DCU, 500 West Central St., Franklin, will offer free document shredding for the public on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
In the News: document shredding
DCU in Franklin offer free document shredding on Aug. 10
Monday, August 5, 2013
Akin Bak Farm stand - grand opening
I have looked forward to getting Howard Crawford's honey at the Franklin Farmer's Market. Now the Akin Bak Farm has a nice new stand with fresh produce as well as the honey for sale.
If you are worried about trying to make a left turn out of Akin Bak, there is another alternative. Once on the property, there is a driveway that can take you out to Beaver St and drop you right next to the Franklin Glass. You can come out to the corner of Beaver St and RT 140 and the traffic light will make the left turn easier.
Additional photos of the farm can be found on the Akin Bak Google map page here
You can find Akin Bak on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/AkinBakFarm
or their webpage here http://www.akinbakfarmllc.com/
Akin Bak sign on RT 140 |
the new farm stand |
fields you can't see from RT 140 |
bee hives along the edge of the field |
pumpkin not quite ready to harvest |
If you are worried about trying to make a left turn out of Akin Bak, there is another alternative. Once on the property, there is a driveway that can take you out to Beaver St and drop you right next to the Franklin Glass. You can come out to the corner of Beaver St and RT 140 and the traffic light will make the left turn easier.
Additional photos of the farm can be found on the Akin Bak Google map page here
You can find Akin Bak on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/AkinBakFarm
or their webpage here http://www.akinbakfarmllc.com/
Poor handling
Given the occasional visits the family has made to Ichigo Ichie/s, it is a good restaurant. The water bubble wall is enchanting and more importantly the food is good. Their liquor license procedures stand some significant improvement however. For a restaurant open only two years, to have failed the license compliance check each year is not good. That kind of track record is going to jeopardize their operations.
The hearing on their second suspension was initially scheduled for this Wednesday's Town Council meeting and rescheduled for Sep 4. The lawyer representing Ichigo Ichie's is out of town so they asked for the reschedule.
Tune into the meeting Sep 4th to find out when the next suspension of their liquor license will occur. The first offense usually results in a one day suspension with the second a three day suspension. Ichigo Ichie's would stand to loose a weekend of operation following the precedence of prior suspensions.
Related links
Agenda for Weds Aug 7
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-aug-7.html
Ichigo Ichie opens
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/updates-ichigo-ichie-and-italian.html
Ichigo Ichie's first suspension
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/in-news-town-council-meeting-coverage.html
Ichigo Ichie's webpage http://www.ichigoichieus.com/franklin/index.html
The hearing on their second suspension was initially scheduled for this Wednesday's Town Council meeting and rescheduled for Sep 4. The lawyer representing Ichigo Ichie's is out of town so they asked for the reschedule.
Ichigo Ichie - Franklin, MA |
Tune into the meeting Sep 4th to find out when the next suspension of their liquor license will occur. The first offense usually results in a one day suspension with the second a three day suspension. Ichigo Ichie's would stand to loose a weekend of operation following the precedence of prior suspensions.
Related links
Agenda for Weds Aug 7
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-aug-7.html
Ichigo Ichie opens
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/updates-ichigo-ichie-and-italian.html
Ichigo Ichie's first suspension
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/in-news-town-council-meeting-coverage.html
Ichigo Ichie's webpage http://www.ichigoichieus.com/franklin/index.html
Sunday, August 4, 2013
PanMass Challenge makes a water stop in Franklin
As noted the annual PanMass Challenge bike riders made their water stop in Franklin on Saturday morning. The riders left Sturbridge and began to arrive at the Remington-Jefferson School complex around 7:30 AM. I stopped by to take some photos, a couple of brief videos and managed to see a couple of the riders I had contributed to. I missed finding the other riders but as you can see in the photos, most are all wearing the same shirt. They all have their safety helmets on and when on a bike, they can be hard to pick out of the crowd.
It is heartwarming to see the welcome provided by so many of the volunteers, friends and family and equally heartwarming to see so many riders. When folks can come together like this for a good cause, it is a special time!
The entrance:
In the middle of the water stop:
The entrance on Washington St
coming in to the water stop
the helmet decorations helped to find riders
Team Kermit
coming around the bend
food, refreshments, medical assistance and a DJ playing up beat music
once the riders arrived, they had some fun to find who they were looking for!
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting
Marty Middelman and his family
It is heartwarming to see the welcome provided by so many of the volunteers, friends and family and equally heartwarming to see so many riders. When folks can come together like this for a good cause, it is a special time!
The entrance:
In the middle of the water stop:
The entrance on Washington St
coming in to the water stop
the helmet decorations helped to find riders
Team Kermit
coming around the bend
food, refreshments, medical assistance and a DJ playing up beat music
once the riders arrived, they had some fun to find who they were looking for!
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting
Marty Middelman and his family
Proposed Ballot Question: Treasurer/Collector appointed or elected?
Proposed ballot question text:
This seems like a good one to do a poll or survey question on. If you are reading this via email, please come to the Franklin Matters webpage: http://www.franklinmatters.org/ You should find the survey question in the top right corner and submit your choice!
The survey will stay open for 2 weeks to allow sufficient time for folks to have their say given summer vacation time, etc.
If you have any comments on the topic, please feel free to leave them here or on the Franklin Matters Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/franklinmatters
Shall the city known as the Town of Franklin approve the charter amendment proposed by the Franklin Town Council in Resolution 13-30 summarized below?
The proposed amendment eliminates the provision for election of the Town Treasurer-Collector and adds a provision for appointment of the Town Treasurer-Collector by the Town Administrator, with input from a selection committee and ratification by the Town Council; the amendment takes effect if and when approved by the voters, except that the incumbent Treasurer-Collector shall serve the remainder of his current term.
This seems like a good one to do a poll or survey question on. If you are reading this via email, please come to the Franklin Matters webpage: http://www.franklinmatters.org/ You should find the survey question in the top right corner and submit your choice!
The survey will stay open for 2 weeks to allow sufficient time for folks to have their say given summer vacation time, etc.
If you have any comments on the topic, please feel free to leave them here or on the Franklin Matters Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/franklinmatters
Franklin Ma: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 7
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– May 8, 2013, May 15, 16, 2013 Budget Hearings
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
- Conservation Commission: Paul Harrington
Cultural Council: Rev. Bob Johnnene
Election Workers: (see listing in agenda doc)
F. HEARINGS
- Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery of Furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – Postponed to September 4, 2013- 7:10 PM (Ichigo Ichie and Village Mall Liquors)
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Department of Public Works
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-57: Submittal to Town Clerk of Final Form of Ballot Question, RE: Proposed Charter Amendment Changing Treasurer-Collector From Elected to Appointed Position
2. Resolution 13-58: Intermunicipal Agreement For Regional Public Safety Communications and Dispatch Center
3. Resolution 13-59: Authorization to Sign Amended Regulatory Agreement
4. Resolution 13-60: Acceptance of Gift – Town of Franklin
5. Bylaw Amendment 13-718:Amendment to Chapter 185§7-Compliance Required – 2nd Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O.EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Town Administrator’s Contract
P. ADJOURN
The full set of documents as published for this meeting can be found on the Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/080713.pdf
Franklin News: hydrant flow testing, public health advisory
Hydrant Flow Testing
The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will be conducting hydrant flow testing during the overnight hours on Monday August 5 through Wednesday August 7. Flow testing will take place between the hours of 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM each night. Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being tested in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption. For more information please visit the DPW homepage at:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/index
Public Health Notice
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a horse from Belchertown in west-central Massachusetts. So far this year there have been no human cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in humans in Massachusetts.
It is prudent however for all individuals in Massachusetts to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites no matter where they live.
Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitos are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.
Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children’s wading pools frequently.
Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants.
More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
Note: These notices were originally posted to the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net
The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will be conducting hydrant flow testing during the overnight hours on Monday August 5 through Wednesday August 7. Flow testing will take place between the hours of 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM each night. Residents may experience temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being tested in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption. For more information please visit the DPW homepage at:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/index
Public Health Notice
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a horse from Belchertown in west-central Massachusetts. So far this year there have been no human cases of either West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in humans in Massachusetts.
It is prudent however for all individuals in Massachusetts to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites no matter where they live.
Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitos are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.
Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children’s wading pools frequently.
Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants.
More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
Note: These notices were originally posted to the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Franklin Public Schools: Summer Update
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Stop & Shop A+ update
The timeline sent to me that I shared earlier this week was a little misleading. The SCHOOLS can register as of August 1. We can register as of September 1.
For the post earlier this week, check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/stop-shop-bonusbucks-rewards-franklin.html
Stop & Shop screenshot grabbed as of 8/2/13 |
For the post earlier this week, check here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/stop-shop-bonusbucks-rewards-franklin.html
In the News: couple sentenced, hospital association
Couple sentenced in doughnut shop robberies
A husband and wife accused of robbing doughnut shops with what they said was an HIV-infected syringe were sentenced following a change of plea hearing in Norfolk Superior Court on Friday.
Hospitals form regional affiliation
MetroWest Medical Center is teaming up with hospitals in Boston and Worcester to form a new affiliation aimed at improving cardiovascular care in their regions.
Friday, August 2, 2013
The Pan Mass Challenge rides through Franklin
The PanMass Challenge will ride through Franklin Saturday morning. Back in January, I received this email from Martin Middelman, a regular reader of Franklin Matters. Hundreds of riders have been training for months for this weekend fund raising effort. Martin will be joined in this ride by Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, State Representative Jeff Roy and several other Franklin riders.
In a time when the TV shows negative news, it is heartening to see so many folks taking action for a worthy cause. Cancer touches all of us, directly or indirectly. Is there a person who hasn't lost a family member to this? Or doesn't know someone struggling with it?
Get up early Saturday morning and head to the Remington Jefferson School to see the riders come in. The school grounds serve as a water and rest stop on the ride.
Cheer them on!
Be encouraged by so many taking action!
Contribute to the cause.
"There is a lot riding on this!"
In a time when the TV shows negative news, it is heartening to see so many folks taking action for a worthy cause. Cancer touches all of us, directly or indirectly. Is there a person who hasn't lost a family member to this? Or doesn't know someone struggling with it?
Get up early Saturday morning and head to the Remington Jefferson School to see the riders come in. The school grounds serve as a water and rest stop on the ride.
Cheer them on!
Be encouraged by so many taking action!
Contribute to the cause.
"There is a lot riding on this!"
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A place at the table
Myth: SNAP recipients are inner-city minorities.
Fact: Food insecurity is neither an urban issue nor an ethnic issue. Nearly one in six people faces food insecurity, and they live in every county in the nation. In addition, 76 percent of SNAP households include a child, an elderly person or a disabled person.Read more in this op-ed by Trish Henley
For more about the film, A Place at the Table you can visit the webpage
http://www.takepart.com/place-at-the-table
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Neighbor Brigade Run
Hello:
This is not just an ordinary fundraiser but, more importantly a mission I support and take part in my Franklin community to help our neighbors in times of immediate crisis. I know through all the ways I have helped, it has changed the way I see and experience my own personal day to day challenges. I am thankful for a group of 80 volunteers and I hope you can help in supporting the continued growth of Neighbor Brigade in Mass. and beyond.
I have a Franklin page for you to look at and if you'd like to take part in the team, please sign up! It will be a great opportunity to share what Neighbor Brigade is doing and learn about its future growth. Thank you for anything you can offer in the way of a donation or perhaps a sponsor!
Go to:
http://www.crowdrise.com/franklinneighborbrig
Thanks and I hope to see you at the walk/run!
Linda
Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.orgwww.neighborbrigade.orgLike Us On Facebook!
Representative Roy's August Office Hours
Boston, MA -- State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Franklin for the Month of August on the following day:
Franklin – August 10th, 9:00-10:00AM, Franklin Public Library – 18 Main Street Franklin, MA
Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.
Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.
He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2400, stop by Room 134 in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.
Bike Tour of the SNETT - Aug 17
The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will host a Guided Bike Tour of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) on Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 8:30 to noon.
The tour will start at the Grove Street trailhead in Franklin, and travel west 7.5 miles to Blackstone to learn about the work being done on the trail. In Blackstone, you will have a chance to see the bridge rehab construction taking place, including a temporary ramp from Church St down to the RR grade, which will give you an idea of the Purchase Street ramp. The tour will be led by Mr. Bill DeSantis, Corporate Director Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB Engineering).
This event is free, but we ask that you register in advance. Also, parking is available across the street from the trailhead at Grove St
Register for this event now: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/calendar/aug-bike-tou
In the News: sales tax, juvenile court
State Senate OKs tax holiday for Aug. 10-11
The state Senate voted today to authorize a sales tax holiday for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11.The sale tax holiday is estimated to cost the government $20 million. So while the savings may get distributed to anyone who buys a key item this weekend, those same folks shouldn't complain if one of their pet projects doesn't get funded.
Senate agrees to increase age of juvenile court jurisdiction
The Massachusetts Senate Tuesday passed legislation that increased the age of juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 years old to 18 years old, according to a press release from state Sen. Karen Spilka’s office.
Both of these measure require Gov Patrick's approval
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