Sunday, November 11, 2012

FHS Girls Soccer - South Sectional finals - Sun 11/11 @ 5:00 PM

Hello Franklin Soccer fans!
The FHS girls won their semi-final game  on Friday , 2-0 over Marshfield.  It was a very physical game but the girls kept working hard to get their victory! 
FHS Girls Varsity South Sectional final vs Oliver Ames @ Braintree HS, 5pm Sunday, 11/11/12. 
A win on Sunday means that FHS would win their section and go on to the semi-finals for the state championship. 
Oliver Ames is sure to have a large crowd so we need lots of Franklin fans to head out to Braintree on Sunday. It's supposed to be a great day for weather so come on out and cheer them on! Go Panthers!



Google Map showing Braintree High


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Trail Grants up for Discussion

You can almost feel the busy holiday schedule kicking-in!  But consider taking a few minutes this Tuesday to discuss some critical issues facing the the development of the Rail Trail. The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will be meeting at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at the YMCA in Franklin.  The meeting is open to all who are interested, and attached is an agenda and minutes from the last meeting.

Hope to see you there.  

Marc Kaplan
Chair, FBRTC

Agenda for the November meeting:




Minutes from the October meeting:



Mission: The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) is a volunteer advocacy group dedicated to the development, maintenance, and financial support of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail as a multi-use, universally accessible recreational path.

FBRTC is a subsidiary of the Grand Trunk Trail Blazers, a recognized 501(c)(3), working in partnership with federal, state and local governments.

For more about the group you can visit their web page
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

"they kicked over a hornet’s nest"

One of the medal recipients honored on Friday tells his story in the Milford Daily News:
On Oct. 7, 1967, as the Vietnam War raged on, Robert Gardner, of Franklin, was awarded the Bronze Star medal, a commendation given to U.S. Army soldiers who display valor on the battlefield. 
Gardner was a first lieutenant commanding an armored cavalry platoon based in the area around the Bong Son River, in the western part of the country. 
Below is a summary of the day that earned Gardner his medal. It began like any other for a soldier rolling through the rice paddies, creeks and streams, under the blistering sun of Vietnam.
You can read the reminder of Robert Gardner's story here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x794467153/Franklin-recipient-of-Bronze-Star-tells-his-story#ixzz2BuezUlE4

In case you missed the story of the Veterans Day ceremony held at the Franklin Senior Center on Friday
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/i-think-of-guys-who-sacrificed-for-us.html

Saturday, November 10, 2012

39th Annual Craft Fair - today, 9:00 to 4:00 PM


Our 39th annual Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 9 AM to 4 PM at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School in Franklin, Massachusetts. 
This year’s annual tradition will feature crafters offering handmade and unique items for every style and budget including: art, photography, body care, candles, kids and adult clothing and accessories, jewelry, handbags, quilts, home décor, ornaments, holiday décor, food and much, much more!




Donations to the Franklin Food Pantry will be accepted at the entrance to the Craft Fair

"I think of the guys who sacrificed for us"

The Senior Center was the site for recognition of the many veterans who live in Franklin. As reported in the Milford daily News:
Veterans Agent Bob Fahey began the ceremony by recognizing all of the men and woman from Franklin who have served in the military. 
Currently, the town has 1,343 veterans, with 899 of them 60 years or older. "We call them our senior veterans," Fahey said, eliciting some laughs from everyone. 
To date, he said, 45 residents have been killed in action overseas.

The article also included the listing of the Bronze and Silver Star medal recipients
  • Scott Anzivino, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, Iraq War
  • Andrew E. Bissanti, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army and Navy, World War II and Korean War
  • Anthony D'Amelio, Bronze Star medal, U.S Army, World War II
  • Henry DeGregorio, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, World War II
  • George Ferguson, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
  • Robert Gardner, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
  • Zeffro Gianetti, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, World War II
  • John Hanaberry, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
  • Lawrence Howell, Silver Star medal, Coast Guard, World War II
  • Daniel Knight, Bronze Star medal, Army National Guard, Iraq War
  • John McKinely, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, Vietnam War
  • Robert Pirelli, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, Iraq War
  • Paul Sullivan, Bronze Star medal, U.S. Army, World War II
  • Walter Zinchuck, Silver Star medal, U.S. Army, World War II


Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x303007943/Franklin-council-honors-veterans-with-proclamation#ixzz2BooruEln

In the news: repairs, Kennedy, veterans



Repair shops say little will change with Right to Repair law

Friday, November 9, 2012

Franklin TV - Member meeting

I feel a little odd typing on my laptop here at the first annual member meeting for the Franklin TV organization. I should be using video! May be next time. (Note: I tried reporting live during the meeting but my connection was not cooperating so I went offline).


Meeting opened by Ken Norman

He provided a little more detail to the overview to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday (and recapped here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/real-time-reporting-franklin-tv.html)

Acknowledgment of Bob Dean for all the good work he had done for cable through the years and what he had done recently to prepare the group. He was unable to participate due to health reasons.

Executive Director, Peter Fasciano
Peter showed a brief video touting Franklin TV and then some slides with the layout of the proposed facility on Hutchinson St. One good part of the current building is that there are no interior columns which would make it easier to create their studio and working space. There are also plans for a separate and free standing building in the back for a second studio. Each studio would be about 900 - 1200 sq ft in size. There would be office space, meeting space, a kitchen to service the needs of the studio as well as be capable of being used for cooking shows.

The identity for Franklin TV is important. Within Franklin TV there would be three distinct broadcast channels.


Franklin Town Hall TV would be the government channel broadcasting the Town Council, School Committee and other meetings. Technically there is an issue with being able to re-broadcast those meeting on the same channel but that is expected to be worked out. Switching the rebroadcast to this channel will free up the other two channels to hold more of their own content.


Franklin All Access TV would be the community channel continuing to broadcast those community shows as they do currently.


Franklin Pride TV would be the education channel showing the sport events and other school activities, performances, music, drama, etc.

Franklin Radio is actually being used today to provide the musical background for the schedule and other public notices shown on cable TV. This could be further developed to be its own radio station capable of broadcasting meetings and other audio content. (This would be a good place to share the Franklin Matters radio shows that have been created here.)

Ken returned to introduce the current Board members:

  • Anne Bergan - representing the School Committee
  • Bob Lenny and Wes Ray - representing Franklin TV
  • Ken Norman and Rose Turco - representing the Town Council
  • John Milot and Jay Horrigan (embarrassing to say I didn't write down their last names) were elected and re-elected respectfully by the members present during the meeting

Franklin.TV is now a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

There is a whole lot of goodness going on in this video space. The Franklin community will benefit as the group continues to develop programs and resolve the technical issues it has.

Consider visiting Franklin.TV and if you have interest in video, maybe there is something you can do to help!
http://franklin.tv/ftv_v4_009.htm







Network with Franklin Downtown Partnership members!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 11/8/12

Dear FDP Members:
We hope you can attend one or both of our upcoming Networking Events:

FDP Networking Luncheon
Friday, November 9th at 1:00
Dean College-Campus Center Dining Hall

YOU ARE INVITED......
to a very special Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Event hosted by Six One Seven Studios

Thursday, November 15th -Starting at 5:00
This is a special evening for FDP members looking for connections and networking opportunities. The event will be at Six One Seven Studios'state of the art film studiolocated at 25 Kenwood Circle in Franklin.

Come and enjoy good company, delicious appetizers, beer, and wine as you tour the exciting new state of the art studios.

Please RSVP Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

Learn more about Six One Seven Studios
Six One Seven Studios is a full service video production company based in Franklin, MA dedicated to telling your story through high quality video production.

Our experienced team of professionals has years of experience in the art of communicating through video. From videography, editing, scripting and all aspects of video production service, Six One Seven Studios represents some of the best in the field offering our services at competitive prices.

Six One Studios is equipped with a 3,200 square foot soundstage, makeup and client area, state of the art editing suite and multiple offices.

We look forward to seeing everyone who can attend.
www.sixonesevenstudios.com





Things you can do from here:

Franklin Liquor - Wine Tasting - 4:00 - 7:00 PM


Please Join Us For An In Store Wine Tasting

Friday November 9th 4-7PM

Featuring
New Wine Finds


This Will Be A Biodynamic FRUIT Day.
Great To Taste And Drink Wine!



For a listing of the wines featured in this tasting event please visit their Facebook page here
http://www.facebook.com/events/434344316624912/

For more about Franklin Liquors, you can visit their Facebook page here
http://www.facebook.com/FranklinLiquorsMA

or their webpage here  http://www.franklinliquors.com/

From the "Juicy Nibble" - insights on 4th grade Math in Franklin

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Shiny Red Apple by Mrs. Williams-the big "A"pple on 11/8/12

4th grade teachers across Franklin have been working with Dr. Susan Looney, of Looney Consulting, to implement the new changes in the mathematics curriculum according to the Common Core of Standards and Massachusetts Standards.  In class, the students have been working on multi digit multiplication using a variety of methods, strategies and algorithms.  In the photos, the girls used base ten blocks to show the "area model," method of multiplication.
70*90

40*80

 The video shows "window boxes,"  which is what we worked on today as a preview to the partial products method of multiplication.  Click on it if you need help with tonight's homework.

Things you can do from here:

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Reminder - Franklin TV meeting - Nov 8 6:00 PM

A quick reminder:


Our first annual member meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening, November 8th at 6:00 PM at the Senior Center.  This meeting is open to all Franklin TV members.  Questions?  Call 508-541-4118.


This meeting is an opportunity to learn about Franklin TV's plans to provide better production support for Franklin residents and organizations who wish to create TV programs.  Our progress to date, plus the groundwork for our plans going forward are all thanks to our current board members who have contributed so much of their time and energy to shape a clear vision for Franklin TV and move ahead as a new nonprofit organization.

At this meeting Franklin TV members will be voting to elect directors for two board positions.  If you received this email, then you are listed as a member and you are eligible to vote.


Come to the Senior Center, November 8th at 6:00 PM.
We will start with a brief Presentation at 6:30.

Please join us at this important Franklin TV event.  Get to know the current board.  Come meet, greet, and vote for the nominees.  Hope to see you there.

And, thanks for watching!

Pete Fasciano,
Executive Director,
FCCA, Inc., Franklin TV

Franklin to receive solar savings

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 11/7/12

Town Council on Wednesday agreed to enter a power purchase agreement with a Newton green energy firm planning to build a solar farm atop land owned by nuns. Mount St. Mary's Abbey, a monastery of nuns in Wrentham overseen by the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, has the deed to the 11-acre parcel in Franklin that will hold the farm.

Things you can do from here:


A complete reporting on the full meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/town-council-110712.html


Town Council - 11/07/12

The summary of posts reported in real time for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 7, 2012 can be found here:





Note: "real time" is reporting while watching the live video feed as opposed to being in the Council Chambers and reporting which would be "live reporting"

In the News: election wrap up



Question 2 advocates concede 'death with dignity' fight

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Real time reporting - closing


L. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Kudos to the Police, Fire, DPW for the storm preparedness
not so much for the NationalGrid

Tax rate hearing on Nov 28th

Town Planner worked with the YMCA to develop a walking map which is now available

trees are being removed on the Town Common, electrical work also being done this week so the lights will be up in time

M.OLD BUSINESS
Roy - would like some additional pressure on nationalgrid
level of communication regarding the storm was unacceptable
certain communities within Franklin are getting hit on a consistent basis and it is unacceptable
we should have nationalgrid come back and address their structural issues
we need to hold them accountable

Bissanti - I want to echo Councilor Roy's comments

Nutting - we'll give them credit for what they did do, they did the trees, they did put someone at the Fire Station but they have a long way to go. They do need to address the equipment issue (Union loop)

Jones - I would like to see them back with real answers and a real plan!

Pfeffer - how is the roof?
Nutting - the rain came from the other direction, it will be for the capital improvement committee; it is worse in the winter and when the snow melts
Pfeffer - am I the only one worried about the Jefferson school leak?
Nutting- vote to put up the money when the time comes

Kelly - if the trucks have GPS, someone out there knows where the trucks are. Foxboro was the squeaky wheel  last time and we did not hear about Foxboro this time. This time Chelmsford was on, maybe we should be

N. NEW BUSINESS
Kelly - train whistle at 4:00 AM, is there someone the Town can call?
Nutting - the whistles are set for standard per Federal law

Pfeffer - capital budget meeting?
Nutting - perhaps before next weekend

O. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Roy - thanks to the community for carrying the day. I'll get sworn in January

Bissanti - thanks, congratulations

Pfeffer - kudos to all who ran

Powderly - this meeting showed Franklin at its best, everyone stepped up and we were able to recognize them tonight. I am hearing about cross walk issues at King St and the cross walk for Parmenter. The traffic has been increasing up there

Kelly - thanks to the election staff, great work
thanks to the pole workers at nationalgrid, great work once you get the ticket

Mercer - reminder Nov 14th public hearing on the new high school to discuss the phases of the construction, architect, contractor and project manager will be there

Nutting - we have no legal control to the site, the contractor has control at this point


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

motion to go to executive session, for real estate
not to return to open meeting
passed 9-0, via roll call


Q. ADJOURN

Real time reporting - legislation


K. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-72: Establishment of an Operating Budget Stabilization Fund
explanation by Jeff Nutting as outlined from the FinCom meeting last night
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/live-reporting-finance-committee-nov-6.html

if we don't use it in FY 2014, ok but we should need it sometime

Powderly - I support this, it is forward looking, fiscally conservative, the residents would expect us to do this, allows us to deal with variations in our budget without touching the Stabilization Fund

Motion to approve, passed 9-0

2. Resolution 12-73: Appropriation: Operating Budget Stabilization Fund
also as covered during the FinCom meeting on Tuesday night (see link above)
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

3. Resolution 12-74: Appropriation: Interest – Property Tax
also as covered during the FinCom meeting on Tuesday night (see link above)
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

4. Resolution 12-75: Town of Franklin Net Metering Power Purchase Agreement
Authorization
6 megawatt facility being proposed for the Cistercian Nuns property up on Union St
this is part one of two, the second will come later
will allow for purchase of power at a reduced cost and a source of new revenue for with the property tax on the solar panels

Roy - this is a fantastic idea, it has win-win written all over it

Motion to approve, passed 9-0

5. Bylaw Amendment 12-694: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee
Rates – 2nd Reading
Motion to approve, passed 9-0 via roll call


6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695: Amendment to Chapter 185 §31. Site Plan and Design
Review – Referral to Planning Board
Motion to refer, passed 9-0

Brian Taberner, Dir Planning and Development
Beth Dahlstrom, Town Planner

being talking of the site plan review process for sometime
will make it easier to understand requirements for a site plan review
streamlines the permitting process so it should be a win-win

Beth - complete rewrite of bylaw
clearly identifies process, exemptions, etc.
where special permit is required, can be submitted at the same time
can not have an approved plan without a special permit

signs moved to a different section for coverage, so all signs are covered in one section

administration enforcement under the site plan rather than

Pfeffer - has someone calculated the cost for all the copies
Taberner - this is what is already done, nothing new in the number of the copies, clarifies the information required and streamlines the process

Nutting - discretion currently with the Planning Board is taken away and made easier to understand
Pfeffer - this is extremely onerous

Bissanti - does this mean that
Taberner - if the internal use was not going to change the use, then it would be a limited site plan

Bissanti - parking plays a use role in this, and use same use also plays a role


7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696: Amendment to Chapter 185 §20 Signs. Sign Approvals
– Referral to Planning Board
Motion to waive reading, passed 9-0
Motion to refer, passed 9-0

Dahlstrom - all this does is put all the signs in one place, it does not change any of the actual language itself
Cerel - not a substantive change

Pfeffer - no wonder we don't have people knocking on the doors to come to Franklin


8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697: Amendment to Chapter 185 §45 Administration &
Enforcement. Design Review Commission – Referral to Planning Board
Motion to refer, passed 9-0

Real time reporting - Franklin TV

I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
Franklin TV, Ken Norman

incorporated in Nov 2011
original charter called for 7 directors
Ken now president of Corporation, got funding in March 2012
found and hired Peter Fasciano as Executive Director

using small room downtown, explored other spaces within Franklin
looked at Huchinson St property
over Labor Day weekend, explored the property purchase options and have a signed purchase and sale agreement
have filed or will be filing notices to assume occupancy and build a 30,000 900 - 1200 sq ft studio

Thursday, Nov 8th first annual meeting
At the Senior Center, starting at 6:00 PM

handed business plan to Jeff Nutting, completing the requirements

Peter worked in broadcast all his life, TV and video production 
built the original Channel 7 studio
had staff of 50 people with a 20,000 sq ft studio for video commercials
worked for Avid technology, an editor software ran the advanced development group
has 24 patents for TV, much that is shown on TV goes through software and features I had part in

rebuilt Medfield facility two years ago, and when the opportunity arose here, I applied for it

received initial funding of $400,000 of the cable funds, expecting to get the remainder of the funding sometime

documented the requirements of a video production studio
size average, 900 to 1,000 sq ft for a town of our size
drive in access, piano or van for equipment moves
one of the difficulties is finding suitable space

did look at the Emmons St, would need to be on the second floor, accessible via the elevator
would be workable but not desirable

there is a stream along the back so the property is designated as river front



Real time reporting - Senior Center update


J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 

Economic development worked to rezone parcels off Exit 16
continuing to identify opportunities, pay attention to our next agenda


I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
Karen Alves, Director, Senior Center
5th anniversary on Nov 11th

Council on Aging working on strategy for the next decade
project increase in seniors for the next decade
elderly population 7,624 in 2020, up 58%

65 and over, 20% of the population by 2030
Senior Center becomes much more relevant
Senior Center participants have better health stats than non-participants

put forward an increase in facilities, staff and services in light of the projections
the challenge comes with our operating budget for expansion

majority of funding does come from the Town
178,681 of this the Town funds 71%
$31,000 grant (17%)
Friends of Franklin Elderly funds 19,000 (11%)
30% of the total operations is from non-Town resources
funded the grill cook, partially fund the health and wellness nurse

increased funding from private foundation and corporations

affordability of the Senior Center, it is a great resource for the seniors
we do everything on the cheap, reasonably priced meals, volunteers in kitchen
in passed year 23% increase in cafe

health and wellness nurse does fitness programs and performs screenings, all free!

exercise activities, aerobics, zumba, $2 per session
offer recreational activities, computer classes, etc. majority free

opportunities for socialization which may be as critical as the health and well being

offering assistance with tax preparation, did about 200 returns
if you are home alone, come on down to the center

Franklin age is 50 years and older, a couple 60 and older but for the most part 50 and up
out of towners are welcome

about 1,000 unique clients serviced across all the programs during a year

Veterans Breakfast this Friday, 9:00 AM
Bronze and Silver Star will be recognized

Friends of Franklin Elderly a 501(c)3 entity funds the free coffee and entertainment

Expansion of the second floor is planned for sometime in the future
expansion of the parking lot would need to happen first

use of the new high school is planned for as the emergency shelter (instead of using Remington/Jefferson)



Real time reporting - Appointments


F. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Community Cable Access Corp. – Board of Directors
(three candidates for two positions: Ken Norman, Rose Turco, Frank Falvey)

Motion to appoint Norman, Turco, Falvey

Turco, Norman were voted in
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

Finance Committee - Paul Aparo
motion to appoint, seconded,
Motion to approve, passed 9-0

Powederly - Jim Roche and I interviewed four candidates, all were highly qualified, this one is what we have decided to go forward with

G. HEARINGS
none

H. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

Real time reporting: Town Council - Nov 7, 2012

Present:  Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Roy
Absent: none


A. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 3, 2012 Regular Session, October 17 Executive Session
(joined meeting after this occurred)

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

D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

I joined the meeting just in time to hear Debbie

E. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Debbie Pellegri, Town Clerk, reporting on the results of the election
83% turnout
Problems with machine for Precinct 7 sometimes not reading the ballot on the first try

Robert Cantoreggi, DPW Director
working with three visitors from Pakistan
took them to Millis to see a town meeting in operation
they saw the national election last night, and they see and appreciate how interactive folks are with the government on a daily basis

Aruk, civil service from Pakistan, manages the highway department on the national level
"it is an enriching experience to see government in action"
"We are very grateful for the State Dept to bring us here and grateful to the Town for this experience"

Wayland, Hamilton and now Franklin. They have other locations to visit during their six weeks here

very impressed by democracy at the grass roots level, how the city and towns are govern, a true democracy
they would like to replicate, the people are the most impressive, all the people

They are impressed with how friendly we are, it is not conveyed that way back in Pakinstan