Sunday, May 15, 2016

Memorial Day - Veterans Breakfast


This event honors Franklin’s Veterans and is held at the Franklin Elks Lodge on Pond St. It is scheduled for Friday, May 27, 2016 at 9:00a.m.

Hosted by Franklin’s Veteran Agent, Dale Kurtz

Seating is limited. Sign up at the Senior Center by calling (508)-613-1315
or RSVP by email dkurtz@franklin.ma.us

one of the many war memorials on the Franklin Town Common, this one commemorates World War I
one of the many war memorials on the Franklin Town Common, this one commemorates World War I

In the News: Cultural Festival applications, adult coloring at the Library

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
The performance opportunities application for this year's Franklin Cultural District Festival is now available. 
The festival will run from July 27-30, with opening ceremonies taking place at Franklin Town Common, located on Union Street. The closing ceremonies will take place at THE BLACK BOX, 15 W. Central St. 
Applications are due no later than May 23. For information and the application: franklinsculturalfestival.org.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160514/franklin-cultural-district-festival-releases-application

The application to propose a performance for the Festival can be found here
http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/2016/05/2nd-annual-franklin-cultural-festival.html

2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27-30
2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27-30



"With coloring a popular activity for children and adults, the Bacon Free Library has created a family coloring group that has become quite popular. Jain said participating in an activity like coloring makes it easier for older kids to talk with their parents and adults. 
"You don't have to make eye contact," she said. "That makes it a little easier to talk." 
Though Franklin does not have a group, adult coloring is sometimes offered on Saturdays as a special coffee and craft program, said Felicia Oti, director of the Franklin Public Library."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160514/local-libraries-show-that-coloring-isnt-just-for-kids-anymore

"This pipeline will cost us $4 billion with a tariff on our electric utility bills"

Dear Franklin residents,

Here are a few reasons why the Franklin Town Council should join Sharon and Walpole in passing resolutions against the proposed Spectra Energy natural gas pipeline that would run dangerously close to homes and the existing old pipeline.

1. The Marcellus shale fracked gas contains radon and benzene.
2. Shale fields pollute water and release greenhouse gases causing climate change.
3. Fracking has increased earthquakes exponentially.
4. There have been numerous gas explosions throughout the country.
5. A Spectra pipeline exploded on 4/29/16 in Pennsylvania destroying homes and badly burning a man.
6. Old and new gas pipes leak methane into the atmosphere causing climate change.
7. According to heetma.com there are 41 leaks in Franklin and over 20,000 in Massachusetts.
8. According to Representative Roy, if they repair 17% of the worst leaks we could save 40% of the gas.
9. There's no motivation to repair leaks as consumers pay for all the escaped gas on their utility bills.
10. According to numerous publications and recent permits most of this gas will travel to Nova Scotia for export.
11. This pipeline will cost us $4 billion with a tariff on our electric utility bills.
12. The Attorney General's independent study indicated we don't need more pipelines.
13. According to Distrigas, LNG by ship can make up the difference until we have more renewable energy.
14. There are an average of only 30 days a year when electric companies might need imported LNG.
15. There are plans for two hydroelectric lines from Quebec and for three large offshore wind farms.
16. Spectra is allowed to take as much as 150' on each side of the pipeline corridor decreasing property values and damaging the environment and possibly aquifers.
17.The future of our children and grandchildren depend on decreasing the use of fossil fuels.
18. Both Sharon and Walpole have passed resolutions against the proposed Spectra Energy pipeline.
For more information, please visit NoSpectraMa.org

Jim Hill


No Spectra sign on Franklin lawn
No Spectra sign on Franklin lawn

Saturday, May 14, 2016

2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) - draft for review and comment

"Enclosed please find a copy of the Town of Franklin’s draft 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan for your review, comment. The official comment period is 5/16/16 through 6/16/16 and a public hearing on the Draft Plan has been scheduled by the Conservation Commission on May 26, 2016 at 7:20 in the Town Council Chambers. 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information."

George Russell, AICP
Conservation Agent


To submits comments contact the Conservation Commission at:
Town of Franklin 
Attn: Conservation Commission 
355 East Central Street 
Franklin, MA 02038 
508-520-4929

conservation@franklin.ma.us




SECTION 1: PLAN SUMMARY

This 2016 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is an update of the Town of Franklin’s 2001 and 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plans. The 2001 Plan was prepared for Franklin as well as two other communities, Bellingham and Blackstone, and addressed the region as well as each community. The 2008 OSRP document addressed only the open space and recreation issues and resources relevant to the Town of Franklin. The 2016 OSRP continues with a detailed a practical approach to preservation of public and privately owned open space through growth management techniques, public awareness, management of existing Town owned open space, enhancement of existing and development of new recreation resources and the continued protection of natural resources.

In fall 2015, the Franklin Conservation Commission assumed the task of overseeing and preparing the update of the OSRP. Assisted by Franklin’s Department of Planning and Community Development, Park and Recreation Department and Public Works Department, the Commission assessed the Town’s open space preservation and recreation needs; gathered input from residents regarding personal priorities, desires, and perceived needs; developed the OSRP’s goals, objectives, and five year action plan; and reviewed and edited draft versions of the OSRP. In addition, a re-evaluation of the accessibility of the Town's open space and recreation facilities was conducted (see Appendix C), an inventory of the Town's open space, recreation, and conservation properties (see Appendix B) was updated, and descriptions of the Town's substantial resources were compiled, updated and included in the OSRP.

Since the 2008 Plan was approved, progress has been made on the Goals and Objectives included in that Plan. Among them are:

  • Through a student project working with the Conservation and Engineering Departments, installed informational signage at the DelCarte Recreation Area (Goal 1, objective 1.1)
  • Created a map of the entire Town’s recreation and park areas. (Goal 1 objective 1.2) (Also objective 4.4a in the 2013 Master Plan)
  • A butterfly park was constructed in the King Street Memorial Park in 2014 as a school project and it has been well received and highly successful. (Goal 1, objective 1.2)
  • DCR and the Franklin Conservation Commission have permitted improvements to the SNETT trail from Prospect Street in Franklin into Bellingham. (Goal 3, objectives 3.4 & 3.5)
  • A major dam renovation project, canoe launches, a boardwalk over portions of a pond and a 5-12 age appropriate playground were completed in the DelCarte Recreation area all of which increase access to all sections of the area. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2) 
  • Developed a 2-12 age appropriate playground at Fletcher Field (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Developed an ADA compliant sculpture park, with walking areas and benches adjacent to the Franklin Police station (Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Erected a bridge via an Eagle Scout Project in conjunction with the Town Conservation and Engineering Departments over a stream crossing in the Town’s disk gold course. (Goal 2, objective 2.1, Goal 3, objectives 3.1 and 3.2)
  • Developed a dog park at the Dacey Recreation Area. (Goal 3, objective 3.2)


The 2016 OSRP includes numerous goals, objectives and proposed actions that were the result of input from a large number of Town residents. This input was provided at two public hearings, during regular committee meetings, in letters and emails, during meetings with Town personnel and non-profit organizations, and through two citizen participation questionnaires (see Appendix F). Based on this input, it was determined that there is a desire to develop additional passive recreation areas within the Town and to improve existing recreational facilities. Specifically, Franklin’s residents’ wish for the Town to provide new bike trails, obtain and increase management of conservation lands, and provide community based areas such as bike trails, hiking trails, a youth center and swimming pools.

The open space and recreation planning process resulted in four main goals and related objectives and a five-year action plan that outlines specific tasks to meet the Town's open space and recreation goals. The goals within the updated 2016 OSRP were developed based on public input and the Conservation Commission believes these goals reflect the priorities of the Town’s residents. In general, the goals of the community should be to obtain (as needed), improve, and make fully accessible, the proper balance of active and passive recreational and conservation resources, while maintaining the community as a suburban center with a rural quality. The Town’s primary open space and recreation goals are as follows: 

GOAL 1: Increase public awareness of open space and recreation opportunities in Franklin
GOAL 2: Preserve and enhance existing Town open space resources.
GOAL 3: Maximize recreational opportunities to meet the community’s evolving needs by maintaining current inventory of facilities and programs and by providing new facilities and programs for both active and passive recreation.
GOAL 4: Protect natural, historical and cultural resources and maintain Franklin's New England character.
GOAL 5: Preserve and Protect the Town’s Water Resources.


The OSRP’s implementation, and achievement of the above goals, will require the
commitment of a broad variety of organizations and individuals, including non-profit
organizations, state agencies, resident volunteers, and Town departments, boards,
commissions, and committees. Through the combined efforts of all parties mentioned
above the Town feels confident that the OSRP can be implemented to meet the prescribed goals over the five-year planning period.

overflow parking lot at Wachusetts St for Fletcher Field
overflow parking lot at Wachusetts St for Fletcher Field



The full report can be found here or on the Town of Franklin webpage



FHS softball and girls lacrosse post wins on Friday

Baseball


  • Franklin @ St. Peter Marian – Postponed to 5/15 at 12:00



Softball


  • Milford, 4 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 

– Each time that Milford made a move, Franklin seemed to have an answer on Friday. The Scarlet Hawks took a 3-0 lead in the top of the fourth only for the Panthers to match it in the bottom half of the inning. Base hits from Olivia Haba and Alyssa DaSilva as well as a sacrifice fly from Julia Arms knotted the game 3-3. Milford’s Jess Tomaso (3-3) belted a solo home run in the top of the fifth but once again, Franklin had an answer. Allie Shea walked and Clara DeCarvalho’s base hit put two on. Junior Alexx Niss connected for a two run double in the inning to put the Panthers ahead 5-4. Caroline D’Aprile struck out four while scattering six hits for the Panthers. Haba came up with three catches in the final innings to help Franklin preserve the win.


Girls Lacrosse


  • Franklin, 12 vs. Grafton, 7 – Final


For other results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-051316/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers


In the News: Senior Center expands programs, Franklin Art Center summer registration

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The Town Council, at its most recent meeting, heard an update on services provided to local seniors where the subjects of mental health and substance abuse were raised. 
Senior Center Director Karen Alves spoke about upcoming initiatives to address the mental health of the elderly. She said she had recently taken a course in which the subject was covered, and was surprised to learn that older people are often an under-served population. 
"Primary care physicians are not necessarily primed to talk to older adults about depression and anxiety," she said. 
Another concern, she said, is substance abuse among seniors, something she said is an emerging trend. 
"It's called a silent epidemic because no one wants to talk about it," she said.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160513/franklin-senior-center-to-tackle-mental-illness-substance-abuse

Franklin Senior Center
Franklin Senior Center


Franklin Art Center, 391 E. Central St., is now taking registrations for summer classes. Classes are available for pre-K to adults. Some new classes have been added this year. Updates will be posted on Facebook weekly over the summer.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160513/franklin-art-center-releases-summer-schedule

SUBSTANCE ABUSE in “Our Community”


Presenters: 
State Representative, Jeffrey Roy 
SAFE Coalition President, James Derick

Date/Time: 
Monday, June 20, 2016. 7:00 pm 

Location: 
Dean College Campus Center, Atrium 
Emmons St., Franklin, MA (Parking from 109 West St)

Agenda: 
1. How did we get here? A discussion on the history of the Opioid epidemic, nationally and locally.  
2. Public Health Epidemic – Discuss current trends in substance abuse. Just how bad is the problem and how is it impacting our communities?  
3. Faces of the Epidemic – Hear from a person in long term recovery into and out of active addiction. 
4. What defines a substance abuse disorder? What triggers addiction? How does a person recover from his or her disease?  
5. Responding to the Epidemic – How has the federal and state government responded and how are community agencies responding? What role do community coalitions play?  
6. How do citizens become involved in helping communities heal and in promoting change?  
7. Q and A: Engage audience members in the discussion.


presented by the Franklin Odd Fellows
presented by the Franklin Odd Fellows