Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Franklin Library: Pumpernickel Puppets, Aug 7 - 1:00 PM


The Library program for Wednesday, August 7th is shown in this flyer

Pumpernickel Puppets

For more about Pumpernickel Puppets you can visit their webpage
http://www.pumpernickelpuppets.com/shows.html


"6.25 percent charge on various IT activities"

Technical help is going to get a little harder to provide in MA due to a new tax law that became effective on July 31.
Cara Mulcahy, who owns the Franklin web site design firm Avenir Services, said the tax does not affect the services she currently offers. She said, though, it would discourage her from providing new services. 
"My concern is that it's so vague that it could affect me down the road," she said. "It's prohibiting me from expanding my services." 
Mulcahy, of Wrentham, said she feared that if she were to send her customers a bill with a "tax" line item, they could take their business to New Hampshire firms, which do not have to charge a tax.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x853699007/Local-business-owners-speak-out-against-IT-tax#ixzz2bBP2NjeB

In the News: document shredding

DCU in Franklin offer free document shredding on Aug. 10
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.


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.

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.

Ichigo Ichie - Franklin, MA
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
PMC_entrance1


coming in to the water stop
PMC_entrance2


the helmet decorations helped to find riders
PMC_entrance3


Team Kermit
PMC_entrance7


coming around the bend
PMC_entrance8


food, refreshments, medical assistance and a DJ playing up beat music
PMC_entrance6


once the riders arrived, they had some fun to find who they were looking for!
PMC_entrance4


Town Administrator Jeff Nutting
PMC_entrance9


Marty Middelman and his family
PMC_entrance5

Proposed Ballot Question: Treasurer/Collector appointed or elected?

Proposed ballot question text:
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

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Franklin Public Schools: Summer Update


A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello

As summer vacation is winding down we wanted to send out an update as we prepare for the opening of the 2013-2014 academic year.

Student Schedules and Class Placements
All FHS, MS schedules and elementary class placement letters will go out in the afternoon mail on August 15.  At FHS the guidance staff will be back on  August  20 to handle scheduling conflicts. The HS Guidance Office has been staffed all summer and some counseling  staff will be available on August 1,6,7 and 8. A number of families have been contacted about scheduling conflicts and have not responded to calls and letters from guidance. If you have been contacted about a conflict please call the HS as soon as possible to set up a time to resolve the conflicts.


New FHS
The construction project is on time and we anticipate the official opening on the first day of the 2014-2015 academic year.  Franklin Public Schools summer programming that has been traditionally scheduled at the HS will be moved to the HMMS/Oak complex. Other recreational programs will also need to be relocated. We will be collaborating with all stakeholders  to schedule all summer 2014 events.


Facilities Work
Projects at Remington/Jefferson, Parmenter and Kennedy are progressing. We have been assured all work will be completed by the start of the school year.


This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 613-1777.

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.

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

Farmers Market - Today, noon - 6:00 PM


on the Town Common, along the High St side.

Franklin, MA: Farmers Market
Farmers Market today

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!"


Riders

There's a Lot Riding on This

Dear friends,

Today I've committed to raising money for cancer research by riding in the 2013 Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC). On the first weekend in August, I will join 5,500 cyclists in the PMC ride, an annual bike-a-thon that raises money for research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DCFI) in Boston.

I hope I can count on your support

The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country, $375 million since 1980 and $37 million last year alone! This success is the result of a lot of people riding for, and caring about, a cure. And because every penny matters, 100 percent of your donation goes to DFCI.

I've made a personal commitment to ride and raise $4,300. So I hope you can help me achieve this significant goal.

Please donate to my PMC ride at one of the following links:
Click here to make $25 donation
Click here to make a $50 donation
Click here to make a $100 donation
Click here to make a $250 donation
Click here to make a $500 donation
Click here to make a $1,000 donation

Every donation brings us closer by the mile.

Thank you,
Martin Middelmann

Your donation is tax deductible and 100% will go to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. If you prefer to write a check, please make it out to the PMC, The Jimmy Fund or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and mail it to me directly at:
Martin Middelmann
257 Daniels St.
Franklin, MA 02038
US

If your employer has a matching gift program, ask your Human Resources department for a form, and follow the process for matches.

To learn more about the PMC, please visit pmc.org.



border

Presented by

Redsox
New Balance
divider

Media Partner

wcvb-tv
divider
The PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.
Founded in 1980, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) is an annual bike-a-thon that today raises more money for charity than any other single event in the country.

    


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).

A winter scene on the trail (to help be cool today!)

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

Franklin Library: How to Draw Stuff for Ages 11 & Up



How to Draw Stuff for Ages 11 and Up

animal anatomy


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

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