Friday, January 11, 2013

In the News: Shaw's, new album, isolation



New owners may not hold onto Shaw's for long

The Shaw’s Supermarkets and Star Market chains will soon have a deep-pocketed New York investment group as their new owners, but the challenges faced by traditional grocery chains will remain.



Franklin country singer release new album at The Estate in Boston

Singer-songwriter Christie Leigh will release her new album, "Deep Down Damned,'' Friday, Jan. 11, at The Estate club in Boston.



Johnston: Isolation in 21st century America

There are many splendid new domestic subdivisions in the towns around the Greater Milford area, featuring large new beautiful homes surrounded by well-manicured grounds. Some of these homes are eight-room houses while others are easily more than twice as large. My town of Franklin has seen the construction of many new developments consisting of very large homes. I have taken more than a few older residents on tours of the town so that they could see exactly how the community had grown over the last 50 years.


Thursday, January 10, 2013

Parmenter School Tour

Friendly reminder, the Parmenter School Tour begins Thursday night at 6:00 PM.


The sign was still frosty as I took this photo early in the morning. The sun had not yet risen to warm the sign and make it easier to read.


Franklin accomplishments in 2012


December 26,2012

To: Town Council
From: Jeff Nutting

Subject: Town Council's Mission - to improve the quality of life for our citizens

As I think back on 2012 the Town Council should be extremely proud of your accomplishments. In spite of a difficult economy your leadership continued to bring improvements to our community. Here is a list of some
items that you made a reality. It is a pleasure to work for a committed group of volunteers that always consider the greater good of the town.

Thanks for your leadership and Happy New Year

New High School
Delcarte Dam project underway
No layoffs for FY 13
Approved 8 of 9 collective bargaining agreements
Established Master Plan Committee
Established Citizens Committee
Adopted Updated Sign Bylaws
Adopted Bio Tech Overlay Zoning
Authorized refunding old bonds - savings tax dollars
Signed an agreement with the Franklin Cable Access Corp
Updated several Town By laws
Rezoned King and Rte 495 from residential to business
Water main replacement with new roads to follow
Improved the Town Common
Started stabilization accounts for senior center, fire truck and turf fields
Authorized a Home Rule Petition for Regional Dispatch
Received Library waiver
Funded sidewalk on Panther Way
Transferred land off Beaver Court to the Affordable Housing Trust
Funded new park at old town pool
Funded demo of old DPW building and construction of new one
NU style demo project started
Accepted laws to defer water and sewer charges for those in need
Accepted law to allow for Veterans workout program
Approved Solar Deal on Nuns property
Establish Operating Stabilization Fund


Copy provided by Jeff Nutting. Let me add my own thanks to Jeff for his good work assisting the Town Council on their accomplishments!

Town Council - 01/09/13

The collection of posts reported live from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan 9 can be found below. The major highlights of the meeting were as follows:

  • The creation of a bylaw to allow medical marijuana zoning is going to the Economic Development Committee before coming back to the Council and the Planning Board process.
  • The bylaws clarifying the process of whether you need a full site plan or limited site plan when considering modifications moved on to the second reading. The Planning Board had already approved of the changes. There was some misunderstanding of terminology that eventually was worked out in a special workshop to review the changes and how they would be implemented.
  • The addition of a license fee for a hotel to add a liquor license was approved for a second reading.



Voices of Franklin: Boston Globe Headline Misleads Public in Dookhan Case

The Boston Globe published an article on January 9th titled Ex-chemist's Husband Warned She Was a Liar.

What is the factual basis for such a defamatory headline?

Let us examine closely.

Notice the missing words "government claims" or "allegedly" in the headline. For it is well-established that a large percentage of news consumers will scan headlines quickly to get the gist of a given day's news. And the Boston Globe surely knows this.

More importantly, notice the glaring error within the article itself.

Globe reporter Adrian Ballou states, incorrectly, that Surren Dookhan "has not spoken publicly" about his wife's legal problems.

In fact, Mr. Dookhan has spoken publicly. On August 30th he told Fox 25 that he and his wife maintain her innocence and that they fear she is being scapegoated:
So, rather than relying on an easily searchable first-hand public statement by Mr Dookhan about his wife's situation, the Boston Globe is relying instead on third-hand hearsay provided by Annie Dookhan's accusers.

To demonstrate the corrupting effect of Ballou's reporting error, on the same morning's Fox 25 edition of "Let It Rip," several anchor-pundits were discussing Ballou's article and puzzled hard over why Mr. Dookhan would be sticking by his wife even after telling a prosecutor that she is a chronic liar. It never occurred to any of the Fox 25 newscasters that perhaps the reason why Mr Dookhan is sticking by his wife is because of what he had previously told their very own news station: he believes she is being scapegoated!

Now let's dig a bit deeper. What, exactly, is the source of the information being relied upon by the Globe in reporting Mr. Dookhan's opinion of his wife? Answer: a purported interview that was allegedly given to Dookhan's accusers by a former assistant DA, one George Papachristos, who resigned his position in October despite his insistence -- and the insistence of all his superiors up the entire chain -- that he had done nothing wrong.

Papachristos reportedly claimed that the reason for his October resignation had been merely that he did not want to be a distraction to the investigation. Sorry, George; the distraction horse left the barn the moment the Boston Globe printed your name three months ago, as evidenced now by its being trotted out again and again in the Globe's ongoing conviction of Ms Dookhan in the court of public opinion. Question: Who of any integrity resigns from a career that he reportedly cherished despite having done nothing wrong? And what boss accepts such a resignation? Surely any reasonable observer can see that such a resignation might, itself, raise more than a few eyebrows.

So here we have yet another biased headline about "rogue chemist" Annie Dookhan which relies on the testimony of a demonstrably questionable witness who "believes" that a few texts sent to his cell phone in 2009 "appeared" to have been sent by Mr. Dookhan, all while ignoring a first-hand public statement by Mr. Dookhan himself.

But here's where things get interesting. Another former assistant DA publicly scolded the Globe in October for portraying Papachristos's and Dookhan's purported friendship as inappropriate. Former Norfolk County Deputy District Attorney Matt Connolly wrote in his blog on October 18th:

"There is not one scintilla of evidence that Papachristos did anything wrong that I have seen. I don't know where the Globe gets off labeling his activities as 'unauthorized.' I wonder, unauthorized by whom? It would be nice if the Globe was more specific."
"There is nothing wrong with a prosecutor being friendly or having a relationship with a witness. It is quite common for prosecutors to socialize with witnesses who will testify... It is the nature of the job to develop these friendships..."

Okay, so, according to expert witness Connolly, such relationships are not only routine but essential, provided of course that no inappropriate favors are being exchanged between prosecutor and witness. Thus, in light of Connolly's informed insights, it appears that the state is trying to have it both ways with Papachristos: By absolving him of any wrongdoing on one hand while accepting his resignation on the other, prosecutors, politicians and the media can simultaneously perpetuate the public myth that Dookhan somehow behaved unethically with Papachristos while also shielding him from any legal liability of his own. Heads, the state wins; tails, Annie Dookhan loses.

The Boston Globe's pattern of wheeling out Papachristos's "unauthorized" friendship with Dookhan, rather than highlighting and questioning the uber-convenience of the state's two-faced handling of his weird resignation, frankly smacks of an agenda. Particularly given the timing of Ballou's erroneous story, dropping coincidentally on the same day that Dookhan was to be arraigned for obstruction of justice in two additional counties.

Sadly, it is becoming clearer every day that justice is indeed being obstructed in this case. And the media's flagrant bias and sloppy reportage is a major part of it.

Bottom line: we can either base our understanding of Mr Dookhan's opinion of his wife on his obvious devotion to her and by taking him at his word. Or we can rely on demonstrably false and shamelessly unfair media coverage that relies exclusively on the state's made-for-TV propaganda and the third-hand account of a dubious character whose own behavior raises serious questions.

Rich Aucoin
Franklin


Franklin's Dookhan pleads not guilty to five counts of obstruction of justice

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Matt Tota/Daily News staff on 1/9/13

153714 MA_MD_dookhan03.jpg
The former chemist accused of tampering with drug evidence at a Massachusetts crime lab, sparking one of the largest state scandals in recent memory, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to obstruction of justice charges inside two separate superior courtrooms.

 

Things you can do from here:

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Live reporting - closing


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
meeting about speeding on King St creating a concern at Parmenter
coming back with a proposal sometime

Governor's numbers due in about 3 weeks,
OPEB obligation is a concern

the goal to get through FY 14 is to not lose any jobs
health insurance will be going up
$48M backlog in roads
will give a monthly report on what's going on with the budget

Calendar year 12, despite a challenging year, much was accomplished
8-9 have collective bargaining agreements (Firefighters)
refunding of old bonds
updating bylaws
Town Common looks a lot better
continue to update roads
regional dispatch underway
getting close on the Nu-Style after 34 years
did the solar deal, established an operating stabilization account

on the school issue, we see an issue in the morning from 7 - 9 for the school year, half the year
looking at signage as a solution
don't see speed bumps on public ways, downtown's yes


L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS
Dellorco requesting a presentation on DPW for snow removal

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mercer - quick update on the high school project, foundations and footings being poured possibly erecting first steel end of Jan

Powderly - looking at the traffic issues, a note of appreciation, you do a great job of keeping us on point

Pfeffer - Shire Book Shop - congrats to them for being one of 5 in New England

Bissanti - thanks to the Planning Board and Planning Dept, these workshops are great, I saw the exemptions and I saw the clarity, it is good

Roy - congrats to the Council when you look at the annual report, there is a whole lot accomplished

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

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 9-0

Live reporting - Legislation


I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review- Remove from table - 1st Reading
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals Remove from table - 1st Reading
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission Remove from table - 1 st Reading

motion to remove these three bylaws, passed 9-0

Motion to amend bylaw,

Pfeffer speaks to a better understanding of the language and difference between that used by the Planning Dept and the common folk. The bylaw as amended is better now; not perfect but far better. Meeting held as requested during last Council session with Town Administrator, Planning, etc.

motion to amend to add 'exterior' in three places
passed 9-0

Q - why the selection of 600 sq ft?
Jeff takes first pass on this. What is the amount of area that makes sense to do diminimis, but not to allow to double the size of it without going through the whole process. So what is the nature of a small change? No secret to allowing an addition of 400 ft also requires another parking spot, hence also 200 ft for the total of 600

Q - scenario C, looking for clarification on
A - they have an existing site plan, not creating additional parking, not resulting in an increase in impervious surface, not resulting in a change of use, not resulting in a zoning board of appeals exception, hence a limited site plans

Roy thanks for the clarifcation, this is better

Bissanti - think the workshop was great, I am support of this

motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695 to second reading as amended

motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696 to second reading, passed 9-0
motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697 to second reading, passed 9-0


4. Bylaw Amendment 13-699:Amendment of Service Fee Rates: Administration- 1st Reading
Nutting - hotel would like to apply for an inholders license, we currently don't have a rate for it
there is not a down side for a license for an established business here in Franklin

What happens when everybody else comes in?
What is the downside? They still have to meet the standard, hotel taxes are huge for us.

The in-room license that currently exists came in from somewhere, sometime, no one has it

motion to move to second reading, passed 9-0

Live reporting - medical marijuana zoning


F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Manager – T.D. Beverage Inc.
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Medical Marijuana Zoning

a number of permits are required to be allowed per county
we are part of Norfolk County which stretches quite a distance
proposing to put it into the Industrial park area, would avoid locations near schools
some communities are looking to put it into their hospital zone

Mark Cerel recommends a new use line rather than putting it into another district

there are two considerations; one the use table, and two the zoned location

Q - We don't have anyone asking for this yet?
A - there have been requests in other towns

Q - put it into an overlay district?
A - Yes, it would make sense to do so

Cerel there are some towns considering what Jeff has mentioned, there are towns saying no, period
There is authority to grow there, not just distribution
Out in Colorado, they are doing this in huge facilities

Powderly - we need to respect the will of the voters, so many open questions, keeps the safety of the residence in mind. What are you proposing to do with this in the Economic Development? I would like to see something sooner than later

Nutting - meeting being put together on the 22nd, would give another sounding board before coming to the Council. I don't see it slowing down the process. We could come to the Council in Feb

Cerel - Wakefield and Reading did go down the no path, the Attorney General needs to weigh in


Live reporting - Town Council - Jan 9, 2013


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


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 17, 2012
motion to accept, seconded, passed 9-0

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors - Sandra Brandfonbrener
motion to appoint, seconded, passed 9-0

Annual Report 2012: Council on Aging


The mission of the Franklin Senior Center is to enhance the independence and quality of life for Franklin’s older adults by:

  • Identifying the needs of this population and creating programs that meet those needs.
  • Offering the knowledge, tools and opportunities to promote mental, social and physical well-being.
  • Advocating for relevant programs and services in our community.
  • Serving as a community focal point for aging issues and as liaison to local, state and Federal resources for older adults and their families.

The Center is located at 10 Daniel McCahill Street and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Center provides programs, services and activities along with outreach, information and referral to serve the needs of older adults and disabled individuals.

Senior Center: Back patio
On a warmer day, the patio in the back of the Senior Center

The Senior Center offers health screening and wellness, nutrition, social service coordination, socialization, recreation, educational programs, a supportive day program, recreational transportation and volunteer opportunities.

Our staff includes 2 full-time employees and 8 part-time employees. Four of these positions (2 full-time and 2 part-time) are funded by the town of Franklin. Our Health & Wellness Nurse and Supportive Day Program Aide are funded through grants, and our Grill Cook is funded through a generous donation from the Friends of Franklin Elders. Our two Supportive Day Program Coordinators and Bus Driver are funded with
program fees.

Highlights
The Council on Aging’s Strategic Planning subcommittee completed a strategic plan to address the needs of Franklin’s elderly community over the next 10 years. The Council’s by-laws were also reviewed and
updated.

We launched a new Fall Prevention Initiative which included individualized Gait Assessments and Fall Risk Assessments to determine if elders are at risk for falling, along with a new evidence-based program entitled Strong for Life, using resistance band exercises, and the Matter of Balance evidence-based program. We also distributed Fall Prevention packets in an effort to educate elders about fall risks. This program
was funded by the Metrowest Health Care Foundation and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.

The Center hosted two Franklin High students in a new internship program which placed each student with us for 70 hours. The program was so successful that the students donated twice that amount of time. With their assistance, we offered several new programs including: a Digital Photography Class, Video Oral History
interviews, and presentations on Social Media for Seniors and Cell Phone Savvy. All of these programs were extremely well received.

We also offered several new programs and activities this year including: Meditation Classes, Chair Yoga, Chair Volleyball, Senior Striders Walking Club, Depression Screening, the Silvertones Chorale Group, and the Yellow Dot Program. A second painting class was added to our schedule due to popular demand.

Our Wellness Nurse is supported through grants from the Metrowest Health Care Foundation and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. She provides weekly health screening of blood pressure, bi-weekly blood sugar testing, ongoing health education, home visits, and a monthly

As noted above, we offered several new innovations to prevent dangerous falls which can lead to serious injury or fatality for older adults. We enhanced our Safe & Secure at Home program by offering Gait Assessments, new evidence-based trainings and in-home evaluations of senior’s home environments to
determine if the risk for dangerous falls can be addressed. Based on this evaluation, installation of grab bars and adaptive devices are provided.

Our nurse provided 103 Fall Risk Assessments and 60 Gait Assessments this year which resulted in 31 referrals to Health Care Practitioners. She also offered 262 units of evidence-based training through the Matter of Balance and Strong for Life programs. Grab bars were installed in 28 households this year,
and we distributed 151 Fall Prevention Packets.

Wellness activities at the Senior Center include:  Low Vision support group, TOPS weight loss support group, a Caregivers Support Group, Podiatry Clinics and Chair Massage. The Center hosted a flu vaccine clinic and offered ten health education presentations over the course of the year.

Fitness activities offered at the Senior Center include: Chair Exercises, Zumba, Tai Chi, Yoga, Drums Alive, Meditation, Line Dancing, two walking clubs, Bocce, and Cardio,Tone & Stretch. We logged 8,391 units of fitness activities this past year.

The 2011 Senior Expo was held at the Senior Center with over 30 exhibitors, a senior fashion show, entertainment and a free luncheon. The winner of the Silver Spirit Award was Anthony Molinaro.

Outreach/Social Service Coordination
The Social Service Coordinator at the Franklin Senior Center provides assistance with housing, employment, home care services, tax abatements, long-term care placement, prescription drug programs, and many other
programs and services for elderly and disabled residents. The Coordinator can make home visits to homebound residents to assess needs and make referrals.

Several social benefit programs can be accessed to help senior and disabled residents, including Food Stamps, Fuel Assistance, Mass Health, Supplemental Security Insurance, Veteran’s benefits, and many other public benefits. Further assistance is provided such as monthly legal clinics, and the SHINE (Serving
the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program, which provided assistance with health insurance questions and problems for 175 elders last year. Several tax preparation programs were also offered, including preparation of 120 tax returns by the AARP Tax Preparation Program and 68 returns prepared by a private volunteer who also prepared Circuit Breaker Tax Credit forms for 84 elderly residents, resulting in a total of
$73,920.00 in senior tax relief. A session providing information and assistance to seniors in obtaining real estate tax abatements was also offered.

The Council on Aging also offers a cable television show, The Senior Circle, which provides useful information on senior topics and issues of interest. COA member, Stella Jeon, hosts the show which is shown on Franklin Public Access, Channel 8.

Educational Programs
Some of this year’s educational presentations included: CPR & First Aid Training; AARP Driver Safety Program; Know the Ten Warning Signs: Early Detection Matters; Real Estate Tax Abatements; What You Need to Know About Shingles; Dealing with Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Problems; Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Workshop; Veterans Aid & Attendance Benefits; Are Your Medications Doing More Harm than Good?; Planning for Medicare: Countdown to 65; Taking Control of Your Future: A Legal Checkup; Adventures in Peru Travelogue; The U.S. Constitution; Learning to Use Social Media, Cell Phone Savvy; The Roads Scholar Class; The Five Wishes Advance Directive, and The Health Benefits of Walking.

Other educational opportunities included: a Digital Photography Class and painting classes. Peer led groups include: woodcarving, knitting and quilting classes, computer instruction, Italian Conversation classes, cribbage classes, a Brain Gamers group, and book and current events discussion groups.

Social and recreational opportunities are also offered at the Center, including cards, games, movies, parties, crafts, bingo, trips, and fitness activities.

Nutrition
The Common Grounds Café offers senior citizens a delicious, healthy, and affordable breakfast and luncheon in a welcoming environment. The Café provides a great social venue for Franklin’s seniors. In FY’12, we
served 17,894 meals at the Common Grounds Café. In addition, our monthly theme parties offer an opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones while enjoying a delicious meal and great entertainment.

Supportive Day Program
The Supportive Day Program at the Senior Center, The Sunshine Club, offers a safe, structured and stimulating environment for frail elders, or those with mild to moderate dementia. This program has an overwhelmingly positive effect on the quality of life for participants who enjoy fun activities, socialization and gentle exercise.

Through this day program caregivers, many of them elderly, obtain respite from the strain of caregiving. Caring for a loved one is a stressful job that takes an enormous toll on caregivers; therefore, we also offer a Caregiver Support Group to help provide support and education for those in this critical role.

Transportation
Handicapped accessible transportation is available to Franklin’s elderly and disabled residents through GATRA, the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority. Dial-A-Ride service is available to Franklin senior residents within Franklin or out-of-town within a 15 mile radius. GATRA also offers a fixed
route bus through town and transportation for medical appointments to Boston and other destinations. GATRA transportation can be scheduled by calling 800-698-7676.

The Council on Aging works closely with GATRA to assure optimal access to, and quality of, both
Dial-A-Ride and the fixed route bus services for senior and disabled riders.

TRIAD
TRIAD is a partnership of the Council on Aging, the Franklin Police Department and the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. Its goal is to enhance senior safety and improve awareness of scams and fraudulent schemes to reduce the instances of elderly victimization.

This year TRIAD launched the Yellow Dot Program, a free program that provides a sticker for an elder’s vehicle’s rear windshield, directing first responders at a crash site to the driver’s medical information in the glove compartment. TRIAD also offers the Project Lifesaver program to aid individuals who may wander off
due to dementia. The program provides subscribers with a wrist bracelet with a radio transmitter. Should the subscriber wander, the caregiver notifies the police and a search and rescue team is deployed with a mobile radio receiver to track the signal.

TRIAD manages the “Are You Okay?” telephone reassurance program for Franklin’s senior and disabled residents. This program provides a daily telephone call to assure subscribers’ safety. The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office makes daily calls, and if the subscriber doesn’t answer the call, a well-being check is
carried out to assure that the subscriber is safe.

Friends of Franklin Elders
The Friends of Franklin Elders, Inc. (FOFE), is a private, non-profit organization, which was founded to assist the Franklin Senior Center with funding. The Friends supplement town funding for the Senior Center by providing funds for programs, services, and equipment for the Franklin Senior Center. The Friends of Franklin Elders’ annual membership drive supports programs, services and activities at the Senior Center.

This year, the Friends offered crucial support by funding our Café’s Grill Cook, providing $9,800.00 to fund this position. This position is an essential component in offering healthy, affordable meals at the Center’s Common Grounds Café.

In addition, the Friends fund events such as our annual Veterans Breakfast and our Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, and they fund the entertainment at each of our monthly social events. They also funded the purchase of grab bars for our Safe & Secure at Home program and tee shirts for our volleyball team. This year, the Friends of Franklin Elders also took over publishing our newsletter, The Franklin Connection.

Busy Bees
The Busy Bees Crafts Group meets twice weekly to create crafts and hand-made items to sell at their annual Holiday Bazaar and other local events. The Busy Bees then donate funds to support the Senior Center by purchasing equipment and contributions to various events.

The group also donates hand-made gift items to our gift shop and makes gifts for the guests at our Nonagenarian Tea Party.

Newsletter & Website
The Franklin Connection, the Senior Center’s monthly newsletter, contains news about upcoming activities and events, along with relevant information on social benefit programs. The Franklin Connection is mailed free of charge to Franklin’s elderly residents. To obtain a subscription, senior residents can call the
Senior Center and provide an address. The newsletter is also available on-line at:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

Postage for this is provided with a grant from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and a donation from the Friends of Franklin Elders. The Center’s website also contains useful and topical information of interest to senior citizens and disabled residents.

Tax Work-Off Program
Franklin offers a Tax Work-Off Program for senior homeowners aged 60 and over. By working in various town departments at minimum wage, seniors can take a credit of up to $800.00 off their real estate taxes. This program provides important tax relief to senior citizens, while supplying the town with dependable, skilled workers. Last year, 86 participants worked for a total of 7,517 hours at a total cost of $60,134.00. Senior workers were placed in the Library, Treasurer/Collector’s office, the Recreation Department, the DPW, the Assessors’ office, the Building/Inspection office, the Senior Center and several schools.

Grants and Community Support
For FY’12, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs provided a grant of $27,494.00. We also received $13,373.00 from the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation to fund our Health & Wellness Nurse whom we shared with the Medway Council on Aging. Funding was also provided by organizations such as the Franklin Cultural Council, the Friends of Franklin Elders, and the Busy Bees, to support Senior Center programs, services and activities.

The Random Smiles Project was presented with a Community Service Award by the Franklin Council on Aging at our Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in April. The Random Smiles Project provides substantial support to elderly and disabled households.

The Franklin Council on Aging works closely with the Franklin Police Department to enhance the safety and well-being of Franklin’s older adults. The Franklin Police Patrolmen’s Association officers offer a holiday luncheon at the Senior Center every year, along with educational presentations and Bingo parties.
The Franklin Patrolman’s Association sponsors a holiday luncheon at the Senior Center.

The Hockomock YMCA furnishes instructors for several of our fitness classes including: Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, an Aerobics class, and the new Drums Alive class. The “Y” also provides training on our fitness equipment by sending an instructor to the Center to offer classes on the proper use of this equipment.

The Council on Aging is deeply grateful to the community organizations and local businesses which have supported the Senior Center over the past year. This generosity enhances our ability to meet the growing needs of senior and disabled residents.

Volunteers
Our volunteers are acknowledged for their dedication and generosity at our annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. This year, the luncheon and entertainment were generously funded by the Friends of Franklin Elders. This year, 130 volunteers at the Senior Center donated 11,234 hours of service to the Town.
This contribution by volunteers would be worth a total of $89,872.00 in paid wages if workers received the minimum wage.

Our volunteers are essential to the operation of the Senior Center. Without their selfless dedication, we could not offer the many programs, services and activities we currently enjoy. The Council on Aging is profoundly
grateful to our volunteers for their gift of time.

Intergenerational Activities
Intergenerational activities are always embraced at the Senior Center. This year we had numerous activities with students from several different schools. Eighth grade students from the Horace Mann middle school came to the Center to demonstrate their inventions to help older folks hold a pencil. National Honor Society students at Franklin High School hosted their annual Spring Fling for seniors with a free luncheon,
entertainment by talented students, and generous raffle prizes which the students solicit from local merchants.

Contestants from the state-wide Junior-Miss beauty pageant volunteered at the Center and then performed for our members. We hosted two students from Franklin High and Xaverian Brothers High School and two students from Franklin High School for extended internships. Tri-County Regional Technical Vocational
School Health Services students visited the Center bi-weekly to interact with seniors and assist with activities. Tri-County’s Honor Society offered free gift wrapping for seniors during the holidays.

As their capstone project, two students from the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School raised $700 by holding a talent show and donated it to the Senior Center. Students from the Benjamin Franklin Charter School contributed to the Friends of Franklin Elders’ annual basket drive and were thanked with an
Ice Cream Social at the Senior Center. In addition, many students volunteer at the Senior Center throughout the year. All of these intergenerational activities and events create an enduring bond that bridges the years between students and seniors.

The Social Imperative
A survey by the National Council on Aging recently found that, compared with their peers, senior center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction and life satisfaction. This research demonstrated that older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic diseases and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental and economic well-being. These findings confirm what senior center participants already know; that staying active, engaged and socially connected promotes a positive outlook and better quality of life.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Alves,
Senior Center Director


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

Finance Committee - 01/08/13

The Finance Committee reviewed the DPW's capital requests and eventually approved the first phase of a capital budget. Jeff Nutting, Town administrator, explained that they are taking a cautious approach to the capital budget this year. Our needs are great, there is free cash available, but there is also uncertainty with State revenues currently under what was forecasted. If the State makes cuts to the local aid, then we would be better off holding some of this money to help cover for that situation. If that resolves itself, we can still use the free cash as planned for other capital requirements.

So this first phase reflects the more critical needs of the various departments. The Town Council will still need to provide their approval.


The individual posts reported live from the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 8th:


Many of the vehicles referenced during the DPW discussion were on view during the "Touch a Truck" event held in May 2012 in conjunction with the Library Book Sale.

BookSale_20120519 014

Other photos from this event can be viewed here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157629811259980/with/7232737210/


Franklin Library: Hobbit Party

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 1/8/13


Thursday January 10th
3:30 PM
Especially for ages 8 - 12

Come Party Like a Hobbit

Trivia, Games, Crafts, and Prizes

Costumes Welcome!!!

Things you can do from here:

Use it with caution!

Why share this email newsletter?
I think this is a good example of a local business, doing good work, sharing what they do via email and other social media tools to create awareness and potential customers.


Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

New Header
Hey Steve 


If you know me well enough to remember my first name (hint: look at the end of this email) you will know that I am not afraid of working hard. But I must say that December was a little hectic - ok a lot hectic!  Between Ana's surgery (she is recovering well - thanks for asking), dealing with a  kidney stone myself and still finding time to complete 48 jobs before Christmas - it  was a bit of a stretch! Soooo, I am really looking forward to 2013 to relax a bit...

And like many of you, I make plans in January for things that I want to accomplish for the New Year. Things like losing weight, saving more for retirement and perhaps a "small" household project like finishing my basement.

And speaking of remodeling, have you ever heard of Houzz? Let me tell you before you'll click on the link: IT CAN BE ADDICTIVE!

Houzz.com is a website for remodeling / construction / decorating ideas. It's a collection of nearly  ONE MILLION photos and it is growing daily. Click on the search box for "whatever" (basements for instance) and BANG: photos, product information and more photos to trigger your imagination.

You can save photos in your "idea" book, request information, upload a photo of a room of yours that you don't know what to do with it and ask for advice. The sky (or the clock) is the limit.

Next thing you know, with all that inspiration, you will be calling me to finish off your new project with some beautiful window treatments....

Seriously, I know hundreds of great professionals in most trades - from general contractors to lenders and even movers. I would be more than happy to provide a great connection for you or for your family or friends - in the event you cannot resist the urge for some "home improvement projects" -especially as a husband - I know!

Let me know if you have any question about Houzz or need a referral. Call me at 508-520-6700 or email me here.

As you can see, I am enjoying "my free time"...Hope you are too!
Happy New Year!
 

Roger Magalhaes 
(in case you forgot!)





Shades IN Place | 76 Grove St | Franklin | MA | 02038

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Live reporting - prep for budget FY 2014

Jeff providing an overview
department budget review underway, school budget due about the end of the month
should have all info except for health insurance due about mid-February
by end of Feb should have our budget ready
would still have changes at the State level depending upon what the Federal government does
I think we'll get by in FY 14 but it will be tight
FY 15 will be a huge struggle

I don't see us adding people, maybe a half person, or nobody
I don't think the School will be in for staffing increases

In the first week of Feb we should be able to give you some good numbers

How we approach OPEB will be key, we can't keep kicking the can down the street
can solve right away but need to get the game plan ready and execute
building up for 70 years, now time to address it

June 30th OPEB report by actuarial service to be shared with FinCom
asked to recalculate the OPEB accounts to incorporate the enterprise accounts

Annual Audit report due to the Council first meeting in Feb

Wellesley passed an override to fund their OPEB
We have to have a plan and fund our plan, then the State can manage our account to gain efficiencies going forward

MMA voted against report on OPEB as the report really didn't address the issues

FinCom encouraged to attend the Annual MMA meeting
Fri, Jan 25, Sat Jan 26

weather has been cooperative at the high school currently on schedule
steel should be coming in Feb assuming all the concrete is poured
contingency issue raised with unsuitable soil; in excess of $5M to the good still on overall budget
don't anticipate a lot of change orders as the school has been built a few times

Davis Thayer architect starting later this week, should have a report end of Apr/early May with an estimate

coffer dams going up at DelCarte with the good weather and low water so that is going well

working on an e-billing, put out an RFP but didn't get satisfactory responses
may get implemented for next year to get an email instead of paper bill

likely to bond half of the school next August, continuing to look at the analysis
looking to bring the school interest at 3.25 interest instead of 4.25 would save a whole lot of folks some money; as we get closer to the spring, we'll look to make that decision

re-using fencing from the high school that was taken down, will re-use it at the Beaver St facility in spring to complete the work

motion to adjourn, passed


Live reporting: Finance Committee - Jan 8, 2013

Present: Smith, Goldsmith, Dufur, Quinn, Roche, Dewsnap, Feldman, Aparo, Huempfner
Absent: none

Happy New Year!

Jeff Nutting provides some background on the capital budget process and the phased approach is being put together for this year. DPW will present tonight on their capital needs. Other departments will come forward in future meetings.

Items 2, 3 8, 110

Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director
Carlos Rebelo, Laurie Ruszala, Deacon Perrota
1 - $500,000 for roads for crack sealing and overlays, attempting to more preventive maintenance

Jeff mentioned completion of the town wide survey on the road condition, to fix it all would be $48M
a rating and cost estimate for every street is available

cheaper to chip seal than to overlay than to complete rebuild
do more earlier and that helps avoid the major expenses

Reducing size of road to make it easier to both reduce the storm water runoff as well as provide less maintenance requirements going forward

Some roads don't make sense to narrow it but where it does make sense, let's do it. Also helps to slow traffic down, people tend to drive slower on a narrow road

2 - vehicles
currently past life expectancy, we do buy used equipment but in this case it is used so heavily we use it so much we really need a new one. A key piece of equipment, a priority

$7500 - update and fix an older Ford truck
 - engineering staff vehicle, gotten away from re-using older police vehicles, moved to some smaller vehicles. Available for short money and provide good mileage

a trailer to move some equipment around, some funds out of highway, water and sewer for replacement of this trailer

based upon a case by case basis for each piece of equipment
saved $100,000 with a used 10-wheeler, that we should get a good number of years from
we have good mechanics and the folks respect the equipment, we do take care of them
they don't look too bad but they are just old


Water Dept
following water master plan, did East, West, etc. streets downtown this year
doing Lincoln from Brook to Daniels next year
will adjust schedule to make roads and water needs
water mains one year, street the next
Pine Circle and Highland Road done by DPW this year
other streets need to be contracted out
asbestos pipes need to be replaced as they tend to be leaky (otherwise safe)

get water line issue resolved and street paved at same time
the water rate has grown due to some of the capital work but the cost is also driven by the amount of water sold and with the efficiency and reductions in place, we are actually selling less water.

is there a way to get it done cheaper? if so, then we'll do it inhouse

Sewer Dept
muffin monster grinder to be installed at our Milliken Station
debrie clogs up the pumps to shut them down, these devices would allow the debrie to get chopped up and broken down so they won't clog the pumps
Swifters have overwhelmed the sewers, why? they can?
would reduce the maintenance from once a week to once a month

revenues really low, trying to avoid a rate increase which is already scheduled for 20% again later this year due to the Charles River plant cost

note to community on the switfers - to not through them into the sewer systems
it is not too swift to through a swifter in the sewer

$1.573,000 as total for capital plan this phase
motion to approve capital plan, seconded and approved unanimously

Water fund capital for $1,036,000
motion to approve capital plan, seconded and approved unanimously

Sewer capital for $163,000
motion to approve capital plan, seconded and approved unanimously


Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 8, 2013

The agenda for the Finance Committee meeting Tuesday at 7:00 PM.




You can also view this document here:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczRlJjcWFTc0poejg

Annual Report 2012: Design Review Commission


The Design Review Commission (DRC) is a committee of Citizen Volunteers that has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board on Site Plans and building exterior materials. It meets twice monthly and has addressed numerous projects and sign applications this past fiscal year. The Commission is currently composed of Mark Fitzgerald, Chair, Chris Baryluk, Richard Tobin, Jr., Nancy Coleman, and Anna Moses, as well as associate member, Donald Grover. Associate Adrianna Kelly resigned at the end of this fiscal year due to a move out of Franklin. Jennifer Peters, former Chair and a valued member for ten years, resigned earlier in the year due to family and work commitments and was commended for her service to the Town. James Esterbrook also stepped down due to his heavy work load and commitments to other Town committees

This past year, the Commission reviewed and addressed several Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and exterior Building Plans as to elevations, design, colors and materials. Reviews included projects such as a new Residence Hall at Dean College, Emeritus at Franklin, a senior living facility, Ichigo Ichie Restaurant, exterior changes to Vendetti Motors, exterior changes to two Dunkin Donuts (East and West Central Street), a new building design for Wendy’s, a new Taco Bell on West Central Street and renovations to Molloy’s Gas Station.

Sign applications were reviewed, addressed and approved for approximately forty (40) businesses throughout the fiscal year. In addition, the new Sign By-Law was completed and adopted by the Franklin Town Council on March 21, 2012.

Meetings are held at the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Room 205, at 7:00 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Meeting times, dates and agendas are posted at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Fitzgerald, Chair


The Design Review page on the Franklin website can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/design


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

Rail Trail Committee - Agenda - Jan 8, 2013

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2013.  The meeting will be held at the YMCA in Franklin and begin at 7:30 pm.




You can also view this agenda document here:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczM1RvSlNCWGllWDA

You can visit the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee on the web at
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/



DEAN COLLEGE CHILDREN’S CENTER “PARENT SEMINAR: KINDERGARTEN, HERE I COME”


DEAN COLLEGE CHILDREN'S CENTER
"PARENT SEMINAR: KINDERGARTEN, HERE I COME" 

Franklin, MA…Dean College Children's Center is sponsoring "Parent Seminar: Kindergarten, Here I Come," on Monday, February 25, 2013 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Dean College Campus Guidrey Center on Emmons Street, Franklin. Parking is at 89 West Central Street.
Dean College

The panel seminar focuses developmental aspects of a child's growth – social, cognitive, emotional, fine motor, and gross motor skills. Questions concerning "What is readiness?", "What do Kindergarten teachers expect my child to know", and "How to know if my child needs a gift of another year in preschool?" will be addressed. The panel will examine which aspects are considered by parents and educators when gauging a child's "readiness" for Kindergarten.

Parents of young children and educators are encouraged to attend. This panel seminar is interactive and those attending are encouraged to bring questions. Panel members include fabulous Kindergarten teachers from the area, with insight from educators of Dean Children's Center. Admission for the public is $10 at the door.

Dean College Children's Center is a non-profit, NAEYC accredited preschool providing children with an initial school experience that reflects current research in child development and offers a hands-on experience for Early Childhood Education students preparing for careers in education.

For more information on this educational seminar, contact us at: 508-541-1598

In the News: CD release, i495/RT 9, glass harmonica



Franklin native to release new CD on Friday


State details recommendations for I-495/Rte. 9 interchange


Glass harmonica concert planned at Franklin Historical Museum

Monday, January 7, 2013

Another #1 for Franklin

From the Neighborhood Scout:
Our research reveals the 100 safest cities in America with 25,000 or more people, based on the total number of property and violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, murder, forcible rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. Data used for this research are 1) the number of total crimes reported to the FBI to have occurred in each city, and 2) the population of each city. See our FAQ on how we rank the safest cities in America

You can view the full listing of 100 communities to find Franklin at #1
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/neighborhoods/crime-rates/top100safest/

The Franklin report can be found here  http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ma/franklin/crime/

Make sure to read the Overview tab, interesting stuff!

Franklin, MA: Planning Board - Agenda - Jan 7, 2013

The published agenda for the Planning Board meeting Monday evening;

23 Hutchinson St, proposed location for Franklin TV

PlanningBoard_January07_ 2013



Among the items on the agenda are:

  • Stop and Shop gas station
  • Franklin TV
  • Hoffman Farm
  • Robin's Nest Childrens Center



Annual Report 2012: Charles River Pollution Control District


During Fiscal Year 2012, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced  wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,740 million gallons (4.8 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 6.1 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River. The volume of waste treated was higher than the previous year due to an increase in heavy precipitation.

The District is anticipating the renewal process to begin this fall for its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharge of its treated wastewater to the Charles River. Under the preliminary draft NPDES permit, the District and the Towns of Franklin, Medway, Millis, and Bellingham will have to maintain an ongoing preventive maintenance program to prevent overflows and bypasses caused by malfunctions or failures of the sewer system and an infiltration and inflow reduction program.

CDM Smith and staff from the District prepared a 20-year capital improvement plan (CIP) to improve the wastewater treatment facility to meet more stringent NPDES permitting requirements and provide a more reliable wastewater treatment facility at its current capacity.

In July 2010, the District was informed of its acceptance on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) Bureau of Resource Protection Calendar Year 2010 Intended Use List for State Revolving Funding (SRF). In order to expedite the designs and proceed with the project in a timely manner,
the CIP was divided into three phases (A, B and C).

Phase A, which is scheduled for completion this October, includes the replacement of both primary clarifier
mechanisms, addition of two screenings washer/compactors in the wet well, primary scum handling improvements, and plant lighting and security improvements.

Phase B, the capping of the on-site residuals landfill, is scheduled for completion August 2012.

Phase C, focuses on reducing phosphorus, improving the disinfection system, and extending the life of the facility for an additional 20 years. This phase is currently in the early stages of design and is expected to be
complete in late 2013 with construction starting in early 2014. A District-wide Global Information
System was developed as part of this phase to assist with infiltration and inflow reduction requirements.

The District is scheduled to fund Phases A and B with a 20-year SRF loan of approximately $3.3M for costs associated with bidding, construction, and resident engineering. Costs for planning and design which are not eligible for SRF loans will be funded by a General Obligation Bond of approximately $1.5M. The total project cost is still under review and will become more detailed as design progresses.

The District is one of seven municipal wastewater treatment plants selected by the Mass DEP to participate in a pilot program that involves energy auditing, assessments for renewable and clean energy possibilities, and
support of implementation for energy related projects. The purpose of this pilot program is to reduce the amount of energy used at municipal wastewater treatment plants by 20%, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving municipalities money. The District was granted $847,583 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to install a 20 kW solar voltaic array and two turbo style blowers. The solar
panels will produce energy onsite whereas the turbo blowers will provide oxygen to the secondary treatment system using approximately 30% less power than the existing blowers. The District is anticipating a 20%
reduction in energy costs from these energy improvements. At this time, the solar voltaic array is producing energy which is used at the treatment plant and the turbo blowers are in place.

Peter SantaCaterina retired in March of 2012. He started his career as a Maintenance Mechanic and was later promoted to Maintenance Supervisor. The District wishes Pete a great retirement and sincere thanks for
25 years of service.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2013 budget is 2.5% higher than the previous years’ budget. The District’s FY 2013 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,414,100, while the capital projects budget is $594,160. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be
$2,298,070 and $356,810, respectively.

Respectively submitted

Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway)
William J. Goode, Jr., Vice-Chairman (Franklin)
Alfred H. Wahlers, Clerk, (Franklin)
Paul J. DeSimone (Medway)
Gene Guidi, (Franklin)

CRPCD Officers:
Cheri R. Cousens, P.E., Executive Director
Emma J. Catalano, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary
Cornetta, Ficco, Simmler, & Vallee, Legal Counsel


Note: the report was prepared after the FY 2012 fiscal year completed and published in November 2012. One sentence reads "scheduled for completion this October" - refers to October 2012.

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


“The local media has been restrained and responsible"

Franklin Matters contributor, Rich Aucoin has succeeded in getting media attention to how the media is covering the MA lab scandal with this article in the Milford Daily News.

“It’s a strange case in terms of drawing analogies to because it’s not a violent crime,” Bayles said. “It’s not even so much a financial crime. And in some ways that may be why it was hard to get stuff out. I spent a lot of time thinking, ‘Who is this person?’ There was not a lot of detail about Dookhan.” 
He said that realizing the scope of the scandal presented a challenge to everyone mired in it and that showed in the coverage. 
“It was sort of a slow boil in terms of people, especially in the media, understanding the implications of the case,” he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x848528961/Opinions-vary-on-media-s-handling-of-Franklin-chemist-scandal#ixzz2HHgRDwkR

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 9, 2013


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 17, 2012

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29.This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Library Board of Directors - Sandra Brandfonbrener

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Change of Manager – T.D. Beverage Inc.

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Medical Marijuana Zoning

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review- Remove from table - 1st Reading
2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals Remove from table - 1st Reading
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission Remove from table - 1 st Reading

4. Bylaw Amendment 13-699:Amendment of Service Fee Rates: Administration- 1st Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

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

P. ADJOURN


The full agenda and associated documents can be found on the Franklin web site
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/010913.pdf

School Tour: Parmenter

The next school on the tour of the facilities in the district comes up this Thursday, Jan 10. At 6:00 PM, the Parmenter School on Wachusett St will be open to all for a tour. The tour is conducted by Central Office School Administration, the School Principal, and members of the School Committee.

Parmenter is the only school with solar panels helping to supply their energy needs. You can check their status via this website
 http://www.solrenview.com/cgi-bin/CGIhandler.cgi?&sort=pvi_IDs&cond=site_ID=803

A couple of rain gardens were added to Parmenter as part of the Wachusett St reconstruction project. The rain gardens assist in reducing phosphorus from getting into the ground water and streams that feed into the Charles River.

Parmenter: rain garden
rain garden at Parmenter School

Come to the tour on Thursday, Jan 10th at 6:00 PM!