Franklin 4th of July - Event Schedule

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Franklin 4th of July celebration schedule

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 6/25/09

The town's 4th of July Celebration Committee is gearing up for the town's annual Independence Day festivities on the town common, which begin next Wednesday and run through July 5. Below find the schedule of events.

Wednesday July 1

6-10 p.m.: Booths (optional) and rides open; Okey Dokey DJ.

Thursday July 2

6-10 p.m.: Booths and rides open (no children's entertainment)

7-1o p.m.: Local youth bands

10 p.m.: Fireworks at Franklin High School, Oak Street (Rain date: Monday, July 6)

Friday July 3

10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Everything Open

10 a.m.: Children's parade at town common

11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Children's activities

12-2 p.m.: Okey Dokey DJ

2-5 p.m.: Random Play

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Okey Dokey DJ

7-10 p.m.: Digger Dawg

Saturday July 4

Children's Day

9 a.m.: Road race registration

10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Everything open

10 a.m.: Children's road race

11 a.m.: Adult road race

11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Children's activities

12-12:45 p.m.: Jamie Barrett performs

12:45-2 p.m.: Okey Dokey DJ

2-4 p.m.: Franklin Idol under 14

4-6:30 p.m.: Franklin Idol 15 and up

7-10 p.m.: Corvairs

Sunday July 5

1-7 p.m.: Everything open

1- 2:30 p.m.: Parade

3-7 p.m.: Children's activities

3-5 p.m.: Interfaith music concert

6 p.m.: Franklin Idol winners announced

7 p.m.: Closing ceremonies (Raffle drawings and lowering of flag)

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Friday July 3: Children's parade at 10 a.m., Parrot Lady at 11 a.m., Lunch with Elmo at 12 p.m., SpongeBob Craft at 1 p.m., Cinderella Story at 2 p.m., Photo with Elmo at 3 p.m., Creature Teachers from 4-7 p.m.

Saturday July 4: Children's road race at 10 a.m., Photo with SpongeBob at 11 a.m., Lunch with Cinderella at 12 p.m., Story with Elmo at 1 p.m., Franklin Idol (under 14) 2-4 p.m.; Princess Photos, 4 p.m., Dinner with Super Heroes, 5 p.m., Snow White Story, 6 p.m.

Sunday July 5: Parade, 1-2:30 p.m., Regal Reptile from 3-5 p.m., Super Hero Phohtos at 5 p.m., Snow White Craft at 6 p.m., Franklin Idol winners announced at 6 p.m.

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Concerts on the Common

Beginning Wednesday, July 8th, Concerts on the Common will be held.

There will be a program for children from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM followed by the concert from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

The full schedule of musical performers can be found on the Town website (PDF)

Administrator's Message - Jan 6, 2009

A Message from the Administrator

What do you get for your property tax dollars and municipal fees? Some may say “not much” I think you get a great community to live and raise a family. The schools provide high quality public education and serve as the hope for the next generation. We have first class public safety departments, an effective and hard working DPW, a wonderful Library, a nice Senior Center that assists our older generations and an overall high quality of life.

In recent years we have begun to upgrade the water and sewer systems and have paved many poor roads along the way. We built or expanded three schools in the last 12 years, replaced the fire station, DPW garage, senior center, municipal building, and added recreational fields. I know that some citizens think if we did not make those improvements we would not have fiscal problems, but I can tell you we would still be struggling to make ends meet. We are not much different than other communities. Fixed costs rise faster than revenues. In response, we have cut the work force and reduced services.

The solid education system, great municipal services, and nice facilities all help protect your property values. It is hard to believe it when the property values are declining, but over the long run it will prove to be true. We will continue to look for ways to squeeze tax dollars and still provide quality services. It sure looks like we are all going to be caught in a financial struggle for awhile. The good news is we have been down this road before. It is no fun, but usually things right themselves over time. The State government has been able to help us out through tough times in the past, but they are facing an uphill battle without a new revenue source to meet their obligations.

If the state government cannot help financially, they can provide local government more control over our destiny. Changes to the laws that govern health insurance, pensions, bidding requirements, and laws governing employee issues are among a few areas that would help us over the long run. We will work closely with our elected representatives and senators to craft reforms that are fair and effective. It will not be easy but challenging times bring opportunities to address difficult challenges.

Those changes will not help us with the anticipated financial problem we will face in fiscal year 2010. In recent times we have been cutting budgets and services or looking for more tax revenue. I anticipate that FY 2010 will be not different. I will do my best to keep you informed of all the issues as we approach next spring and the annual fiscal dilemma.

Respectfully,
Jeff Nutting

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. ~Benjamin Franklin

Administrator's Message - Feb 5, 2009

A Message from the Administrator

Punxsutawney Phil reportedly saw his shadow on February 2. If you believe Phil, we are in for six more weeks of winter. That is unfortunate, in my opinion. However, New Englanders understand, perhaps better than some, that changing seasons parallel the cycle of life. We know and are comforted by the knowledge that winter will slowly yield its icy grip to reveal the rebirth of spring. While we clear snow from our driveways, slip and slide on ice-covered everything, and fight the bitter cold, we understand that somewhere in our future, the beautiful colors and warmer, longer sunshine –filled days of spring will follow.

The economy mirrors our seasons. Whether it is the revolving seasons or the current state of our economy, we know that “change happens” and on a regular basis. When the economic forecast is calling for cold bleak times, the eternal hope that is recovery seems so far away. But as are the changing seasons, the economy is cyclical. 2009 will be an economically challenging year for the nation. Daily forecasts reveal more bleak economic news. With job losses, mortgage foreclosures, and disappearing savings and retirement funds plus soaring energy and food costs and rising debt, we are certainly in the winter of our economic cycle.

There is “good news” and that is what New Englanders know well: things will eventually get better. While it seems that winter is longer than spring and summer, and bad times last longer than good times, they are both part of a continual cycle.

Franklin will follow a similar path. We face difficult choices. We will be saddened to lose hard working, dedicated employees through jobs cuts, we will suffer reduced municipal services and a changing school system. Yet, working together, united as a community, we will weather this storm. We will do our best to continue to ensure public safety and public services. We will educate our children and support all our residents. You, the citizens, I am confident, will unite to support and encourage each other.

Spring is coming, and so will better times. The Staff and I and your elected officials remain dedicated to serving you, the citizens of Franklin.

Respectfully,
Jeff Nutting

“There are two ways of being happy: We must either diminish our wants or augment our means - either may do - the result is the same and it is for each man to decide for himself and to do that which happens to be easier.” ~Benjamin Franklin

Town Council - Agenda - 7/1/09

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 3, 2009, June 10 & 11 Budget Hearings

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

• Franklin Veterans Memorial Foundation

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

* Council on Aging
* Cultural Council
* School Building Committee

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

• Charter Commission Report
• Update of FY 2010 Budget

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 09-45: Grant of Utility Easement – Upper Union Street
2. Resolution 09-46: Rescission of Library Authorization
3. Resolution 09-47: Purchase of Land off Mechanic Street
4. Bylaw Amendment 09-633: Amendment to Sewer Rates- 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

"be part of the Putnam family"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 30, 2009 @ 01:04 AM

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FRANKLIN —

Putnam Investments will shut down its Franklin facility by year's end, but will offer "virtually all" of its 500-plus employees jobs at the company's Andover and Boston locations, said a company spokesman.

The company made the announcement to employees yesterday morning.

Putnam will phase out use of the Franklin facility at 100 Financial Park, which it is renting, "in an orderly way" now through December, said the spokesman, Jon Goldstein.

"It's really about space consolidation. This is really about Putnam optimizing its facilities to best serve clients and best position us for future growth," Goldstein said.

Assistant Town Administrator Maxine Kinhart, who worked for Putnam in Franklin years ago, called the closing "devastating."

Read the full article about the Putnam facility closing in the Milford Daily News here.

Farmer's Market

The Framer's Market operates every Friday on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM.



The market will not operate on Friday July 3rd but will return on Friday July 10th.

"They've done a lot for the town"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 28, 2009 @ 11:33 PM

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FRANKLIN —

Town Clerk Deborah L. Pellegri and former Lions Club President Charles Oteri will lead Franklin's Fourth of July parade as grand marshals.

Pellegri and Oteri, a Vietnam War veteran, have kept the parade afloat in years when the town couldn't do it, said Michael Kelly, co-chairman of the Fourth of July Coalition.

A large contingent of veterans will be right behind the grand marshals, said coalition secretary Warren Revell.

The parade, whose theme is "Celebrate Franklin," will start at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Cross Street and Milliken Avenue on Sunday.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here

For additional information on 4th of July visit the new website

"great for sharing ideas with fellow educators"

By Heather McCarron/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Jun 27, 2009 @ 11:53 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

If Jim Schliefke ever had the chance to go to space, he'd jump at the chance.

"I'd definitely go," he said this week , affirming the declaration with a nod.

It was a courageous statement coming from someone who, just the week before, had crash-landed the space shuttle in water.

But then, it was only his first landing, clarified the nine-year Horace Mann Middle School science teacher as he sat in his classroom recalling the incident - and nobody was hurt.

It was all part of a simulation, with Schliefke cast as space shuttle pilot, at the Space Academy for Educators, a program offered at Space Camp.

The Franklin resident was among 16 educators from around the globe who spent a week in astronaut-style training, and discovering new ways to inspire their students.

Read the full article about Space Camp in the Milford Daily News

The article announcing Jim Schliefke's trip can be found here

"encouraged residents to conserve water"

By Lindsay Corcoran, Daily News Correspondent

GHS

Posted Jun 27, 2009 @ 11:36 PM

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After weeks of rainy weather, many residents may wonder why their towns are instituting water bans.

Franklin, Hudson, Ashland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, Wayland and Southborough have all implemented bans on outdoor water usage for various reasons.

A reason for many of the bans is a requirement by the Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees public water supply use in Massachusetts, that towns with public water systems maintain certain usage limits.

"If (the town) has a permit from us, they are going to be doing some kind of restriction year in and year out," said Duane LeVangie, chief of the DEP's Water Management Program.

....

Franklin gets its water from 12 wells and implements a water ban every year, usually from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with an option to extend the ban if supplies are low.

"We have every intention of lifting the ban on time this year," said Robert Cantoreggi, Franklin's director of public works. "All of the (rain) this year is helping a lot."

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News

Looking for your help

Train depot building gone

Additional photos from my phone camera (hence lesser quality).

The empty concrete platform



Breaking up the concrete platform



Repeating questions from yesterday's post:

Does anyone know when this building was last in operation?

Did anyone have relatives who worked there loading freight to/from the trains?

Franklin 4th of July celebration schedule

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin 4th of July celebration schedule

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 6/25/09

The town's 4th of July Celebration Committee is gearing up for the town's annual Independence Day festivities on the town common, which begin next Wednesday and run through July 5. Below find the schedule of events.

Wednesday July 1

6-10 p.m.: Booths (optional) and rides open; Okey Dokey DJ.

Thursday July 2

6-10 p.m.: Booths and rides open (no children's entertainment)

7-1o p.m.: Local youth bands

10 p.m.: Fireworks at Franklin High School, Oak Street (Rain date: Monday, July 6)

Friday July 3

10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Everything Open

10 a.m.: Children's parade at town common

11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Children's activities

12-2 p.m.: Okey Dokey DJ

2-5 p.m.: Random Play

5:30-6:30 p.m.: Okey Dokey DJ

7-10 p.m.: Digger Dawg

Saturday July 4

Children's Day

9 a.m.: Road race registration

10 a.m.-10 p.m.: Everything open

10 a.m.: Children's road race

11 a.m.: Adult road race

11 a.m.-7 p.m.: Children's activities

12-12:45 p.m.: Jamie Barrett performs

12:45-2 p.m.: Okey Dokey DJ

2-4 p.m.: Franklin Idol under 14

4-6:30 p.m.: Franklin Idol 15 and up

7-10 p.m.: Corvairs

Sunday July 5

1-7 p.m.: Everything open

1- 2:30 p.m.: Parade

3-7 p.m.: Children's activities

3-5 p.m.: Interfaith music concert

6 p.m.: Franklin Idol winners announced

7 p.m.: Closing ceremonies (Raffle drawings and lowering of flag)

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Friday July 3: Children's parade at 10 a.m., Parrot Lady at 11 a.m., Lunch with Elmo at 12 p.m., SpongeBob Craft at 1 p.m., Cinderella Story at 2 p.m., Photo with Elmo at 3 p.m., Creature Teachers from 4-7 p.m.

Saturday July 4: Children's road race at 10 a.m., Photo with SpongeBob at 11 a.m., Lunch with Cinderella at 12 p.m., Story with Elmo at 1 p.m., Franklin Idol (under 14) 2-4 p.m.; Princess Photos, 4 p.m., Dinner with Super Heroes, 5 p.m., Snow White Story, 6 p.m.

Sunday July 5: Parade, 1-2:30 p.m., Regal Reptile from 3-5 p.m., Super Hero Phohtos at 5 p.m., Snow White Craft at 6 p.m., Franklin Idol winners announced at 6 p.m.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Franklin: train depot eye sore no more

Franklin: train depot eye sore no more, originally uploaded by shersteve.

The old and falling apart railroad building next to the Agway on Cottage Street near the corner of Union is no longer.

The demolition crew was working on breaking up the concrete foundation on Friday. What remained of the red painted boards were in some large dumpsters waiting to be trucked away.

I have an interest in the old days and particularly in the way things were done. I managed to work in a steel mill in RI for a couple of summers between college before the mill closed.

Does anyone know when this building was last in operation?

Did anyone have relatives who worked there loading freight to/from the trains?

"designed to give them experience"

By Nick O'Malley/Daily News correspondent

Milford Daily News

Posted Jun 26, 2009 @ 10:55 PM

Last update Jun 26, 2009 @ 11:43 PM

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FRANKLIN —

In response to the deflating summer job market for teenagers, the Bernon Family Branch YCMA is starting a new training program to help teens become more marketable.

The Teen Corps volunteer workplace skills program will train teenagers who had planned to get jobs this summer, but who have been unable since many companies have stopped hiring - particularly inexperienced teens for summer-only work, according to the program's coordinator, Christina Puleo.

"We put this program together in response to the lack of jobs in the area for teens," Puleo said. "I actually have had a couple of parents that have called me that planned for their children to get jobs and they've said many of those jobs have gone to adults."

Read the full article about this youth program in the Milford Daily News here