Annual Report 2012: Housing Authority

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing
Authority held on April 9, 2012.

George A. Danello, Chairman
Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson
Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer
Mark A. Teehan, Assistant Treasurer
John R. Padula, Commissioner

FHA STAFF
Lisa M. Audette, Executive Director
Diane Lamoureux, Administrative Assistant
Melva Jackson, Office Clerk
Candice Day, Office Assistant
Michael Gilligan, Maintenance Supervisor
William Pizzi, Maintenance Laborer
Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Groundskeeper
Anne Ayotte, Service Coordinator

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A total of 32 water closets (toilets) were replaced with efficient low-flow units at the FHA in June at 45 Winter Street. Funding for this project came through the Department of Housing & Community Development’s energy conservation program. By replacing 32 water closets, Franklin Housing Authority will look forward to a reduced water consumption and therefore a reduced water/sewer use expense.

In 2011, Franklin Housing Authority replaced 67 water closets at Central Park Terrace. We have begun to
calculate our savings and we expect to reduce our water/sewer bill by approximately $10,000 annually.
This money will give FHA a greater ability to maintain our units.

Also, through the Department of Housing & Community Development’s energy conservation program, FHA completed an energy audit that resulted in the replacement of 28 old refrigerators with new energy star units for our family residents Additional improvements, during the 2012 FYI include replacement of three roofs, repairs to catch basins, replacement of electrical panels and upgrade of electrical outlets. All of these projects were primarily funded through the Department of Housing and Community Development with Formula Funding. We work diligently to put to good use any funding for improvements from the department.

FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low
income Family Housing and an 8-unit Group Home. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a
four bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited support. Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to reside in a residential neighborhood.

Additionally, Franklin Housing Authority has been awarded $1,250,000 for the development of an additional Chapter 689 housing facility. Chapter 689 housing is reserved for mentally challenged adults and will be overseen by the Department of Mental Retardation. We have secured a suitable site for this development on Plain Street. Further the designer; Winter Street Architects has been approved and has begun the design phase of this development. This development will be seeking design approval from the Town of Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals and the Design Commission.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation
Rotary Club members served their annual spaghetti dinner to FHA residents and area seniors complete with all the fixings. Commissioner John Padula was the head Chef and also provided some entertainment. Rotary members cooked, served, entertained and picked up after. Rotarians always comment that the smiles and the kind words of appreciation received make their time and efforts very rewarding.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express
their thanks and appreciation to the following:

The Clergy, a continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.

Franklin Senior Association Members:

Suzanne Wade, President
Linda Doonan, Vice President
Joyce Hutchinson, Treasurer
Evelyn Pelletier, Secretary
Evelyn Mucciarone, Member at Large

This Association plans pizza parties, holiday gatherings, morning coffee and donuts, card parties and many more events for the enjoyment of all Franklin Seniors.

Chairman Bob Vallee and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jeffrey Nutting and his staff for their continued support and assistance.

Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and
specialized services.

Franklin Police Department, Chief Semerjian and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.

Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief Gary McCarraher and his department are always professional and respectful.

Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative James Vallee, U.S. Congressmen James McGovern, and Senators Scott Brown and John Kerry for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our residents at heart.

Governor Patrick for his relentless support of Massachusetts public housing.

Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Michael Bellotti for including FHA in their inmate community service program.

Dean Bank for the donation of a wide screen television, blue ray and several movies to our Senior Community Hall and Senior Association.

Through the years, the community and the housing authority are finding ways to improve the quality of life
for our area seniors and low-income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a great, safe and affordable community living opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa M. Audette, PHM, Executive Director


from the Town Clerk Annual Report page, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Just Label It

The start of the New Year usually brings about a new diet or resolution to improve one's health. This video lays out the issues with food labels, or lack there of and what action can be taken to get better labeled food.

One step to better health!




Additional info can be found on the Just Label It website  http://justlabelit.org/

One of many ways to eat healthy is to go with "Clean Eating"
http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/

Do you have a diet or process you follow to eat healthy? Please share

Franklin Library: new year, new program schedule

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Regularly Scheduled Programs

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 12/31/12

FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY

A New Year means NEWprograms at the Franklin Public Library! Our rollout of a new schedule and programs for children and teens begins on Monday, January 7^th, 2013.

Regularly Scheduled Programs

Mondays at 10:30 AM

Wee Read

This thirty minute storytime is for independent 3, 4, & 5-year-olds who are invited to attend "on their own." It features stories, songs, fingerplays, and other interactive activities to encourage reading and promote literacy. No registration is required.

Mondays at 3:30 PM

Krafty Mondays

For ages 6, 7 & 8, come to the library and see what original masterpieces you can make. A short story and different craft will be offered each week during this thirty minute program. Try crafting your own photo frames, doing creative doodling, making puzzles, and much more! No registration is required.

Krafty Mondays - January programs

"Get Framed!" 

Monday, January 7^th, 2013

You'll be the center of attention in the picture frame you create.

"We Make a Beautiful Garden"

Monday, January 14^th, 2013

Children, like flowers, grow in your beautiful mosaic.

"Get Carded!"

Monday, January 28^th, 2013

Make your own personalized note cards.

Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

Mother Goose on the Loose

Each thirty minute session uses nursery rhymes, songs, puppets, and more to promote the learning process of babies and toddlers. This program is designed for children up to two-years-old along with their caregiver. No registration is required.

Wednesdays at 10:30 AM

Terrific Twos

Thirty minutes of stories, songs, and activities for children who are two-years-old with their caregivers.  No registration is required.

Teen Advisory Board Begins Wednesday February 6^th, 2013 at 6:30PM in the Library

Calling all teens: this is your chance to tell us what to do! Please join us on the first Wednesday of every month 6:30PM. Come help us plan teen programs, choose library materials, and promote the library. We will provide the light refreshments. Membership on this board will look great on job and college applications. Open to all students in grades 6-12.

Thursdays at 10:30 AM

Story and Craft

Stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 4 and 5 who are able to attend "on their own." This program lasts around 45 minutes. No registration is required.

Thursdays at 3:30 P M

Fun Club

This program is designed for tweens ages 8 to 12 years old and will feature different games, contests, and crafts each week. Come join us for some fun! No registration is required.

Fun Club - January Programs

Hobbit Party

Thursday, January 10^th, 2013

Have you seen the movie or read the book? Anyone can join in our celebration of The Hobbit. There will be trivia, games, and surprises at our first Fun Club event. No registration is required.

Game Night

Thursday, January 17^th, 2013

Just drop in to play a variety of board games and socialize in a relaxed setting. Registration is not required.

Get Creative

Thursday, January 24^th, 2013

Make your own scrapbooks or journals and decorate them with your creativity. No registration is required.

Minute to Win It

Thursday, January 31^st, 2013

Can you move a cookie from your forehead into your mouth using only the muscles in your face? Can you roll a ping-pong ball down a measuring tape and into a cup? Come try these and other challenges during Minute to Win It and win fun prizes!  Registration is not required.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Franklin Public Library using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Annual Report 2012: Health Department

Mission Statement
The Franklin Health Department is charged with protecting the public health and well being of the community, in accordance with federal, state and local public health laws and regulations. To fulfill this responsibility, the Franklin Health Department enforces a multitude of public health laws and regulations, and administers a comprehensive inspection program.

Inspections
The following list identifies the primary components of the department’s inspection program, and the total number of inspections and re-inspections conducted for each component.

* Food Service/Retail Food Inspection .......... 345

* Title V Septic System Plan Review and Installation/Repair,
Total Applications ......................................... 30
17 New, 13 Repairs, 12 Minor Repairs and

Approximately 125 Field Inspections Conducted.

* Chapter II Housing Code Inspection/
Re-inspections .............................................. 25

* Public Health Nuisance/Odor/Noise/Animal
Complaint Investigation................................. 55

* Semi-Public Pool/Spa Testing/Inspection
and Public Beach Testing ............................. 30

* Inspection and Licensing of Children’s
Recreational Camps ..................................... 10

* Tanning Salon Inspection ............................... 3

* Manicure/Pedicure Establishment .................. 6

Communicable Disease
As mandated by the State Department of Public Health, local health departments must report, investigate and track all communicable disease occurrences in their jurisdictions. The Franklin Health Department has had a long-term contract with the Milford Area Visiting Nurses to investigate and follow up reportable communicable diseases that occur in the community.

The following list depicts the reportable illness activity for fiscal year 2011-2012 in number of official cases:
Malaria ................................................................ 1
Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis ................... 1
Calicvirus/Norovirus ........................................... 2
Babesiosis .......................................................... 0
Campylobacter ................................................... 5
Hepatitis A .......................................................... 1
Hepatitis B .......................................................... 0
Hepatitis C ........................................................ 12
Lyme Disease, Confirmed ................................. 4
Meningitis ........................................................... 0
Streptococcus, Group A/B ................................. 2
E. Coli ................................................................ 0
Ehrlichiosis ......................................................... 0
Giardiasis ........................................................... 2
Salmonella Enteritis ......................................... 11
Bacterial Infection, Avium, Vibrio ....................... 0
Encephalitis ........................................................ 0
Cryptosporidiosis ............................................... 1
Legionellosis ...................................................... 2
Pulmonary TB .................................................... 0
Chicken Pox ....................................................... 6
Pertussis ............................................................ 4
Influenza A ......................................................... 0
Influenza B ......................................................... 0
Dog Bites ......................................................... 12
Cat Bites ............................................................ 4
Shigellosis .......................................................... 0
TB related .......................................................... 0
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ............................... 3
Yersinia .............................................................. 1
Dengue Fever .................................................... 0

Flu Clinics
In fiscal year 2011-2012, the Milford VNA held three seasonal flu clinics immunizing 117 residents. In addition, the VNA provided TB screening/ testing and case follow-up for a number of residents.

Licenses and Permits
The following is a comprehensive list of all permits/licenses issued by the Franklin Health Department during fiscal year 2011-2012. Most licensed/permitted activities require at least annual inspections as part of the permitting process.

Beaver Permits .................................................. 5
Burial Permits ................................................... 54
Bakery ................................................................ 4
Bottling ............................................................... 1
Catering ............................................................. 1
Cleaners/Laundromats ...................................... 1
Recreational Camps .......................................... 9
Demolition ........................................................ 10
Septic Installers ................................................ 47
Disposal of Offal ............................................... 33
Food Establishment ....................................... 105
Funeral Directors ............................................... 3
Infectious Waste ................................................ 1
Keeping of Animals .......................................... 15
Frozen Desserts/Ice Cream ............................... 7
Milk and Cream ................................................ 39
Milk and Cream Vehicles ................................... 5
Mobile Food ....................................................... 4
137
Pasteurization .................................................... 1
Private Wells (potable) ...................................... 3
Irrigation Wells ................................................... 2
Recycling ............................................................ 1
Retail Food ....................................................... 33
Stables ............................................................. 19
Manicure Establishment ................................... 16
Tanning Establishment ....................................... 4
Temporary Food ............................................... 15
Trench Permits ................................................. 23
Semi-Public Pools/Spas ................................... 27

Staff
The current Health Department staff is as follows:
David E. McKearney, R.S. Public Health Director
Virginia M. McNeil, Health Agent.

The Franklin Health Department wishes to thank all department heads and staff for their efforts in supporting and assisting the Health Department throughout the year.

Board of Health
The three-member elected Board of Health is the policy making arm for the Health Department. The board members assist in the drafting of public health bylaws, and review all site plans for compliance with local and state public health regulations. The board presides over administrative hearings in all matters concerning Health Department licensed and permitted activities. Board members are available for consultation on issues relative to the public health as well.

Bruce Hunchard, Board of Health Chairman
Donald Ranieri, Jr. Vice Chairman
Philip Brunelli, Board Clerk.

Hours of Operation
The Franklin Health Department office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Wednesday from 8:00am to 6:00pm and Friday from 8:00 to 1:00pm. Health Department personnel are available to meet with customers from 8-9:15AM and again from 3:15-4PM each day, or by appointment as
necessary.

Respectfully submitted,

David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Department


from the Town Clerk Annual Report page, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

"The $10.5 million effort will begin in 2016"

I find it interesting that the Milford Daily News has an article on road work for the i495 section in Franklin. The work planned will include the bridges, road surfaces as well as the on/off ramps. The interesting part is that the work is not scheduled to begin until 2016! It is good that MassDOT is planning ahead. What the road conditions will be like when they finally get started remains to be seen.

Any work done to I-495 benefits the town, said Department of Public Works Director Robert Cantoreggi. 

Cantoreggi believes that the state rarely does this level of work, saying it’s high time the town's section of I-495 — going from the Wrentham town line to Beaver Street — received improvements. 

"A lot of times, we get calls about the conditions of the ramps because people think they’re under the control of the town," he said. "The ramps have been in awful condition and I’ve called the state about it many times."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1783189586/Big-changes-to-be-made-on-I-495-in-Franklin#ixzz2GdR14fjr

Meeting notes archive for 2012

2012


Election results - 11/06/12

Master Plan Public Meeting - May 19, 2012

Finance Committee - Budget hearings FY 2013

High School Building Project collection

• Finance Committee - 11/06/12
• Finance Committee - 06/05/12
• Finance Committee - 04/26/12
• Finance Committee - 04/25/12 and here

• 
  
• Planning Board - 12/17/12

• 
  
• School Committee - 10/09/12
• School Committee - 09/11/12

• 
  
• Town Council - 12/05/12
• Town Council - 11/28/12
• Town Council - 11/07/12
• Town Council - 10/17/12
• Town Council - 10/03/12
• Town Council - 09/19/12
• Town Council - 06/06/12
• Town Council - 05/24/12 (Budget hearing)
• Town Council - 05/16/12
• Town Council - 04/18/12
• Town Council - 03/07/12
• Town Council - 02/01/12
• Town Council - 01/18/2012

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Snow places to go

The family has been to Oak St School to sled. I have heard of Dacey Field on Lincoln St. Are there other good sledding spots in Franklin?

Please email or add your suggestion in the comments.

"reimagining their senior centers"

The MetroWest Daily News has an article on the growing senior population and the attempts of the local senior centers to serve this community.

Directors have found that to reach new seniors, they’ll need new marketing techniques, ones incorporating social media and the Internet. 

Inside their senior centers, they are taking pains to stay fresh and appealing, setting up cafés and computer classrooms. 

"We expect that they (baby boomers) want much more high-tech resources than we currently offer," said Karen Alves, director of the Franklin Senior Center. 

Outside, they’re offering trips beyond doctor’s visits, to cultural or educational hot spots.

Read more: A senior dilemma - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x1631898497/A-senior-dilemma#ixzz2GXVbupmG


Information about the Franklin Senior Center can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

You can find their current Newsletter here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Jan13connection.pdf

Annual Report 2012: Building Inspection

The Building Inspection Department is a multi-function office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:

Massachusetts State Building Code - 780CMR
Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185
Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR
Mass. Plumbing & Gas Code – 248 CMR
National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002
Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98
Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of Operation
The Building Inspection Department’s hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.- 1:00p.m. For your convenience, you may visit our website: at www.franklin.ma.us/inspections. This site contains a series of forms easily accessible and available to download. The website provides permit applications, sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals. Shed/barn instruction manuals, complaint forms, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff
Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer: Lloyd Brown
Inspectors:
Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney
Asst Wiring Inspector: James Laughlin
Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta
Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: Richard McCormick
Sealer of Weights & Measurers: Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards

Staff Assistants
Barbara J. Curran/Zoning
Eileen A. DiGiacomo
Judy Demers

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors, municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination, pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries. Inspectors and staff continue to be trained on the changes with the new codes. David Roche has left the Department and is now working for the Town of Needham. We thanked David for his 14 years of service and all that he did for the town. The remainder of the staff continues to take on additional work load and responsibilities while still maintaining normal business hours open to the public. I also thank all of them for the continued excellent work they perform every day for the Department and the Town of Franklin.

Building Permits
Remodeling construction remained steady for the year with new home starts closer to normal, and subdivisions continue to be constructed. Commercial construction and tenant fit-up of existing buildings remain strong. This year the Building Department issued a total of 1185 building permits and the revenues
collected were $471,395.96

The following is a breakdown of the past years building permit activity:

Single Family Residence(s) 25
Attached Town House(s) 9
Apts. Or Stacked Condo(s) 2
New Building Commercial 6
Building Misc. 6
Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) 5
Addition(s) 42
Alteration(s) 463
Amended Permit(s) 1
Deck 48
Swimming Pool(s) 35
Garage(s) 3
Shed(s) 7
Foundation(s) Only 9
Demolition(s) 17
Tent(s) 13
Sign(s) 31
Woodstove(s) 24
Carnival(s) 1
Fence 0
Earth Removal 2
Repair(s) Rehab 384

Certificates of Inspection
Inspection and certification of specified use groups shall be inspected annually in accordance with Table 106 of the Massachusetts State Building Code. This year the staff issued 82 certificates of inspection and the fees collected for the certifications amounted to $18,240.00. Certificates are issued for all public and private schools, churches, day care centers, nursing homes, funeral homes, bleachers, restaurants, alcoholic beverage establishments, multi-family dwellings (3or more units), movie theaters and other places of
assembly. The Fire Department has assisted our department in assuring compliance with the Fire Prevention Code. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the public safety and well being of the general public.

Certificates of Occupancy 
The Building Inspection Department issues a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. All buildings/structures shall not be used or occupied in whole or part until a certificate of occupancy is issued. This department has issued a total of 76 certificates of occupancy and the total fees collected amounted to $5,500.00.

Electrical Permits
The total number of electrical permits issued was 998 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $94,224.00

Plumbing Permits
The total number of plumbing permits issued was 589 and the total fees collected and deposited Amounted to $61,529.00

Gas Permits
The total number of gas permits issued was 600 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to
$28,004.00

Division of Weights and Standards
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, Division of Standards provides this service on behalf of the Town of Franklin. The Department of Weights and Measures is responsible for providing the services of testing, adjusting, sealing and handling all complaints regarding commercial weighing and measuring devices within the Town of Franklin. The department investigates consumer complaints regarding unit pricing laws; spot-checking prepackaged items for compliance with all weights and measures laws. Inspections were conducted by the State and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $12,023.50

Total Revenues Collected: $655,152.96

The Building Commissioner would like to thank his staff, the various town departments, boards
and officials for their support and assistance throughout the year.

Respectfully,

Lloyd Brown
Commissioner of Buildings


From the Town clerk page on annual reports. This comes from the 2012 report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin Art Center: January 2013 updates

We hope everyone is enjoying the holidays

We have new classes and workshops coming in January.

Franklin Art Center

Preschool art classes and After school art classes have some openings ..check the website and give us a call if you are interested.

NEW  Watercolor for teens- Adults   begins Jan 7

          Mondays 7-9  6 weeks   $180  supply list will be distributed

New Saturday morning painting for teens- adults

          11-12:30   6 weeks        $180  starts Jan 5

Drawing for teens -adults  

          Wednesdays 6:30-8      $180 begins Jan 9

DSLR workshop Saturday Jan 26  1:30-5   $45

Kids cupcake workshops  Jan 12 & 19       $60

        2-4 pm   for both days includes matted painting and clay cupcake to be displayed at the cake bar

We look forward to a new year and new classes and workshops

If you are interested in a new class ...let us know!

Have a Happy New Year!

Ian and Linda Kabat

Franklin Art Center

In the News: more staff, lab problems, drunk driving

Franklin Fire Chief wants more staff

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Review finds problems at other Mass. labs

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

State police urge drivers not to drive drunk

by Norman Miller/Daily News staff

Annual Report 2012: Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals currently consists of three (3) members and one (1) associate member appointed by the Town Administrator, subject to the confirmation by the Town Council, for terms of such length and so arranged that the term of one member shall expire each year. There are currently two (2) openings for an associate member.

The Board of Appeals holds Public Hearings, as advertised, for Variance(s), Special Permits (including gravel removal), Findings and Chapter 40B applications. The Board also renders determinations on land use and zoning issues. All necessary forms and applications may be obtained through the Building Inspection Department and via Board of Appeals website at http://www.franklin.ma.us.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets in Town Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building on Thursday evenings usually twice a month, at 7:30pm. The calendar may be viewed via website at http://www.franklin.ma.us. All meetings are open to the public.

The Board has been very active this fiscal year and the following agenda is a list of all applications filed, indexed and recorded with the Town Clerk.


Respectfully submitted,

Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals (Member Since)

Bruce Hunchard, Chairman (1991)
Robert Acevedo, Vice Chairman (2003)
Timothy Twardowski, Clerk (2010)
Philip Brunelli, Associate Member (2009)
Barbara Curran Administrative Secretary


From the Town clerk page on annual reports. This comes from the 2012 report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Registration: Y World of Tots Preschool

Registration for the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Y World of Tots Preschool at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin begins Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 1 p.m.

The preschool is designed to provide a positive learning environment for children aged 2.9 to 5 years. The school is holding an open house for parents on Jan. 16 from 1-2:30 p.m. and provides an opportunity to view the classroom environment, meet the staff, and learn about the program’s philosophy.

“Our program offers a preschool experience where children learn, thrive, and explore. We look forward to meeting and welcoming new students for the 2013-2014 school year. Preschool is a great opportunity to introduce young children to a lifetime of learning,” said teacher Lisa Peters. The preschool program offers two, three, and five-day options for both morning or extended day options. The Y World of Tots is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Social, motor, and academic development is promoted through fun hands-on learning activities in science, math, language, listening and verbal skills. Enrichment activities are included in the curriculum and is an added benefit as the school is located inside a full facility YMCA. Activities include gymnastics, swimming & sports classes. Nutrition education is also included.

The program is run by intensively screened and trained caring, licensed staff.

For more information contact Deborah Ela or Lisa Peters at 774-235-2725 or yworldoftots@hockymca.org.

Annual Report 2012: Town Attorney

The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as-needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to
the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input.

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws.

An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that  discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits.

The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Cerel
Town Attorney


From the Town clerk page on annual reports. This comes from the 2012 report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Congressman McGovern: Office Closings due to redistricting

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December 27, 2012 Website | Jim McGovern | Services | 3rd District | Issues & Legislation | Media Center | Contact Jim Dear friends, I have thoroughly enjoyed representing the 3rd Congressional District, and am sad to be saying goodbye to many longtime friends and constituents due to redistricting that will now have me representing the "new" 2nd Congressional District. I know that Representatives Keating, Kennedy, Markey, and Tsongas will do a superb job, and I look forward to working with them closely on the local issues that have mattered so much to me for the past 16 years. My Attleboro, Fall River, and Marlborough offices stopped accepting new casework as of December 21, 2012, and will officially close as of December 31, 2012, due to redistricting. In an effort to assure continuity of representation, relevant casework and information will be transferred to the new Congressional offices representing each affected community as of January 3, 2012. Residents in Clinton and Marlborough will now be in the 3rd Congressional District. Inquiries should be directed to Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. tsongas.house.gov Lowell, MA Office 11 Kearney Square, 3rd Floor Lowell, MA 01852 Phone: (978) 459-0101] Residents in Attleboro, Fall River*, Franklin, Hopkinton, Medway, North Attleboro, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Wrentham will now be in the 4th Congressional District, and will be able to contact Congressman Joe Kennedy III after January 3rd. In the meantime, inquiries should be directed to Senator John Kerry. Kerry.senate.gov Boston, MA Office One Bowdoin Square, 10th Floor Boston, MA 02114 Phone: 617.565.8519 Some residents of Fall River will now be in the 9th Congressional District. Inquiries should be directed to Congressman William Keating. Keating.house.gov Quincy, MA Office 1250 Hancock Street, Suite 802N Quincy, MA 02169 Phone: 617.770.3700 Residents in Ashland, Holliston, and Southborough will now be in the 5th Congressional District. Inquiries should be directed to Congressman Ed Markey. Markey.house.gov Framingham, MA Office 188 Concord Street, Suite 102 Framingham, MA 01702 Phone: 508-875-2900 Thank you for all of your friendship and support over the years, Congressman Jim McGovern Contact Information Washington D.C. Office 438 Cannon HOB | Washington, DC 20515 | Phone: (202) 225-6101 | Fax: (202) 225-5759 District Offices: 34 Mechanic Street Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 831-7356 Fax: (508) 754-0982 255 Main Street Room 104 Marlborough, MA 01752 Phone: (508) 460-9292 Fax: (508) 460-6869 8 North Main Street Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-8025 Fax: (508) 431-8017 371 S. Main Street Suite 102 Fall River, MA 02721 Phone: (508) 677-0140 Fax: (508) 677-0992  Privacy Policy