Annual Report 2012: Recreation

The Recreation Department is located at 150 Emmons Street. The Recreation Department offers Franklin and Medway residents a variety of programs and events for youths and adults as well as coordination of youth sports organizations field use and field maintenance. The department operates and schedules
activities for Chilson Beach at Beaver Pond, Fletcher Field, Dennis Pisani Field (formally Theron Metcalf), Henry “Ski” Faenza Tot Lot (Nason Street Tot Lot), King Street Memorial Field, Dacey Community Field, and Meadowlark Lane Athletic Fields. The department is also responsible for scheduling the use of all school fields during the summer, when school is not in session. Our department works closely with Athletic Director Brad Sidwell to schedule all youth sports activities around the high school teams practices and games.

Chilson Beach
This year, Chilson Beach was a busy place with over 3500 visitors utilizing the many functions of the pond. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and hiking were some of the activities available at Chilson Beach. We expanded the usage of the facility to include a Movie night at the pond, soccer, football, boys lacrosse and cross country running. The turf field was used for NFL Flag football, Pop Warner football, soccer, and lacrosse, as well as yoga for senior citizens, tai chi, boot camp, and many other recreational activities. A portable recycled plastic walkway was installed for handicap accessibility to the water and playground area. The Franklin High School soccer and lacrosse programs play all of their home games on the turf field as well.

Summer Playground Program
An eight week playground program was held at Fletcher Field & Medway’s Choate Park from June 26-August 17 2011. The program hours were Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily. Activities included: organized games, arts and crafts, water activities, sports, and weekly visitors. The themed weeks featured water slide Tuesday, a trip to Regal Cinema on Wednesdays, a giant slip and slide every Thursday, and Pizza day Fridays. The program had 500 registrants throughout the summer.

The Franklin Summer  playground Program Director this year was Kaitlyn Williamson. The Franklin Summer Playground Program staff included: Elizabeth Allie, Stefan Herlitz, Paul O’Donahue.

The Medway Summer Playground Program Directors were Becky Tingley and Cory Gates. Their staff included, Arianna Burke, Bryany Burke, and Matthew Harrington.

Youth Basketball Program
The Youth Basketball program continues to grow and now involves over 1,510 children, 162 teams,  314 coaches, and utilizes every school gymnasium in town. The Recreation department expanded its basketball program to include High School aged kids looking to continue playing. This intramural program gives kids in grades 9-12 a chance to continue playing pick up basketball on Saturday nights. The program utilizes school gyms at Parmenter, Davis Thayer, Horace Mann Middle School, Remington Elementary, J.F. Kennedy School, Keller Sullivan Middle School, and Franklin High School auxiliary gym.

This year the youth basketball program ran from November 11th-March 3rd on Saturdays. The FYBL is divided into ten divisions: Kindergarten (co-ed), 1st & 2nd Grade Boys, 1st & 2nd Grade Girls, 3rd & 4th Grade Boys, 3rd & 4th Grade Girls, 5th & 6th Grade Boys and 5th & 6th Grade Girls, 7th & 8th Grade Boys, 7th & 8th Grade Girls and High School Intramural division.

This year, our coordinators were Steve Ellin 3rd & 4th Boys, Mike Vinson 3rd & 4th Girls, Mike Canesi & John Jette 5th & 6th Girls, Tim Saunders & Kevin O’Connell 5th & 6th Boys, Mark Marinelli 7th & 8th Girls, Steve Skaza 7th & 8th Boys, and Mike Vinson High School Intramural League. It is because of these individuals and the volunteer coaches, that this program is a success. The K-4th grade leagues are set up as a non-competitive learning experience for the children with the focus on fundamental basketball skills. Grades 5th-8th grade basketball leagues start to teach the kids different rules, zone defense, pressing, and traits of competitive basketball. Ten players are drafted to each team and games are played weekly on Saturdays. Participation trophies are awarded to all Kindergarten through 4th grade players, and a “break-up” pizza party is held for all K-2nd grade players after the final game of the season.

Pee Wee Baseball
The Pee Wee Baseball program was created in 1999 by Director, Ryan Jette. Since then, the program has grown from 26 kids to 300 kids annually. Taking his lifelong baseball coaching experience coupled with past employment with Major League Baseball International, Ryan created a beginners baseball program that teaches kids the proper techniques of hitting, fielding, base running and throwing. This fun league features 4 practice sessions and 8 controlled games. The use of tees, soft bats and spongy balls make this program a safe and enjoyable start children ages 4-6 years old.

Head Instructors Mike Massuer and Chris Reagan will be on site to run the drills, organize the scrimmages, and support the volunteer coaching staff.

Kid Care Babysitting
The Recreation Department continues to offer this 6-hour training program for kids ages 11-16 years old. Kelley Brooks teaches kids the business of babysitting while coordinating lectures on childcare, fire and  police safety, nutrition, and diapering. Classes were offered monthly throughout the year and over 300 kids
were introduced to the business of babysitting.

NFL Flag Football
The Recreation Department teamed up with the NFL to bring this non-contact flag football league to kids aged 6-14 years old. 477 kids signed up to play each Tuesday & Thursday evening at the Beaver Pond Turf Field. Reversible NFL game jerseys, playbooks, wristbands, belt/flag setup and access to the NFL Kids website gives kids the opportunity to follow their favorite player or team. Players learned the  fundamentals of throwing, catching, running and teamwork. Punt, pass, and kick competition will allow kids to showcase their skills in a competition against area youths.

Tennis Program
The Tennis program was expanded from a summer program to a three season (summer, fall and winter) program. The youth tennis instructional program was offered at the Franklin High School Courts. The six-week program was under the supervision of Diane Reinertson, Drew Reinertson and Tighe Poirier. Classes were run at the Franklin High School tennis courts, Monday through Thursday for all skill levels. Over 300 children participated in our tennis program.

Golf Lessons
The Recreation Department expanded the golf lessons offered into the summer months, by offering a full or half day camp in the summer. The Recreation Department, in conjunction with Golf Professional, Mark Copithorne, offered Adult and Junior Golf instruction at the New England Country Club in South Bellingham. The lessons covered all aspects of the game of golf (putting, chipping, bunkers, irons, and woods). Registrants met one day a week for 6 weeks to practice their skills. Lessons were offered during the summer and fall season for over 340 residents attending. Express 2 day lessons were offered over April Vacation. Participants enjoyed playing the course following the sixweek lesson to see what they learned.

Girls Lacrosse
The Recreation Department has been running the Girls lacrosse program since 2005. The program has grown from 28 girls to over 260 girls. Our teams participate in the Massachusetts Bay Girls Lacrosse League.There were four teams at the 1st-2nd grade division which was coached by Ryan Jette, Barry Reagan, Heather MacCallum and Mark Goguen. There were three teams at the 3rd & 4th Grade division, which were coached by Ted Mazukina, Charlie Clark and Elizabeth Allen. There were three teams at the 5th & 6th Grade level, which was coached by Hank Versprille & Lindsey Baryluk, John Jette, and Todd & Heather MacCallum. And three teams at the 7th & 8th Grade level, which were coached by Mike Adiletto, Rick Grover and Roger Jette. All levels had successful seasons and played in 8 regular season games. Franklin Girls Lacrosse is the largest girls lacrosse program in the state of Massachusetts.

What’s New in FY 2012
We introduced several new programs this fiscal year. They include;

Intro to Pee Wee Baseball- Utilize practice time indoors during the cold winter to introduce your child to baseball. This program is designed to be an introductory program for kids who are not old enough for Pee Wee baseball this year. The program will still cover, fielding ground balls, running bases, hitting, and pitching but in a smaller group. Get your child excited about playing baseball. This program includes timed skill stations, tee work, and mini games.

Free Play Friday- This class is for parents looking for some fun activities for their 1.5 to 4 year old on Friday’s during the winter? Free play Friday’s is a play-based class that will allow your child to explore different obstacle courses each week. There will be kid’s music.

Bully Proofing-This program is designed to be preventative and proactive, so that children can avoid being bullied, and if they are bullied, how to stop it. In an interactive, non-threatening manner, children learn how to become “Bully Proofed”. We’ll focus on identifying bullying, understanding why it occurs, acting on bullying, and cyber bullying and prevention.

Community Garden- With the guidance of Amy Acevedo, the Recreation Department helped administer the first ever Community Garden at King Street Memorial Field. Over 40 beds were constructed by volunteers and help from DPW made this important project a huge success. Providing vegetables to the local food pantry and satisfying home owners that didn’t have the space to plant their own garden, the Community Garden continues to thrive.

Home Alone Safety- Children will learn telephone and door answering techniques, internet safety, accident and fire protection and first aid techniques. We’ll also talk about how to manage your time when you’re home alone for short periods of time. The class includes a variety of teaching methods, including a video
and role playing.

Introduction to Robotics- Students will be instructed in robotic systems through a hand on program with working robots. Each participant will build and keep a working programmable robot that can be programmed to navigate around. Working in a team, students will construct a robot that can be programmed using a computer. Students will be introduced to a BASIC programming language that is used to control the robot. The robots will then compete in a mini sumo-wrestling tournament.

FUNdamental LEGO Engineering-Take a "crash course" in Demolition Derby, design a Mighty Metropolis, challenge the Battle Track, build and race a Locomotive faster than a speeding Worm Drive. Explore concepts in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, and architecture while playing with
your favorite creations. Children will be given instruction, design challenges, and competitions appropriate to their facility with LEGO Technique and System components.

During February and April Vacation students engaged in a list of activities; rock-climbing, paintball, baseball clinics, field hockey, lacrosse, paintball, and much more.

Respectfully submitted,

Ryan Jette
Director of Recreation


Additional information on the Recreation Dept can be found on their Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Recreation/index

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

Franklin Downtown Partnership: General Meeting Thursday

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

General Meeting Tomorrow

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 1/2/13

Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting Agenda

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Dean College Golder Room at 8:30 a.m.

I.       Open Meeting

II.      Adoption of Agenda

III.     Report from Executive Director
          a.  Strategic Plan and Ideas
          b.  Event Committees
          c.  "12 Days of Donating" Food Elves
          d.  FDP Party -- Thursday, January 17

IV.     Streetscape and Town Update -- Jeff Nutting

V.      Holiday Stroll Summary -- Cindy Kozil

VI.     Intern Opportunities -- Rich Davino, Director of Career Services and Internships

VII.    Presentation on New Franklin Book
           a.  Author -- Eamon Earls
           b.  Franklin:  From Puritan Precinct to 21st Century "Edge City"
           c.  Books will be available to purchase

VIII.   New Business
           a.  Decorlys -- New Business at 58 E. Central Street Now Open

IX.     Other Business

X.      Adjourn

FDP Party -- January 17
Next General Meeting -- March 7

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2013 Christmas Tree pick up

An update from the Franklin DPW regarding the tree pick up details for next week

Christmas trees will be picked up curbside on your normal trash day the week of 1/7/13. Trees must not be in bags, contain ornaments or lights and be no more than 4 feet from the curb and be out by 7 AM.

To subscribe to receive your own copy of the Recycling and other Town alerts, visit this page
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news

In the News: storm water, wood stoves, Housing Authority

Franklin completes latest stormwater management project

by Matt Tota/Daily News Staff

In this latest project, crews replaced nearly 2,000 square feet of asphalt — considered an impervious surface because it blocks storm water from entering the soil — with a rain garden that they say will cleanse roughly 80 percent of pollutants in the runoff.

Mass. program encourages wood stove upgrades

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

The $2,000 rebate is open only to low income residents who provide proof of enrollment in the Low income Home Energy Assistance Program, MassHealth or the Women, Infants and Children program. 

Other residents are eligible for the $1,000 rebate.

Frankllin Housing Authority will look to improve security this year

by Matt Tota/Daily News Staff

The Housing Authority spent much of 2012 upgrading its properties and this year hopes to raise enough money to install security surveillance systems inside all of its buildings.

DeBaggis: Heeding the beacons of progress

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

DeBaggis: Heeding the beacons of progress

via Wicked Local Franklin Opinions RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 1/2/13

Lauren and I keep dogs and cats, and we take them to the Bellingham Animal Hospital whenever the need arises. Although Lauren makes the majority of these visits, I notice when it is the cat Oscar's turn, the task falls to me.

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Add your entry!

Here are a couple of entries in the current survey on "What should the #1 goal for Franklin be?"

• Extra Parking for Downtown Franklin and a 100 seat movie theater

Reason: Norwood, Dedham, Newburyport, Lexington and many more have theaters and they are not college towns nor do they have as high a population as we do

• End risky fluoridation

Reason: It has been nearly two years since Franklin officials were notified by concerned residents about the federal government's fluorosis warnings regarding sodium fluoridation. Officials have known for more than a year that hundreds of Franklin residents, upon learning of these federal warnings, stopped consenting to uncontrolled dosages of sodium fluoride. Officials have known for five months about the Harvard University study suggesting a link between fluoridation and impaired brain development in children. Health justice delayed is health justice denied. Anyone who needs fluoride can easily get it; there is no need to force it everyone, particularly in uncontrolled dosages. If surrounding towns like Milford, Bellingham and Blackstone allow their parents and medical professionals to control their kids' fluoride dosages, then why not Franklin parents? The health and safety of children is the #1 priority of any town. The right of parents to make informed dosage decisions based on doctors' recommendations is too important to ignore any longer. The time is now for the health board members to lift their risky and reckless sodium fluoridation order.

You can add your own entry here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/what-should-1-goal-for-franklin-be.html

Annual Report 2012: Human Resources

The primary function of the Town of Franklin is Customer Service and that service is provided by its employees.

The Human Resources Department provides Customer Service to potential, active and former employees, as well as citizens, of the Town of Franklin.

Over the past three fiscal years we had several layoffs, resignations, and retirements. This year we were finally able to hire ten full time and eight part time employees. Employees were placed in the DPW, Library, Police, and Fire Departments. Questions about benefits continue throughout an employee’s time with the Town and continue into retirement. In addition to the mandatory participation in Norfolk Retirement System, or OBRA for part time employees benefits include:

• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short and Long Term Disability plans
• Section 457 Savings Plans

All employees, other than Police and Fire, are covered by Worker’s Compensation, a federally mandated program. Our goal is to prevent accidents and lost time from work, and to protect individuals from financial loss when there is an incident. This “no fault” insurance is designed to provide income security and medical coverage for individuals injured on the job. Since July 2011, the program is insured with MIIA Human Resources continues to ensure that incident reports are filed timely with Worker’s Compensation, reviewing claims and making payments directly to the employees. We are now able to file claims “on line” to get them set up quickly so employees are treated and claims processed quickly. Employees who have needed to use the services report a strong and positive experience working with claims managers. We also work with managers and employees across the Town to support safe work practices, so that the frequency and length
of workers compensation absences are held to a minimum.

Over the year the Town of Franklin Safety Committee updated policies, with an eye to reducing hazards at the worksite. The team created a twelve month plan focus on a range of aspects of safety.

On an annual basis, all benefit programs are reviewed to be sure they comply with Federal and State laws. Federal Health Care Reform has had a significant impact on our health insurance program and we continue to ensure we comply with all regulations.

We provide benefits that are competitive with the market to attract and keep the right workforce and provide those quality benefits at the lowest cost possible. The HR Department has continued a wellness
program, offered by MIIA to the employees of the Town. These have included fitness walking, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating. This program, designed to improve health and fitness, and to reduce health insurance costs, will continue next year at no cost to employees or to the Town. Employees were enthusiastic
about participation in the strength and aerobic classes, Healthy Matters heart program and an extended walking program.

In addition to active employees we are responsible for over 400 retirees of the Town of Franklin and Franklin Public Schools who have health and/or life insurance as a result of their long-term employment with the Town. We enjoy hearing about their activities after they have left employ with the town. As retirees are a very mobile population, it is our goal and mission to assist all retirees and their covered spouses with any questions they might have which includes the processing of all of their enrollment, coverage and address changes on a daily basis.

As we begin the next year new goals have been set. They include:

• Work with all departments to maintain a safe work environment, with a goal of reduced lost time for on the job injuries.
• Review best practices in the public sector and find opportunities for skill development to offer to municipal employees.
• Continue to monitor changes arising from National Health Care Reform which will impact the Town insurance plans.
• Partner with School HR activities to find service improvements and cost efficiencies.
• Continue to deliver high quality customer service to employees, retirees, and citizens.
• Constantly monitor full range of benefit options. Focus on the Health Insurance Program.
• Identify information which can be best communicated electronically and keep web site current.
• Provide excellent service to and resolve administrative issues arising from municipal health insurance program.
• Facilitate managers using job descriptions and performance evaluations to strengthen organizational
• and employee performance.
• Educate employees on the Sec. 125 Flexible Spending Accounts which are available to them for medical or dependent care costs. Support managers and employees in employee relations activities.

We appreciate input from employees and citizens at any time.

Respectfully Submitted

Stephanie McNeil
Human Resources Director.


INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Town of Franklin Insurance Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from each of the municipal and school unions, as well as retired employees. It provides recommendations to the Town Administrator on health and dental plans. Meetings are an opportunity for employees from the unions to
learn about insurance products, industry trends, and to help identify ways to meet employee needs within the framework of Massachusetts General Law and available financial resources.

We had again advised MIIA, our insurance provider, that we needed a renewal with a minimal cost increase. In July of 2010 the Commonwealth passed legislation, giving municipalities more control over health plan
design.

The Town also continued a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help offset hospital in patient costs. The Committee voted in favor of the plan change and were able to achieve a 3% reduction in premium costs.

The IAC supports the development of a Wellness Program. This kind of program helps educate employees on health and fitness issues to support long term health. The goal is to reduce the increase of long term and high cost medical conditions.

The Town provides dental benefits on a totally employee paid basis. The Committee again selected Guardian Life Insurance as the provider for its dental plan. Approximately 300 employees have elected this benefit.

The Flexible Spending Account vendor was retained. This vendor provides debit cards for employees to use for immediate payment. Employees can avoid an additional out of pocket expense by using the cards. We hope the participation in this plan will grow as employees recognize the tax savings available to them, and
become more experienced in planning for medical and dependent care costs.

We have changed the plan year to a September 1 through August 31 window to more closely coordinate
with the Health Insurance Plan and with the school year.

Participants on the IAC brought good questions to the process and have been very effective in exploring alternatives, and making recommendations. The IAC plans to continue its work gaining knowledge about the full insurance program. In the coming year we hope we will be able to reach out through this committee to other employees so that there is greater understanding of benefit plans.

Respectfully Submitted

Stephanie McNeil
Human Resource Director

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

MassBudget: What's the State of Working Massachusetts, this New Year

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. State of Working Massachusetts 2012 2012 has now ended, and workers in Massachusetts are still trying to dig themselves out of the economic hole caused by the "Great Recession." The New Year's update of MassBudget's "State of Working Massachusetts" describes the current economic landscape, along with some of the long-term trends affecting workers and their families. As has been the case for several years now, economic growth remains too slow to restore the losses experienced by workers. In Massachusetts--as across the nation: The latest data show that median income actually fell between 2010 and 2011. The unemployment rate remains significantly higher than it was when the recession began. When we compare Massachusetts with other states, however, we find that workers here continue to fare better than workers elsewhere. Incomes remain higher, poverty rates are lower, and even when the recession was at its most severe, our state economy was outperforming most. Read Our New Year's Snapshot. IN 7 CHARTS: TODAY'S STATE OF WORKING MASSACHUSETTS Read The Complete STATE OF WORKING MASSACHUSETTS Note: The State of Working Massachusetts is an ongoing project of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. A full version is released each January, but different parts are updated at different times during the year--depending on when new data becomes available. Through each iteration, much of the structure remains the same, as do our descriptions of measures that have not changed. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

When are the Christmas Tree pickups for Franklin?

Per the DPW Calendar, Christmas trees will be picked up on your normal trash pick up day during the week of Mon, Jan 7 through Fri, Jan 11.


You can view the calendar online on the Franklin webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01A12FFA-000F8513

What should the #1 goal for Franklin be?

Happy New Year!

As we start the new year, goals and New Year's resolutions are made. Let's collect what you think the #1 goal for Franklin should be.

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