In the News: Cycling, casino

Cycling is on the rise, but is Mass. serious about sharing the road?

Gas prices are sky high and it beats idling in gridlock. Both the planet and our bodies deserve better than motoring from every Point A to every Point B. Last but not least, it’s fun. Cyclists offer all these reasons and more to explain why their ranks are growing steadily in Massachusetts.

Casino timeline concerns persist in Milford

After receiving an update from the attorney representing the town with the casino proposal, selectmen are still worried whether whether the town will have enough time to adequately examine the impacts.

"I don’t think we’ve ever done anything this big"

The Elks Lodge will hold the inaugural Elks Care Elks Share 5K Run and Walk on May 11 to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and the Wounded Warriors Project. 

The race kicks off at 10 a.m. at Lodge 2136, 1077 Pond St. The course, which begins and ends at the Elks Lodge, follows Pond Street, Southgate Road, Maple Street and Partridge Street. 

The top three female and male finishers in each age group receive trophies and other awards. Already 125 people have registered with more expected to sign up in the week ahead. 

Apart from the two main beneficiaries, a raffle has been planned to raise money for One Fund Boston — prizes include a baseball signed by Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester. Also, the sky-blue and yellow "Boston Strong" ribbon has been emblazoned on T-shirts created for the event.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x179155240/Franklin-Elks-plan-5K-race-for-food-pantry-Wounded-Warriors#ixzz2SVTBQOsS

You can register online at http://www.franklinelks5k.com/

Tree advertising

I was in Chicago this weekend for a conference. One I have been fortunate to attend for several years now and it was worth it this time around too!

While there, I visited Millennium Park where I found this photo opportunity

trees keep us cooler

trees increase our property value

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 8, 2013

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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

F. HEARINGS - Postponed Public Hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept Tanglewood Dr., Sierra Dr., Dutchess Rd., Summer Heights Dr., Autumn Ln., Fall Ln., Mary Jane Rd., and Anna Rd. – 7:15 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

• New Wine and Malt Package Store License – Angela Hayat Corporation dba DB Mart 1- Continued from May 1 – 7:15 PM
• Request for Withdrawal of Liquor License Application

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-25: Order of Acceptance of Tanglewood Drive and Sierra Drive as Public Ways – Postponed from May 1
2. Resolution 13-26: Order of Acceptance of Mary Jane Road and Anna Road as Public Ways – Postponed from May 1
3. Resolution 13-27: Order of Acceptance of Summer Heights Drive, Autumn Lane and Fall Lane as Public Ways – Postponed from May 1
4. Resolution 13-28: Order of Acceptance of Dutchess Road as a Public Way – Postponed from May 1
5. Resolution 13-30: Town Council Proposal of Charter Amendment to Voters: Treasurer Collector to be changed from Elected to Appointment Position – Postponed from May 1
6. Bylaw Amendment 13-713:Amendment to Chapter 25, Appendix A-Classification Plan and Appendix B-Compensation Plan – 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 set of documents as published for this agenda can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/050813.pdf

Drink Pink for the Cure

Pour Richard's is holding a Relay for Life fundraiser Sunday afternoon.

Pour Richards Drink Pink for the Cure from Franklin Matters

“When you build it, they come"

In advance of Bay State Bike Week which begins on Saturday, May 11 the Milford Daily News has this article on this transportation area.

Bay State Bike Week

... the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced last fall it aims to triple travel by biking, walking and public transit by 2030. It’s not about just accommodating people who bicycle for fun, but recognizing bikes as a form of transportation, said Catherine Cagle, manager of sustainable transportation at MassDOT. 

“We want more of them,” she said. 

But to get more people cycling on a larger scale across eastern Massachusetts, it could take time, more infrastructure and more concentrated efforts to educate people about rules of the road, say transportation advocates and planners. 

Advocates credit the recent expansion of bike lanes, paths and places to lock up bikes in part for the growth of cycling, making it more convenient and safer for more people to hop behind the handlebars.

Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/homepage/news/x1213312379/Cycling-is-on-the-rise-but-is-Mass-serious-about-sharing-the-road#ixzz2SPg8MsbY

If the commute to work is more than 30 miles, the amount of time involved would effectively make it not practical for a daily trip. I would like to increase my recreational biking but commuting by bike is really not practical.

What about your situation?  Is the commute to work less than 30 miles? Have you taken your bike?

Franklin Historical Museum - Open on Mother's Day

The Franklin Historical Museum will be closed OPEN on Mother's Day May 12th

Franklin Historical Museum

The 'closed' notice was originally posted on the Franklin website and now is removed. The Museum will be open for its normal Sunday schedule from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (updated 5/8/13)

Franklin Library: Move Along!

Move Along!

move along

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Franklin Art Association at Stony Brook - May 4th and 5th

For the first time ever, the Franklin Art Association is partnering with the Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary to produce an art show on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, complete with bin sales, live landscape painting demonstrations, and complimentary food and beverages. 

Stony Brook, a sprawling 86-acre panorama of New England Wildlife, is part of the Mass Audubon Society. 

Doug Cannon, a Stony Brook employee in charge of coordinating the show, is thrilled about the newfound relationship between Stony Brook and the FAA. 

“We are excited for a few reasons: We definitely want to work more with local organizations, and the Franklin Art Association originally came out here to use the space to paint on their own. When we saw that, we thought it’d be a great idea to use the grounds as a jumping-off place for their art and their shows,” Canon said.

Read more: Stony Brook, Franklin Art Association team up for art show, this weekend - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.wickedlocal.com/norfolk/news/x179154912/Stony-Brook-Franklin-Art-Association-team-up-for-art-show-this-weekend#ixzz2SK4TS1LR

"a foretaste of things to come"

Realtor Warren Reynolds writes:

Demographic trends are very powerful forces in the social and economic development of any society. In every decade of the latter half of the 20th Century, the US experienced the profound influence of the Baby Boom generation (both for the good and the bad). Now we may stand poised to benefit in coming decades from the economic and social vitality about to be unleashed by the Millennial Generation as they come of economic age. There are many reasons for optimism about our futures!

Read more about the increase in housing prices and why this is a good thing

Why housing may stay on the rise

Franklin Library: Krafty Mondays - Beach Hats

Krafty Mondays - Beach Hats

Franklin Public Library - 118 Main Street Franklin MA 02038 - 508.520.4940

Save The Date - May 17th - PMC Fundraiser

On Friday May 17th, we are having our Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) fundraiser at the Franklin Country Club, which will include dinner and entertainment. The entertainment is absolutely hysterical. 

Yes, we are having Jim Spinnato back again this year, the R - Rated Hypnotist / Comedian. It is a great night out. For those of you who attended last year, you know the show is nonstop laughter…. and the best thing is….. you don’t have to travel to the CT Casino’s (where he regularly sells out) and spend a lot of money. I really hope that you can attend. 

I will get back to you with more details…. But please save the date and please spread the word and invite neighbors, friends and family. We need to pack the house again this year.

Check out this YouTube clip:

"To me, life’s just too short"

In February, Drengberg, under the pen name P.L. Byers, might have become the first CEO in the defense industry to publish a romance novel. 

“Divine Intervention,” her first self-published book, revolves around a harrowing plane crash that brings together the only two survivors. 

“I enjoy these types of stories because much of what I do for a living is reading defense contracts,” she said, sitting in front of The Cake Bar on a recent afternoon. “When you’re done with that, you want to read something that makes you feel good, that’s light and has a good ending. Romance novels put me in another world, where I’m not thinking about helicopters …” 

Drengberg, who lives in Franklin with her husband, Mark, read romance novels feverishly as a young girl. Her first was Kathleen Woodiwiss’s “The Flame and the Flower,” which sparked her interest in writing.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x179154973/Franklin-writer-goes-from-weapons-to-love#ixzz2SK1KmogB

Reminder: 1st Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball

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First Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament at Horace Mann Middle School - Franklin! Sunday, May 5, 2013  2pm-5pm Upcoming Events CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND PRINT THE REGISTRATION FORM!        Click Here for a map of Franklin and Horace Mann Middle School        Join Our Mailing List!  And   Find us on Facebook!    FOR MORE INFORMTION CLICK THE LINKS BELOW   mberthia09@gmail.com       Event Name              Best Buddies First Annual Dodgeball Tournament Horrace Mann Middle School Sunday, May 5, 2013 2pm-5pm

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You can also find event info on the Facebook page

Spring Fair: Sunrise Montessori

Sunrise Montessori is having their annual spring fair, this Saturday (May 4th) from noon - 2pm.

This event is open to the general public. Kids of all ages enjoy riding in the train and jumping in the bounce house. 

How about getting your face painted or designing a bracelet? Plenty of fun, games and crafts for the kids. 

Adults will definitely want to take a chance on our raffle baskets or perhaps, bid in our silent auction. 

All proceeds to benefit the Sunrise Montessori School, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 organization, which offers preschool and kindergarten programs to children in Franklin and the surrounding communities.

spring fair