Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee - Meeting 7/12/11 - 7:30 PM

Proposed Agenda for July 12, 2011

Location: Franklin YMCA 45 Forge Hill Road
Start Time: 7:30PM


I. Call to Order / Introductions of New Attendees
A. Review & approve minutes of previous meeting
B. Volunteer to keep minutes of meeting

II. Report from our representative from DCR Comments from Ron Clough

III. Report from Finance Committee Report from Treasurer

IV. Illegal motorized trail usage
A. Dave Denison successful: We will host Sgt. Chris Spillane of the Franklin Police Dept to address this issue

V. Report from Grant Writing Committee
Application for the Tighe & Bond Engineer Services Grant
Application for the DCR Grant by town planning board
Other grant application opportunities


VI. Report on Regional Coalition possibilities
Mary Chaves on Bellingham
Joyce Godsey, Pres., Methuen Rail Trail Alliance
GTTB


VII. Report of the Membership Committee
Dave Denison


VIII. Unfinished Business:
A Still need to meet with the Metacomet Land Trust
A Still need to Meet with EMC

IX. New Business:
A.


X. Set Date & place for Next Meeting and Adjourn

Downtown Franklin: a flowering showcase

The care and tending to the flowers on the triangle, in the flower pots along the bridge and along the businesses in downtown Franklin are looking good.



Thanks to the Franklin Downtown Partnership for doing this. The time and effort is worth it.

For more information on the Downtown Partnership, please visit the website here



Disclosure: I am a member of the Downtown Partnership

Franklin, MA: School Committee - agenda - 7/12/11

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement

The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 28, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. none

3. Discussion Only Items
Budget Discussion / Adoption of FY12 Budget
Policy – Second Reading

• JNN – Head Injuries & Concussion in Extracurricular Activities
• JKG – Educational Services in the home or hospital

4. Action Items
a. I recommend adoption of Policy JNN – Head Injuries & Concussion in Extracurricular Activities
b. I recommend adoption of Policy JKG – Educational Services in the home or hospital
c. I recommend acceptance of the donation of an upright Bass from Christopher Richards valued at $3,400.00 for the FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $501.14 from Stop & Shop for Horace Mann Middle School in-house enrichment.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,000.00 from the Parmenter PCC for supplies for the Parmenter Elementary School.
f. I recommend adoption of the FY11-12 School District budget in the amount of $51,410,000.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from Middlesex Savings Bank for district-wide enrichment and supplies.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Adjourn

"another tool to allow the officer to be better"

The Milford Daily News has an article about license plate readers that some police departments are now getting to assist in their work.

In Franklin, Lynch said the devices have flagged registration or insurance problems. But police can't check plates against certain types of information yet, such as arrest warrants, and Lynch said he hopes to see that improve. 

"It's still early. We've only had it for about a month," Lynch said. "The technology is great - it's just that the databases it draws off of, as far as I'm concerned, are a little limited."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1249728037/License-plate-readers-help-police-scan-30-plates-a-second#ixzz1RhS7dL54

Wachusett St: construction update

Now that school is out, the reconstruction of Wachusett St is in the final stages. The water and sewer lines were worked on last year and then a rough coat of paving made the road smooth. The sewer and manhole covers are now being raised in preparation for the final coat of paving.



The road is still smooth and provides almost a slalom like driving course as you navigate around the barrels and raised casings.



Drive safely!

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 7/13/11

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Joint Appointment of Planning Board Member - William David

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION:

1. Resolution 11-10: Request for Legislation Exempting the Deputy Fire Chief Position from Civil Service

2. Resolution 11-36: Authorization For Intermunicipal Agreement Between Franklin and Town of Bellingham For Shared Animal Control And Inspection Services

3. Resolution 11-38: In Support of Updating The Massachusetts Bottle Bill

4. Resolution 11-39: Accepting Section 65 of Chapter 188 of the Municipal Relief Act of 2010

5. Zoning Bylaw 11-652: Amendment to Chapter 185 §4. Districts Enumerated Zoning- 2nd Reading

6. Bylaw 11-653: Amendment to Chapter 185 §7. Compliance Required Zoning 2nd Reading

8. Bylaw 11-654: Amendment to Chapter 185 §12. Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard & Height Requirements. – 2nd Reading

9. Zoning Bylaw 11-655: Amendment to Chapter 185 §2. Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements, Subsection B - 2nd Reading

10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 11-660: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45. L. (1) Administration and Enforcement – 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

Farmers Market Open Today !

Franklin Farmers Market,  Friday,  12:00pm to 6:00pm

"consciously and carefully readjust policy parameters over time"

This paper provides an updated analysis of underlying municipal fiscal health, using a measure of municipal gap and recent data for Massachusetts cities and towns. The analysis shows that large disparities in municipal gaps exist among cities and towns, and that the disparities have grown in recent years. 

Created for the purpose of fiscal equalization, unrestricted municipal aid is not highly correlated with municipal gaps in Massachusetts. In fact, municipal gaps cannot explain the majority of the variation in municipal aid. This partly reflects large ad hoc aid cuts over the past 20 years. The consolidation of municipal aid programs in FY 2010 has not improved the aid distribution—that consolidation has simply perpetuated the existing inequity.

For those really interested in the systemic fiscal problems that Franklin and by extension the Commonwealth of MA faces in the redistribution of state aid, this paper from the Boston Federal Reserve Bank is a good read. I would love to obtain the full data set used to see where Franklin falls on the charts. The paper identifies the top 10 cities but stops there.

For the full text of this paper you can follow this link to the Federal Reserve website and download or view the PDF.

In the News - dog found

Missing Franklin dog back home

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Roger Magalhaes Announces Shades-IN-Place INC. 5 YR Anniversary!

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SHADES IN PLACE ANNOUNCES FIVE SUCCESSFUL YEARS IN BUSINESS FRANKLIN, MA: July 7, 2011, Roger Magalhaes, Owner and Managing Director of Shades-IN- Place, Inc., announced the five-year anniversary of his company.       "This is a significant milestone for the company," stated Mr. Magalhaes. "Looking back to when I started my company, I never imagined it would grow so fast! I'm very grateful to all my clients who have helped me create this wonderful company, and to provide products and services that solve problems and make people happy." To celebrate the company's five successful years in business, Mr. Magalhaes is offering two very significant specials. The first is $100 off any custom window treatment product purchase over $300. This includes custom blinds, shades, plantation shutters, drapes, decorative window films, hardware, and more. Coupons will be mailed to all current Shades-IN-Place, Inc. customers whose mailing addresses are on file with the company. Anyone not already on this mailing list and interested in receiving a coupon can request their coupon by contacting Mr. Magalhaes. This offer begins July 1, 2011 and ends on August 15, 2011. The second special offer is the creation of an Annual Anniversary Gift Card Giveaway. To mark the first five years, Shades-IN-Place will give away five $100 gift certificates, one each, to Whole Foods®, Lowe's®, Macy's®, Best Buy®, and Shell®. This drawing will be open to everyone with no purchase necessary. To participate, individuals should go to the Shades-IN-Place Page on Facebook® and "Like" the company. Then go to the Questions Section on the left and select the gift card they would like to be entered to win (one entry per person). There will be one winner for each of the five gift cards. The drawing will be held on August 15, 2011, and winners will be notified and posted on Facebook®. Shades-IN-Place, Inc., is a premium window treatment company specializing in the services   end of the industry. Services currently include: Measurements, Installation, Motorization, Replacements, Custom Treatments and Design as well as Picture, Art, Mirror and Wall Decor Hanging. Shades-IN-Place, Inc., also sells custom window treatment products from brand name manufacturers including Hunter Douglas®, Lafayette®, and Kirsch®. Shades-IN-Place, Inc., has been in operation since 2006 and continues to grow thanks to recommendations from an ever-expanding number of satisfied customers. "We appreciate our customers and will continue to provide excellent products and services that are important to them," concludes Mr. Magalhaes.        For more information, contact Roger Magalhaes at (508) 520-6700 or email him at Roger@shadesINplace.com.

Forward email This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by roger@shadesinplace.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Shades-IN-Place, Inc. | 76 Grove St | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin has two newspapers

Summer time. No school, time for family vacations, time for competition to heat up in the free paper space in Franklin. Yes, it appears that way.

We just returned from a long weekend to find two local papers in our mail. One I am familiar with. Franklin's Local Town Pages has been delivered to Franklin's residents monthly since December 2010. The JN Media Franklin News looked similar. Both delivered as 24 pages.

Many of the ads were the same in both, maybe the competition will be good for the local businesses!

Time will tell if the 'new' paper will stick around. Franklin has seen papers come and go after one edition. The Franklin Local Town Pages is the longest to stick around thus far.



Note: I do get paid a nominal amount for my contributions to the Franklin Local Town Pages.

In the News - lost dog

Franklin family looking for lost dog

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Allison McCall/Daily News staff

In the News - NuStyle demo

Nu-Style demolition slated for fall in Franklin

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Meals tax delivers $70.5 million to 146 cities and towns

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Meals tax delivers $70.5 million to 146 cities and towns

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 7/6/11

As of today, 146 communities (about 42 percent of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns) have collected $70.5 million over the past two fiscal years from the .75 percent local option meals tax.

The Division of Local Services Municipal Data Bank has the complete list of communities that have adopted the local option tax, and the amount of revenue generated in FY 10 ($27.13 million) and FY11 ($43.33 million). This list appears on the Data Bank Local Options page; just scroll down about halfway until the bullet headed Local Option Meals Excise.

Not surprisingly, Boston has collected the most, about $30 million. The tax has delivered about $5.1 million to Cambridge, $3.2 million to Worcester and $2.3 million to Springfield. But other communities have seen the benefit as well. Natick and Framingham, which share the busy Route 9 corridor, have collected $2.7 million and Northampton, a Pioneer Valley hub of dining and entertainment, has collected $939,000. Blandford, a small town of 1,233 near the New York border, collected $52,000, mostly, one would assume, from the two MassPike service areas in the town.

The state meals tax is 6.25 percent; with the local option, the meals tax rises to 7 percent. Thus a $40 restaurant tab generates $2.80 in meals tax, of which 30-cents goes to a city or town that has enacted the local option. These small amounts add up to a sizable revenue source.

The state share of the meals tax as of May 31 had generated $740 million, up $55 million or 8.1 percent from the same period a year ago, which indicates that the increasing number of communities that have adopted the local option meals tax has not slowed down the pace of taxpayers going out to eat.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Follow the link in the second paragraph and you'll end up on the DOR website. Scroll down to the meal tax section and you'll see that Franklin gained $239,644 for FY 10 and $347,217 for the FY 11 that just ended June 30th.

A small increase but a good one!

Family tradition

One of our family traditions signalling the end of the school year and the onset of summer is to have ice cream at the Franklin Flatbreads and Spruce Pond Creamery. If we go early enough, we make a meal of our ice cream. Banana splits and the works. If we go later in the evening, it is usually for small cups of our favorite flavors.

It was a cloudy evening Friday. The clouds were gathering and threatening to rain on someone, but not here in Franklin fortunately.



What tradition do you have to mark the end of the school year?

Matt Cutts - Try something new for 30 days

Is there something you've always meant to do, wanted to do, but just ... haven't? Matt Cutts suggests: Try it for 30 days. This short, lighthearted talk offers a neat way to think about setting and achieving goals. In less than 4 minutes, you can get started on your next 30 days!





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Preliminary Analysis: Conference Committee Fiscal Year 2012 Budget

Explore our online budget database Is our research helpful to you? Support our work Contact Info   Noah Berger   President    nberger@massbudget.org   (617) 426-1228 x102  Preliminary Analysis: Conference Committee Fiscal Year 2012 Budget July 1, 2011  On the first day of the new fiscal year, the Legislature today approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 budget.   Like the House and Senate budgets, the version crafted by the conference committee relies primarily on cuts and savings to close a $1.9 billion budget gap.  It also relies on some temporary revenues including approximately $200 million from the state's rainy day fund.    This Preliminary Analysis describes major items of difference between the House and Senate budget proposals and how they were resolved.  It also reviews funding levels for major items in the budget where the House and Senate had not disagreed, and provides information about revenue issues in the budget.   The Governor now has ten days to sign the budget and veto provisions or funding levels with which he disagrees.  The legislature will then have the opportunity to override any of those vetoes with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate The report is available at www.massbudget.org or by clicking here.     See MassBudget's Budget Browser to explore Massachusetts state budgets from Fiscal Year 2001 to the present, as well as budget proposals for the next fiscal year as they are offered by the Governor and the Legislature.     MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

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'simple, non-crucial maintenance that is great to have done"

Roughly 80 teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 went to nine different places to paint, rake, mulch and pick up litter. 

The conference, which ran from Thursday until today, brought together 11 wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

Catherine Thacker, co-organizer and Franklin Stake Young Women's president, was one of 25 adults overseeing the "Forever Strong" conference. 

"We want to teach our youth to reach out into the community, to learn that they can make a difference," Thacker said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1498053383/Teens-from-church-group-help-spruce-up-Franklin#ixzz1QwJSpvMQ

New paving downtown

Took a quick run (yes, literally) downtown to go to ATM at the bank and along the way found that the paving work on Dean St had progressed. This work is funded as part of the PWED Project.



I also happened to notice that Main St had a new coating of blacktop. This should make some folks happy as it was quite bumpy down that way due to the work on the other Downtown Improvement Project with separate funding.



As I understood the time line on this project, additional work will be done next year and this is only a temporary coating. I wonder who is paying for this temporary coating?

I would have thought it would be better to leave it with as many bumps in the road as there were folks let go over the past several years to serve as a reminder. Continuing to "find" money to cover some bumps like this does not help solve the real structural fiscal issues Franklin faces.

Slick Back Swagger at Cole's Tavern

Slick Back Swagger played a benefit concert at Cole's Tavern last night for the Franklin Food Pantry. One of our 'roving reporters' sent along this photo to share:

Thanks, Amy!

"Drive Smart and Save"

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

"Drive Smart and Save"

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 6/30/11

The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced a new online resource that can help Massachusetts residents and visitors to save money on gas and travel. The "Drive Smart and Save" program offers tips for cost-friendly driving techniques that can save travelers money on fuel expenses, improve fuel economy by up to 33 percent, and help reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

"Drive Smart and Save" supports GreenDOT, a comprehensive environmental responsibility and sustainability initiative of MassDOT.  "Drive Smart and Save" tips include:
•    Drive Less -- When your travel plans allow, try taking public transportation, walking, biking, or carpooling.
•    Set It at 60 -- Drive the posted speed limit, or even a bit less on the highway, to see increased fuel economy. Fuel consumption increases about 5 percent for every five miles per hour driven above 60 mph. And use your cruise control – keeping a steady speed will also save fuel.
•    Easy on the Pedals -- Avoid fast starts and hard stops to decrease fuel use. Travelers should join FAST LANE prior to hitting the roads this summer to avoid traffic at the tolls – this can save lots of time, as well as fuel.
•    Turn It Off -- Shut off your engine when you are stopped. Idling wastes gas and is bad for the environment.
•    Click the Cap - Make sure your gas cap is tight to prevent fuel evaporation and to improve air quality.
•    Check the Pressure - Proper tire pressure is safer, extends tire life, and can provide up to 3% mpg benefit per tank of fuel. Check your tire pressure monthly, and pump your tires up to the recommended level (which can usually be found on the sticker in your driver's door frame).
Additional ideas for fuel savings can be found at:  www.mass.gov/massdot/drivesmart

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

"that line is drawn at two miles"

The fee is for students who live less than two miles from school, under the assumption that the child could walk to school. 

School administrators said this week the changes are the result of upgrades to maps used to organize bus routes. 

Students in kindergarten through sixth grade who live more than two miles from school can take the bus for free. Other students must pay $325 to ride the bus. There is a family cap of $975. 

That policy has not changed, but the updated maps show more details, allowing administrators to more accurately determine where a student's home is and how far it is from school. 

That means some families that weren't assessed a fee will now have to pay; others that used to pay can now ride for free.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x706706302/Bus-fee-changes-irk-some-Franklin-parents#ixzz1QkcKMSkg

"There's a lot of efficiencies here"

Administrators will now discuss the terms of a contract with Whitsons. A contract would ultimately be signed by Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting and does not need to be approved by the School Committee, Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said. 

Hoping a private company could better meet new federal and state nutrition requirements and have greater purchasing power than the current district-run program, the committee in April authorized the administrators to seek proposals to operate the food service. Whitsons, Sodexo, Aramark and Chartwells submitted proposals. 

Administrators told the committee last night that they were impressed with Whitsons' dedication to cooking many foods from scratch, using less processed foods than competitors, selling competitively priced food, training cafeteria workers and offering allergy-free products and organic foods. They were also impressed with a visit to Attleboro schools, where Whitsons operates. 

"We really felt they have the (capabilities) to meet the needs of all our students and offer a variety of foods," Sabolinski said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x706706032/Franklin-schools-will-get-private-food-firm#ixzz1QelemPLO


Also from Tuesday's School Committee meeting:

Blogging helps kids in Franklin connect

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson, Daily News staff

Recycling Center News

Attached is the new information for the Beaver St. Recycling Center. We are taking more products for recycling.

In addition we will be enforcing fines for dumping and bringing in unacceptable items and trash to the facility.

Beaver St Recycling - July 1, 2011

In the News - 4th July, recycling, well,

Franklin July 4 festival ready to go, June 30-July 4

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin recycling center taking new items

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin may start using well again soon

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

Slick Back Swagger at Cole's Tavern Thursday

Slick Back Swagger will be playing at Cole's Tavern on Thursday evening to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The band is scheduled to play from 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

The show is 21+

Tickets to the show are 5 dollars and will be sold at the door. Slick Back Swagger will be playing in the downstairs room at Cole's.

The Franklin Food Pantry will have a van set up outside of Cole's where food and monetary donations can be made. The van will be around all day, even if you can not make the show, you could stop by to donate. All donations are appreciated.

If you would like to drop off something for the Food Pantry, their current needs are:
Health & Beauty – Shampoo, Soap, Deodorant, Razors
Paper Products – Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels, Feminine
Baked Beans / Dry Beans
Baking Mixes, Flour, Sugar
Canned Meat/Fish
Canned Pasta (chef boyardeeish)
Cereal
Coffee/Tea
Condiments / Dressings
Flavored Rice and/or Pasta Side Dishes
Potatoes
Spices / Seasonings
Fresh and Frozen Produce always welcome!

What's a NY band doing playing in Franklin?
The drummer is from Franklin!



Additional videos can be found on Slick Back Swagger's YouTube Channel

Where is Cole's Tavern?


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Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - 6/28/11

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

Mission Statement

The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 14, 2011 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills - Mr. Glynn
Payroll - Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations
a. ASMS – Rachel’s Challenge/Friends of Rachel
b. Blogging Project – Laura Welshoff / Jen Slater


3. Discussion Only Items
Food Service Program
Transportation – Pay to Ride
Policy – First Reading
o JNN – Head Injuries & Concussion in Extracurricular Activities
o JKG – Educational Services in the home or hospital

4. Action Items
a. I recommend the School Committee authorize the administration enter into negotiations with Whitson’s to assume the management functions of the school dining program.
b. I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $84.03 from Follett for Supplemental Curriculum materials for Jefferson Elementary School.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $10.67 from Follett for the Jefferson Elementary School.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3000.00 from the HMMS PCC for In-house enrichment.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from the Jefferson PCC for Remington Best Buddies (in-house enrichment).
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $200.00 from Alexandra LePage for Remington in-house enrichment.

5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations

8. Adjourn

Franklin 4th of July Schedule

The schedule of events for Franklin's 4th of July celebration is available:

Thursday, June 30th:
• 6pm-10pm Rides and food booths open
• 7pm-10pm DJ and local youth bands

Friday, July 1st:
• 6pm-10pm Rides and food booths open
• 7pm-10pm Corvairs Oldie Band

Saturday, July 2nd:
Children's Day
• 10am-10pm Rides and food booths open
• AM road races by Rec. Dept
• 12 noon Children’s Parade
• 1pm-2pm Lisa & Friends Puppets
• 2pm-3pm Flippo the Clown
• 3pm-4pm TBA
• 4pm-7pm Franklin Idol
• 7pm-10pm "Groove Doctors" Band
• 10pm FIREWORKS!!! Franklin High School

Sunday, July 3rd:
• 1pm-10pm Rides and food booths open
• 2pm-3:30pm PARADE
• 4pm-7pm Franklin has talent
• 7pm-10pm Digger Dawg Band

Monday, July 4th:
 • 10am-7pm Rides and food booths open
• 10am-2pm DJ
• 2pm Talent winners announced
• 5pm-7pm DJ
• 6pm Drawings to be drawn


The 4th of July celebration is supported by volunteers, and donor contributions. You can contribute by mailing a check or by using your credit card in a secure online transaction here: http://july4thfranklinma.com/donations.asp

"it's not too late to plant some extra crops"

"It's nice to know that things aren't going to waste," she said. "Fresh produce is expensive and it's nice to know that it can go back into the community and help someone stretch their food dollars." 

Hoping to get other gardeners involved, she worked with the pantry to start Franklin's version of Plant a Row for the Hungry, a program by Garden Writers Association that encourages gardeners to plant extra crops each year and donate their surplus to those in need. 

The pantry also gets fresh grown food from Grateful Farm in Franklin, which it distributes to clients Saturday mornings. Acevedo said produce grown over the summer months and donated by local gardeners will add to that bounty.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x828015735/Keeping-it-fresh-in-Franklin#ixzz1QTNwCiyq

For more information on the Plant a Row program, visit plantarowfranklin.org or franklinfoodpantry.org.

Picking up on the idea of play, Maya Beiser really plays her cello!



what are you going to play today?


Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video

Designed by nature to play

In this TEDxBG Talk, Steve Keil advocates for play. The more you play, the bigger the brain.

So after watching this, you have permission to go out an play!




Can you imagine a world without play?

For more about play, you can visit Steve Keil's Play Manifesto Blog

in the News - wedding gowns

Historic wedding gowns on display in Franklin

by Brian Benson/Daily News staff

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at



80 West Central St
Franklin, MA 02038



The Museum is open on

Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM





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