaitlyn Williamson. The Franklin Summer Playground Program staff included: Paul, Allison and Tom O’Donoghue, Nicole Williamson, Dan Kohutanycz, Amy Trottier, Erik and Jakob Herlitz, Nicole Ellin, Emily Allard, Brendan Kuzio, Nicholas DePedro, Aiden Gilbert, Jacob Davis, Erin Connelly, Kyle Collins, Kelly Dubowskiand Dominic Girdini.

The Medway Summer Playground Program Director was Marybeth Bryne. Her staff included: Tyler Cummings, John Geromini, Alec Marshall, and Ryan
Spillane.

Youth Basketball Program

The Youth Basketball program continues to grow and now involves over 1,178 children, 130 teams, 202 coaches, and utilizes every school gymnasium in town. The Recreation department expanded its basketball program to include High School aged kids looking to continue playing. This intramural program gives kids in grades 9-12 a chance to continue playing pick up basketball on Saturday nights. The program utilizes school gyms at Parmenter, Davis Thayer, Horace Mann Middle School, Remington Elementary, J.F. Kennedy School, Keller Sullivan Middle School, and Franklin High School auxiliary gym. This year the youth basketball program ran from November 9th-March 1st on Saturdays. The FYBL is divided into ten divisions: Kindergarten (co-ed), 1st & 2nd Grade Boys, 1st & 2nd Grade Girls, 3rd & 4th Grade Boys, 3rd & 4th Grade Girls, 5th & 6th Grade Boys & 5th & 6th Grade Girls, 7th & 8th Grade Boys, 7th & 8th Grade Girls and High School Intramural division.

This year, our coordinators were Dave Angermeier 3rd & 4th Boys, Bob Pingeton 3rd & 4th Girls, Ryan Jette 5th & 6th Girls, Tim Saunders 5th & 6th Boys, Mike Canesi 7th & 8th Girls, Mark Eccher and Steve Skaza 7th & 8th Boys, and Mike Vinson High School Intramural League. It is because of these individuals and the volunteer coaches, that this program is a success. The K-4th grade leagues are set up as a non-competitive learning experience for the children with the focus on fundamental basketball skills. Grades 5th-8th grade basketball leagues start to teach the kids different rules, zone defense, pressing, and traits of competitive basketball. Ten players are drafted to each team and games are played weekly on Saturdays. Participation trophies are awarded to all Kindergarten through 4th grade players, and a “break-up” pizza party is held for all K-2nd grade players after the final game of the season.

Pee Wee Baseball

The Pee Wee Baseball program was created in 1999 by Director, Ryan Jette. Since then, the program has grown from 26 kids to 200 kids annually. Taking his lifelong baseball coaching experience coupled with past employment with Major League Baseball International, Ryan created a beginners baseball program that teaches kids the proper techniques of hitting, fielding, base running and throwing. This fun league features 4 practice sessions and 8 controlled games. The use of tees, soft bats and spongy balls make this program a safe and enjoyable start children ages 4-6 years old. Head Instructors Mike Massuer and Paul O’Donoghue will be on site to run the drills, organize the scrimmages, and support the volunteer
coaching staff.

Kid Care Babysitting

The Recreation Department continues to offer this 6-hour training program for kids ages 11-16 years old. Kelley Brooks teaches kids the business of babysitting while coordinating lectures on childcare, fire and police safety, nutrition, and diapering. Classes were offered monthly throughout the year and over 100 kids were introduced to the business of babysitting.

NFL Flag Football

The Recreation Department teamed up with the NFL to bring this non-contact flag football league to kids aged 6-14 years old. 395 kids signed up to play each Tuesday & Thursday evening at the Beaver Pond Turf Field. Reversible NFL game jerseys, playbooks, belt/flag setup and access to the NFL Kids website gives kids the opportunity to follow their favorite player or team. Players learned the fundamentals of throwing, catching, running and teamwork. Punt, pass, and kick competition will allow kids to showcase their skills in a competition against area youths.

new floating bridge at DelCarte Recreation (off Pleasent St)
new floating bridge at DelCarte Recreation (off Pleasent St)

Tennis Program

The youth tennis instructional program was offered at the Choate Park Courts in Medway. The two six-week program was under the supervision of Wesley Esthimer and John Hardesty. Classes were run at the Choate Park Tennis Courts in Medway Tuesday evenings through Thursday evenings for all skill levels. Around 50 children and adults participated in our tennis program.

Golf Lessons

The Recreation Department expanded the golf lessons offered into the summer months, by offering a full or half day camp in the summer. The Recreation Department, in conjunction with Golf Professional, Mark Copithorne, offered Adult and Junior Golf instruction at the New England Country Club in South Bellingham. The lessons covered all aspects of the game of golf (putting, chipping, bunkers, irons, and woods). Registrants met one day a week for 6 weeks to practice their skills. Lessons were offered during the summer and fall season for over 340 residents attending. Express 2 day lessons were offered over April Vacation. Participants enjoyed playing the course following the six-week lesson to see what they learned.

Girls Lacrosse

The Recreation Department has been running the Girls lacrosse program since 2005. The program has grown from 28 girls to over 280 girls. Our teams participate in the Massachusetts Bay Girls Lacrosse League. There were four teams at the 1st-2nd grade division which was coached by Mike Ryan, Greg Tracey, Kim Carney, Beth Peterson, Renee Tolonen, Raquel Griffin, Mike Grasso and Rich Norton. There were five teams at the 3rd & 4th Grade division, which were coached by Ryan Jette, Tom O’Rourke, Mark Goguen, Barry Regan, Mike Grasso, Kevin O’Connor, Michelle Hess, Matt Hawkins and Nicole Ellin. There were three teams at the 5th & 6th Grade level, which was coached by Mark Goguen, Paul DeStefano, Charlie Clark, Kinjal Patel, Kim Carney and Ted Mazukina . And three teams at the 7th & 8th Grade level, which were coached by Roger Jette, John Jette, Todd MacCallum, Paul DeStefano, Chris Schmidt, Lindsey Baryluk and plenty of High School Players . All levels had successful seasons and played in 8 regular season games. Franklin Girls Lacrosse is still the largest girls’ lacrosse program in the state of Massachusetts.

ArtVenture Afterschool Studios

After being without an art program for nearly two years, the Recreation Department recently hired a new art instructor, Anne Marie Tracey in March. 80 children from Pre-k to Middle School have signed up to take one of the many diverse art programs. ArtVenture Afterschool Studio, Artventure Preschool Studios, Art Inspired by Cake Bar, and Art Summer Camp. All art programs are held at the Recreation Department.

Preschool Programs

Our Preschool classes are held in the mornings from 9:00am to 11:30am. The Recreation Department has four certified preschool instructors on staff. Colleen Ahearn and Gretchen McAuley are our science instructors. Approximately 200 children sign up for the year round preschool science programs. Little Engineers, Mad Scientist, The Amazing Body, Travel Through Space, Science for Seedlings, and the Science, Engineering and Math Camps just to name a few. The science classes are taught once a week for seven weeks. Kelley Brooks and Nicole Nesbit are our other two certified preschool instructors. Kelley and Nicole teach our First Friends programs; Exploration Station, First Friends, First Friends Lunch Bunch and More Fun with Friends. They hold class’s everyday, Monday through Friday and yearly roughly 400 children sign up to take their programs.

Girls Field Hockey

Franklin Recreation offers girls youth field hockey in many formats throughout the year. The fall (August-October) are usually the months that the field hockey leagues run (K-2 grade in house, 3-8 grade travel league). School vacations (Feb-Apr), Summer (Jun-Aug) are usually the times Lisa Cropper runs camps and introductory clinics. We work closely with the FHS program Head Coach Lisa Cropper to coordinate clinics, field usage, games. The K-2 division, an in house program features practice sessions and some in house small sided games. The 3rd & 4th grade team
will play some scrimmages/games against area teams (probably 4-6 games). The 5th & 6th and the 7th & 8th grade teams will play in the Walpole League with 8 games vs. surrounding towns. 150 girls comprise eight teams for the fall Field Hockey League.

NHL Street Hockey

This summer, our street hockey program was better than ever with over 100 kids and 8 NHL teams represented. We hold a skills clinic for the first four sessions to evaluate the players. Then, we will break them up into equal teams so that games will be fair and fun for all. Teams play twice a week, Monday and Wednesday’s. Tom Gately and David Marchand are the league coordinators and the reason why this program continues to grow. Our Street Hockey program participates at Fletcher Field.

Respectfully submitted,

Ryan Jette
Director of Recreation

new tot lot section at Fletcher Field
new tot lot section at Fletcher Field


For additional information on the Recreation Dept you can visit their page on the official Franklin website  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Recreation/index


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The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2014report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/