Live reporting - Legislation for action, closing

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-82 : Adoption of Town Council Procedures Manual
motion to move approval of this to the next full meeting, approved

2. Bylaw Amendment 13-724: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates- 1st Reading
move bylaw amendment to second reading, passed to 2nd reading
addition of a 7 days from the time of purchase to the fee listing

annual fee, not a dump it is a recycling center, for fiscal year, July to next June
would it be good to consider a punch card system, we did and it would create more issues
$10 for 7 days, what a bargain?

amendment to adjust to 10 days, motion passed

would consider adding days and hours, it will cost more money... I haven't gotten calls on this

Cerel - until you adopt this, you don't have procedures in place
procedural nuts and bolts stuff, may have to spend some time in a council session before understanding how it is used

you did move this already to the next full meeting
put this on the workshop for next week and approve then


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
congratulations to the new council
working on a 5 year fiscal forecast, will be on agenda fro Jan 2014
starting capital budget process after the holidays
less free cash than usual

do need an executive session this evening


L. OLD BUSINESS
Bissanti - Bldg commissioner did chance the bldg owners down and I want to thank him for that

M. NEW BUSINESS
Bissanti - flag situation for veterans, discussion with the Elks, they would be honored to handle it
Nutting- happy to talk about it

Kelly - can we get an update on the parking office, get an overview on the report tickets, expenses
future agenda to get back to the parking meter conversation

Mercer - if you'd like an update on the high school, I can bring you up to speed

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Padula - thanks to the voters, I appreciate the opportunity for serving
we are second to none with the police dept we have here

Mercer - echo comments on re-election to the Council

Kelly - echo comments, congratulations to Ken Norman

Vallee - this is going to be a very aggressive council, with a lot of changes coming

Pfeffer - thanks to Bob Fahey for the veterans breakfast, Dean College for their Veterans, I want to thanks the nuns at St Mary's Abbey for winning a clean energy award

Jones - thanks to the voters for returning me to my third term

Bissanti - touched and honored by the out pouring of support at the election. This Council will react to what you say. We will be proactive not reactive and will give direction for the next two years

Williams - extremely humbled by the vote and confidence you have expressed in mean, I was disappointed in the turn out of 11.5%. Our solders veterans, gave their lives for us to vote, it is not just a right a privilege

Vallee - announced the committee assignments as follows. Chair for each of the committee will be announced later.

BudgetMercer, Feldman, Bissanti, Padula 

CapitalPfeffer, Kelly, Williams, Vallee 

EconomicKelly, Bissanti , Jones, Vallee

O.EXECUTIVE SESSION
Real Property, Fire Negotiations

motion to go to Exec session, will not reconvene in open meeting
9-0, unanimous vote via roll call

Live reporting - Downtown Project

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Presentation by DPW on Downtown Project 

Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, Director of the DPW

older presentation with some minor updates as the details were finalized
A copy of the presentation is contained in the document (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/111313.pdf

Currently a left turn on Main St from West Central is allowed, it won't be when Main St goes two way

the water trough, sign and holiday tree can still fit on the island on the bridge

some of the trees maybe replaced but there will be trees located downtown

the crosswalk at Dean will be moved to the corner on W Central St (away from the position in the middle where it is today)

discussion began in 2002, MassDOT construction bids will open in Jan 2014
MassDOT will be running the job, DPW will be coordinating but not controlling the work

'it is going to be a pain, there will be some aggravation downtown until it is finished"

Q - will there be a place holder for the veterans flags?
A - you can use banners or flags as banners

Q - horrendous record of taking care of trees downtown
A - we do the best we can with the budget we have, the budget has been cut since I have been here. Eventually they will need maintenance. The most difficult thing is about urban trees is when they have to get taken down. Most street trees will fail due to the conditions downtown.

I want those trees to succeed downtown, that is the way we want to go. Some of those there are dense leaf trees are not good for that location. Looking at Pennsylvania Elm trees

Q - what do we do with the parking meters? The flags currently hang off the parking meters?
A - We have been meeting with the Downtown Partnership and will be coming back to the Council for a decision, we have time for that.

Q - a tree adoption program?
A - It is a great idea and works as long as the business owner, I don't wan't to be the tree police.

Lisa Piana - I can check with others where it has been done to see if this is something we can do here
We want the trees to grow and not block the signage. We should have a lot less headache with the trees planned

Q - What is the crosswalk going to do to the plows?
A - the first time through they'll learn, it shouldn't be a problem

Q - I was at Dean the other day and they are concerned about the construction
A - Actually I don't know when it will really switch, they have more engineers than we do. They would have to complete the crosswalks, sidewalks, etc.

Q - bike lane?
A - No, no room for it downtown. The roads downtown is too narrow

Q - can we put this on the web?
A - once we have a contractor and updates, we'll be sharing more. On the Franklin webpage
We could hold a pubic hear so we know dates and schedules. It will really be up to MassDOT

Q - We should have had a say in these details.
A - We need to know the answers, the residents are not going to want to go to DOT or to elsewhere

Lisa Piana - I just want to add a couple of comments. The Partnership is very excited for this project. now it is going to start, they are very nervous. It will be horrible during but after, it will be beautiful. Once we get the dates, it will be available on our website as well.

Live reporting - Appointments

F. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

G. APPOINTMENTS
• Conservation Commission - Steven Younis, Mark Cataldo
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0

• Cultural Council - Craig Schwalb
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0

• Historical Commission - Minessa Konecky
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0

• Library Board of Directors - Linda Hardin
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0

• Franklin Community Garden Committee - Bonnie Kaiden
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

Live reporting: Town Council - 11/13/13

Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: none


A. SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCIL

Town Clerk Deb Pellegri with the new Franklin Town Council

B. ORGANIZATION
Election of Officers

nomination of Chair - Bob Vallee - approved
nomination of Vice-Chair - Matt Kelly - approved
nomination of Clerk - Judy Pfeffer - approved

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sept. 11, 2013, Sept. 25, 2013,Oct. 2, 2013
motion to approve, seconded, passed 6-0

D. ANNOUNCEMENTS


E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Ken Norman

Council Chair Bob Vallee, Ken Norman, Council Vice-chair Matt Kelly

Fallen Hero: Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was born on June 30, 1952, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Shaw. Russell lived with his parents and four sisters at 561 Lincoln St. A 1970 graduate of Franklin High School Russell enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July of that year. 

Airman Shaw graduated with honors from a technical training course at Sheppard AFB, Texas. He learned to maintain and service turbo-propeller aircraft and was assigned to Clark AFB for duty with a unit of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service. 

Airman Shaw was killed in a motoring accident while serving at Clark Air Force Base, the Philippines on April 9, 1971. 

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw was 18 years old at the time of his death while serving during the Vietnam War.

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw

Airman 1C Russell W. Shaw, street sign

Franklin girls soccer season ends 2-1 to Newton North

Franklin opened the scoring early in the second half but Newton North was able to quickly respond and scoring the game winner with under 10 minutes to play as the Tigers ended the Panther's season, 2-1.

Read the full story on the HockomockSport.com webpage here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/franklin-girls-soccer-falls-in-d1-state-semifinals.html

"Treasured Chests" Vendor Fair

Please support the "Treasured Chests" Avon 2 Day Breast Cancer Walk Team by attending their upcoming Vendor Fair which is being held at the Franklin Country Club Thursday, November 21, from 7-10 PM. 

All funds raised will help support "The Treasured Chests" team which is made up of 38 amazing women, some breast cancer survivors, who have committed to walking the 39 mile walk in Boston. 

There will be over 20 vendors represented. Bring a friend and get an early start on your Christmas shopping while supporting a good cause.

"Treasured Chests"

YPO partnering with Project Smile

The United Regional Young Professionals Organization (YPO) is partnering with Project Smile during November and December to benefit the non-profit with it is fundraising and donation efforts. 

Project Smile is a federally tax exempt non-profit organization which donates new and previously owned stuffed animals, coloring books/crayons, small toys and children's reading books for police officers, fire fighters and paramedics to give to children. The goal of Project Smile is to provide all emergency responders throughout New England and eventually throughout the nation, with a continual supply of comfort items to help ease the pain and fear of traumatized children. 

Young Professional Organization

The partnership will kick off with a night of networking at Twenty8 Food and Spirits located in the Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel and Spa at Patriot Place, in Foxboro on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013. The cover charge is $5.00 with pre-registration on the YPO website or $10 at the door. Half of the event proceeds will be donated directly to Project Smile. The YPO will also be collecting donations of stuffed animals and coloring books the night of the event. 

Networking will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. and light appetizers will be provided. Don’t miss the
opportunity to make connections, build relationships and support a great local charity! 

The United Regional YPO consists of a diverse group of young professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement and professional development. 

You may register for this event on the YPO’s website unitedregionalypo.org or by contacting 508-488-YPO1 (9761).

live reporting - Finance Committee - Nov 12, 2013

Present: Dowd, Fleming, Smith, Aparo, Dewsnap, Dufour,
Nutting, Dacey

Absent:: (TBD)

Recognition of former Chair Jim Roche by Rep Jeff Roy for his long and valued service to Franklin

Jim Roche (left), Jeff Roy (right)

Motion to accept minutes of prior meetings, seconded and approved 6-0

Copy of the agenda doc can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html


Nutting provides overview on the fiscal policies, purpose of the stabilization funds, debt planning to avoid debt exclusions; capital planning just starting

use of free cash to manage the capital plan

enterprise accounts for water, sewer, trash... maintained by the fees set by the Town Council and managed within those fee limits

150 miles of water pipe to maintain, need to address regularly, cant do all at once
I&I - inflow and infiltration taken out of the sewer system, not charged to treat it and the water stays within the aquifer

snow and ice budget set on a five year rolling average; previously had dipped deep into free cash to provide enough, currently now not an issue

OPEB - another actuarial study underway, 10% of free cash intent to put aside and then try to keep aside to address the future requirements
put $500K last year, looking to put aside $600K this year, then $700K

how to manage the roads, without an override which is not on the radar, how do we manage, it requires money

EPA, storm water fee hanging out there, no known impact yet.

use the individual stabilization accounts to continue to put some money aside for future
Senior Center, turf fields, Fire truck, etc.

the stabilization accounts are interest bearing accounts, although not generating a whole lot of interest now

Looking to do a trust fund at some point, would provide more options for investments and potential return increase over current; once in a trust it is forever, the stabilization funds are more flexible

water system maintenance is not a day to day expense, it is capital
water meters replaced every 15 years too to keep up with technology

this is more of a brain storming item, think about it, if any questions or feedback, let us know

Chairperson Dewsnap looking for feedback from Committee for next meeting, want to get before the Council before the next budget cycle

enterprise account - a self supporting entity - supported by fees
revolving accounts - these come and go, fees enter and get withdrawn; school facilities use fee is the largest
stabilization accounts - requires 2/3 vote to go in and take out from; used to be only for bond-able items, no longer

Capital plan - staff owes the drafts in next couple of weeks, will review
free cash only $2M this time around, less than previous years
will need to keep aside some for snow just in case
capital subcommittee will be meeting to review the department requests

DPW, Police Fire, Facilities, usually have capital requests

Long Range Plan
5 year fiscal forecast required every year, due this Jan
good timing
the further out the estimate goes, the poorer the accuracy is
local receipts hard to forecast in a bad economy
state aid, state charges can change year to year, get more in election years, less in off years
formula changed for Chap 70, school population also declining

county pension is going up 10% every year for the next 5 years

health insurance very volatile, employees have been very flexible and responsive
the second biggest budget in Franklin

collective bargaining agreements in place
expenses such a small part of overall budget, increases don't plan a great roll overall

there are a whole lot of variables, the trend is easy -expenses go up faster than revenues

Master Plan calls for additional sidewalks, how do we do that?
 for example would love to build a sidewalk along Pleasant St to get to DelCarte

feedback from Oklahoma City example for what they prioritized aesthetics over some other practical stuff, but once it was done, folks felt more like investing to take care of the other stuff

County investments did'not do too well in 09 and 10, now that difference needs to be made up
avg person in Norfolk County gets $20K, input by employees is 10%
get the unfunded portion paid off, and the annual cost is reasonable

real issue is the calculated return is costed at 8%, when was that real?

public safety employees can retire earlier (hence can draw a pension longer)

it would cost Franklin to get out of the pension system and go to Social Security

actuarial tables changes with regard to life expectancy, living longer cost more

old business - nothing to add

meeting at Tri-County, good feedback, informative meeting

new business -
Nutting - park being put up at DelCarte.
another sculpture added after my video was done
DPW very busy next year, downtown project, etc.

Brutus going to School Committee on the 19th to update the snow plan

winter is coming, it is a pain
I would always leave the last foot and a half until the last plow went by
The DPW does an awesome job

high school building is 60% complete, still on time and on budget
likely to come in under budget
building to be closed in in the next month and then the interior work will be done
after the asbestos tiles are removed from the old school, then the old school will come down, and the fields will be laid out
a week spent on the keys and setting up proper access

motion to adjourn, approved

Fallen Hero: Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette was born on October 13, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Preston Daggett, who lived in Franklin before moving their family to New Bedford. As a young man Joseph spent his summers in Franklin with his uncle and aunt, Mr. And Mrs. Roger Villiard of Brook St. Sgt. Paulette had requested that if anything happened to him while in the service, that his funeral and burial take place in Franklin. 

Sergeant Paulette enlisted late in 1965 and became a member of the 101st·Airborne Battalion. Sergeant Paulette served two years in the Army with his Vietnam tour beginning on December 13,1967. Sgt. Paulette was killed along with five other casualties by hostile small arms fire on April 9, 1968 leading a combat mission in Quang Tri province, South Vietnam. 

Sergeant Joseph R. Paulette was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette

Sergeant Joseph Ronald Paulette, street sign

Precinct totals for Nov 5th election results

Finally getting around to sharing the complete results with the election totals for each race by precinct.

I still find this staggering on how few of us bothered to get out to vote!




Other posts and updated on the Nov 5th election can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/franklin-election-2013.html

Rail Trail Committee Meeting - Nov 12th - 7:30 PM

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee will have a meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the YMCA in Franklin at 7:30 pm. Some of the items we will be discussing include the value of membership in FBRTC, future meeting locations, and the 2014 calendar of events.

The meeting is open to everyone interested in helping with the rail trail effort in Franklin and Bellingham.

The full published agenda is shown here:



Additional information on the Rail Trail Committee can be found on their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

or on Facebook  

Electric Youth Fundraiser

Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits

  is holding a wine tasting fundraiser for

Electric Youth

Friday, November 15th, from 7-9 PM

At 14 Grove Street, Franklin

Electric Youth is an international touring ensemble of young triple threat performers, trained exclusively at the Franklin School for Performing Arts. They are currently preparing for a summer 2014 tour of Italy, Germany, and Austria. Among many other performances, EY will be entertaining the troops at the US Air Force Base in Aviano, Italy on July 4th. The Defense Dept budget currently does not include Independence Day festivities. Please help these young performers support our troops and continue to serve as youth ambassadors. 

Pour Richard’s is Franklin’s newest source for interesting wine, craft beers, and spirits. They have a strong belief in connecting with their community, and are excited to host this event.
Come taste an extensive selection of wine and beer appropriate for holiday entertaining. Tickets are just $10, with 100% of proceeds to Electric Youth. Pour Richard’s will also donate 20% of their profits from this evening. We hope to see you there!

5th Annual Handbell Concert at Franklin Federated Nov. 30th

FRANKLIN - Franklin Federated Church will host its 5th Annual Handbell Concert, "Joy in Bronze" by the New England Ringers, on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 PM at the church at 171 Main Street, Franklin, MA. A reception will follow the concert. 

New England Ringers Bell Concert

Join New England's premier community handbell ensemble in its 12^th year. Under the direction of Edward G. Henderson, Jr., fourteen highly energetic performers showcase their talents in a uniquely varied program playing with sensitivity, discipline and skill to achieve their signature artistry on a handbell instrument.

The 2013 winter program will delight audiences with a selection of pieces which showcase the wide range of music this unique instrument produces. Each ringer uses bells, chimes, mallets and methods which combine to form a symphony of music, where mysterious and ethereal sections give way to  majestic chords and lively portrayals of familiar carols and tunes. The program opens with the pulsing tempo and insistent rhythmic figures of the traditional Bohemian carol "Come, All Ye Shepherds".  Excitement and anticipation build to the enchanting "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence". Listeners will be drawn into the mystery and drama of this arrangement as the haunting melody and unusual chords build to a fiery and joyful climax, followed by the gentle and ethereal finale. The audience will be spellbound at its close. Many familiar Christmas pieces are included in this prelude to the holidays. An energetic and sparkling "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," a shimmering "Silent Night" and a joyful "Tidings of Comfort and Joy" add to the variety of program offerings. Fittingly, the Joy in Bronze concert closes with a joyous and rousing arrangement titled "The Joy of Christmas."  

Proceeds from the concert will benefit the mission and ministry of Franklin Federated Church, where no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome. 

Admission is $15 per person. Call the church office for tickets -508-528-3803.  For information, visit www.newenglandringers.org or franklinfederated.org.

In the News: green energy award, Veterans Day, avoiding scams

Franklin: Abbey's nuns win green energy award

The cloistered sisters of Mount St. Mary’s Abbey liken themselves to stewards of nature, and as part of that commitment, they live a pastoral lifestyle.

Franklin's Dean College, Joe Kennedy pay tribute to veterans

U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III on Monday joined students, faculty, staff and alumni of Dean College for an afternoon ceremony to recognize Veterans Day.

Avoid scams when donating to typhoon relief

The Better Business Bureau issued tips today to avoid making donations to scamming solicitors or poorly managed relief organizations in the wake of the devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines over the weekend.

Stink bugs and other natural creatures

The Mass Great Outdoors blog is a recent discovery of mine that you might be interested in following. Two years ago the stink bug made its appearance well known in my house. Winter moths appeared in droves last year. This recent posting covers the natural order of the creatures at this time of year.

image from Mass Great Outdoors blog

It’s that time of year again: temperatures outside are dropping, and to some insects, this is an open invitation to enter your home and hunker down for the winter. Here are the three you may likely see around Massachusetts this fall:  1)    Western Conifer Seed   ...Continue Reading The Scoop on Stink Bugs and Other Home Invaders

You can visit the Mass Great Outdoors Blog here  http://blog.mass.gov/greatoutdoors/

Fallen Hero: Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron

Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron was born on September 27, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Garron Sr. Lawrence lived with his parents and a sister at 1295 Pond St., went to grade schools in Franklin and then went to Boston Trade High School from which he was graduated in 1967. 

Corporal Garron enlisted in the Marine Corps in May of 1967 and had served overseas for 10
months. During his tour of duty in June of 1968, Cpl. Garron had been wounded and was hospitalized for eight weeks in Saigon from shrapnel wounds in the leg, for which he received the Purple Heart. 

Cpl. Garron later returned to- active duty where he became a casualty on September 21, 1968 when he was one of eight marines in a platoon of 15 men killed in the explosion of a mine while on patrol in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. 

Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron

Lance Corporal Lawrence Garron Jr. was 19 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Lance Corporal Lawrence E. Garron

Franklin Library - closed Veterans Day

Library closed on Veterans Day

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/11/blog-post.html

Franklin High School girls soccer take D1 South title again!

"Franklin scored twice in the final 20 minutes of play, erasing a 1-0 halftime deficit to beat Bishop Feehan, 2-1, for their second straight D1 South Sectional Championship and third time in the last four years."

Read the full article online at HockomockSport.com here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/11/franklin-captures-second-straight-d1-south-title.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 13, 2013

A. SWEARING IN OF NEW COUNCIL

B. ORGANIZATION
Election of Officers

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Sept. 11, 2013, Sept. 25, 2013,Oct. 2, 2013

D. ANNOUNCEMENTS

E. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Citizenship Award – Ken Norman

F. CITIZEN COMMENTS

G. APPOINTMENTS
• Conservation Commission - Steven Younis, Mark Cataldo
• Cultural Council - Craig Schwalb
• Historical Commission - Minessa Konecky
• Library Board of Directors - Linda Hardin
• Franklin Community Garden Committee - Bonnie Kaiden

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Presentation by DPW on Downtown Project

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-82 : Adoption of Town Council Procedures Manual
2. Bylaw Amendment 13-724: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates- 1st Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O.EXECUTIVE SESSION
Real Property, Fire Negotiations

P. ADJOURN


The documents as published for this meeting can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/111313.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Nov 12, 2013

The agenda for the Finance Committee meeting can be found in the attached document.

The meeting is scheduled to be held Tuesday evening beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.

"transform the trail into a multi-use outdoor recreational facility"

The National Park Service announced it would continue supporting the SNETT trail.

Charles Tracy, director of the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program in Massachusetts, will continue helping the Friends of the SNETT plan strategies for developing and improving the 22-mile trail through a consolation grant extended to 2014. 

"We made good progress last year," said Tracy. "The SNETT expanded and strengthened its circle of friends by building partnerships with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), local communities and key organizations. … This year, I look forward to making more friends for the SNETT and realizing on-the-ground trail improvements." 

The Friends have coordinated projects along the trail, from installing signs and gates to grading or widening certain sections. DCR recognized that work late this summer by adding the trail to its online database of state parks and trails.

SNETT parking at Grove St trail head

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825429638/Trunkline-Trail-to-continue-receiving-assistance#ixzz2kFAMfebB

The MA DCR entry for the SNETT
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-central/southern-new-england-trunkline-trail.html

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Friends of Franklin Library: Fall 2013 Newsletter

As you are likely aware, recent events have been disruptive to The Friends of Franklin Library. What’s important to make clear, however, is that controversy and resistance have done nothing to weaken our organization.  

In fact, there’s reason to believe that The Friends is now stronger and more committed than it was before this recent turn of events. 

We were disappointed and frankly surprised to be told that the Library Board of Directors did not want us to conduct our planned October book sale. These semi-annual sales of donated books over the years have yielded funds that were used to help our library expand its collections, purchase museum passes, offer programs to the community, enhance library services, and even to buy furniture.  

On Sept. 23, The Friends asked the board to reconsider its decision. That appeal was rejected without a discussion or a vote. 

We disagree with the Library Board’s decision and would have welcomed —and expected— the chance to present data in support of these popular and profitable events, which since 2005 have generated net revenue of $153,734.  

Based on recent book sales, we anticipated our October sale would have raised roughly $6,000, after expenses. As with all of The Friends’ efforts, this profit would have been achieved without any cost to the library or town. 

Despite this setback, The Friends’ desire to support the library remains intact. We will continue to fulfill our mission as community advocates for the library, which we consider an important cornerstone of our community.  

Our organization remains strong and devoted to its mission. We have both the willingness and the resources to provide financial support, as requested, to our public library.

Read the remainder of the newsletter here:

Friends of the Franklin Library * P.O. Box 147 * Franklin, MA  02038 * fofl02038@gmail.com

Fallen Hero: Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper was born on February 12, 1947 the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Desper. Richard lived at 45 Coutu St. with his parents, four brothers, and 13 sisters. 

According to the war Department's official telegram Corporal Desper died five miles north of An Hoa in Quong Nan province of fragmentation wounds inflicted by mortar fire while on a search-and-clear mission with the Marine Corps in Vietnam on February 26, 1969. This was Corporal Desper's second tour of duty in the war zone having previously served in Vietnam with the Navy.

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Lance Corporal Richard L. Desper was 22 years old at the time of his death in Vietnam.

Lance Corporal Richard Lincoln Desper

Franklin 1 of 33 Massachusetts School Districts Named to the 2013 AP District Honor Roll

School Districts recognized for expanding access to AP and maintaining or improving performance

MALDEN – State education officials today announced that 33 Massachusetts school districts were named to the College Board's 2013 AP District Honor Roll for expanding access to Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum and maintaining or improving the percent of students scoring 3 or higher.

According to the College Board, Massachusetts had the fifth most number of school districts earning a spot on the honor roll. Pennsylvania had the most districts recognized with 40. A total of 477 districts across the U.S. and Canada were selected for the 4th annual AP Honor Roll.

"Massachusetts teachers continue to help pave the way for the Commonwealth’s successes in education,” said Education Secretary Matthew Malone. “I am proud that the Patrick Administration’s continued investments in expanding access to high quality educational programs is boosting student participation and performance on AP exams that will help prepare them for success both in the classroom and ultimately, in the workforce."

"Each of our districts honored today, along with many more across the Commonwealth, are providing students with a rigorous course of study that will prepare them for success in college and careers," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester.

The Patrick Administration is implementing a number of initiatives to ensure that students are prepared for success beyond high school and have the necessary skills to fill open jobs and compete in our increasingly global economy. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is implementing a set of recommendations proposed by a task force of the state's leading educators, employers, and academic labor experts to ensure that every student graduates from high school ready to pursue the next steps on the path to a successful career or post-secondary education.

Schools across the Commonwealth are also implementing the state's new college and career ready standards in English language arts and Mathematics, which incorporate the Common Core State Standards. The Department is developing online resources tools that educators can use in the classroom. Massachusetts is also a member a 20-state consortium that is building a next generation assessment system, called PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers), to provide a better signal of students' readiness for college and careers.

The College Board bases inclusion on the AP District Honor Roll according to the following criteria:

• Increased access to AP courses by At least 4% in large districts
• At least 6% in medium districts
• At least 11% in small districts
• The percentage of African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students taking AP exams must not have decreased more than 5% for large and medium districts and 10% for small districts.
• Performance levels were maintained or improved when comparing the percentage of exams scoring 3 or higher from 2011 to 2013.

The following Massachusetts school districts were named to the 2013 AP Honor Roll:

Arlington Public Schools (1)
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District
Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District (1)
Diocese of Fall River
Dudley-Charlton Regional School District
Franklin Public Schools (1)
Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District
Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District (1)
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District (1)
Hampshire Regional School District
Hanover Public Schools
Hingham Public Schools
Hopedale Public Schools
King Philip Regional School District (1)
Leominster Public Schools
Ludlow Public Schools
Medfield Public Schools (1)
Medway Public Schools (1)
Monomoy Regional School District
Needham Public Schools (1)
Newton Public Schools
North Attleboro Public Schools (1)
North Middlesex Public Schools (1)
Northbridge Public Schools
Norwood Public Schools
Plymouth Public Schools
Swampscott Public Schools
Triton Public Schools
Wachusett Regional School District (1)
Waltham Public Schools (1)
Webster Public Schools (2)
Westford Public Schools
Whitman-Hanson Regional School District



(1) District has achieved the honor for multiple years.
(2) District has 30% or greater enrollment of students who qualify for free/reduced lunch.

AP is a rigorous academic program that offers more than 30 courses in a wide range of subjects and college-level assessments developed and scored by college and university faculty members and experienced AP teachers. According to the College Board, a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam represents the score point that is predictive of college success and college graduation.

For additional information on AP, visit the College Board's website at http://www.collegeboard.org.

In the News: drive by shooting, Veterans Day

Two arrested in connection with drive-by shooting in Franklin

Two Rhode Island men were arrested in Woonsocket on Wednesday in connection with a drive-by shooting Tuesday night near Upper Union Street.

Milford-area parades and ceremonies for Veterans Day

Franklin’s Dean College will honor Veterans Day at its downtown campus. At 12:30 p.m., alumni, students, faculty and staff will gather for a ceremony in front of the college’s War Memorial on Awpie Way. 

U.S. Rep Joseph Kennedy III is the featured speaker and will join Dean students in the singing of the National Anthem.

Franklin Art Center: NAMIBIA EXHIBIT

Photography Exhibit Franklinartcenter@gmail.com Photography Exhibition Tonight Come support the Franklin Food Pantry We are asking everyone coming to the show to bring a canned good and help the  Franklin Food Pantry this holiday season.  Friend on Facebook   Forward to Friend  Copyright © 2013 Franklin Art Center Our mailing address is: 5 Main St Franklin Art Center Franklin MA 02038 unsubscribe from this list   update subscription preferences

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Franklin Art Center · 5 Main St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Franklin Newcomers and Friends 40th Annual Craft Fair

Over 70 artisan crafters under one roof offering hand-made and unique items for every style and budget including: art, photography, body care, candles, kids and adult clothing and accessories, jewelry, handbags, quilts, pottery, home décor, holiday décor, stained glass, pewter, hand-made wood and glass items, food and much, much more!

Get a start on your holiday shopping! Please come out to support local artisan crafters and support our local community at the same time! The majority of the proceeds from the Craft Fair benefit local organizations. We are also accepting non-perishable donations at the door for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

Admission is $3 for adults and children over 12 with a maximum of $10 per family. The club will also run a raffle table and a bake table. 

Please come join us for this annual tradition!

Franklin Newcomers and Friends 40th Annual Craft Fair

Visit their Facebook event page here
https://www.facebook.com/events/1429061823974140/

Franklin Food Pantry distributes the holiday meal

With the holidays approaching, the Franklin Food Pantry held its annual distribution of turkey dinners on Wednesday evening.

Two hundred dinners were put together and handed out to registered members of the food pantry. All registered members are residents of Franklin who are chosen through an application process.

volunteers ready to distribute the meal kits

The dinners included a frozen turkey and all the side items such as cranberry sauce, vegetables, stuffing and more. All items are donated by the community with the help of the Franklin Interfaith Council while volunteers put together all the bags. The turkey's come from the Greater Boston Food Bank and are handed out from the back of a Garelick Farm's refrigerated truck.

"Everyone is very supportive in getting the bags put together," says Linda Sottile, Director of Operations at the Food Pantry, who helps oversee the collecting and packaging of the items and bags.

Sottile works alongside Erin Lynch, Director of Development at the Food Pantry, to make the distribution possible. Thanksgiving is the first of two dinner distributions with the second one happening early in December.

Lynch says the Food Pantry is always thankful for any donation made to make these events possible, "We're very grateful to the community."

This was originally posted to the Franklin Food Pantry webpage

In the News: veterans breakfast, AP Honor Roll

Franklin cheers its veterans at annual breakfast

The town’s veterans were recognized with waves of applause on Friday morning during the annual Veterans Day breakfast.

Schools in Hopedale, Medway and Franklin named to AP Honor Roll

Hopedale, Medway and Franklin were three of 33 state school districts named to the College Board’s 2013 Advanced Placement (AP) District Honor Roll, the state Department of Education announced Wednesday.

Change of seasons

1 - Friendly reminder that the Farmers Market is done for the season.

Farmers Market ended Nov 1

2 - Notification of the Christmas Fair is popping up around town. Plan for Nov 17th to get ahead start for that season!

Christmas Fair at the Elks Lodge

Pour Richard's: Beer Extravaganza

Calling all craft beer enthusiasts! On Saturday, Nov 9th, Pour Richard's will host its first-ever Beer Extravaganza!

We've called on our distributors to pour some of their newest and most-interesting seasonal offerings. Do you like good beer? Yes? Then you won't want to miss this. 

Pour Richard's

Lagunitas. Founder's. Ommegang. Evil Twin. Stillwater. Foolproof. Berkshire. Sierra Nevada. Goose Island. Wormtown. Jack's Abby. Avery. Anderson Valley. And much, much more. 

Are you thirsty yet? We'll provide some spicy chili and all the fixings. The event is free, 21+ only, and held 4-7 PM so you cannot possibly still be doing yardwork. 

Please forward to similarly beer-obsessed friends. See you there!

Visit Pour Richard's on the website to sign up for their newsletters http://pourrichardswine.com/

Regular trash schedule next week

Trash and Recycling pick up schedule will be the regular day with Monday pick up as usual.  For more information including holidays and yard waste pick ups, please refer to the Solid Waste mailer.

The Curbside Mailer can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01BFEEE0-000F8513.0/Curbside%20Brochure.PDF

Neighbor Brigade: help is next door!

Hi All,

Many of you have already heard of the Franklin Chapter of Neighbor Brigade, some have not. I have the pleasure of volunteering for this group as a meal-deliverer, occasional driver and as the chapter leader.

Unfortunately for a couple families in town, we are very busy right now. Happily for us volunteers who enjoy connecting with this community when we can, we are full with appreciation and gratitude to help out.

Two of our current Franklin families are going through treatments from cancer ; another a family crisis; and a forth in the works who is coping with a new diagnosis of cancer and surgery challenges. Take a look below at the description of Neighbor Brigade and consider volunteering, with absolutely no pressure to give time, unless it fits into your schedule...

Franklin Neighbor Brigade – Help is next door. The Franklin chapter of Neighbor Brigade is actively recruiting volunteers! 

Neighbor Brigade establishes and mobilizes community-specific networks of volunteers that provide free and immediate support services to residents during times of temporary crisis – such as serious illness, major surgery, sudden accident or tragedy. Services include meal delivery, local rides, help with household duties, help with errands, and more. 

To learn about the Franklin network or find out how we can help you or someone you know, contact chapter leader Linda Gagnon 617-335-5452. Or go to: http://www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA

 To join the Franklin chapter, you must be a resident and can sign up when you go to: http://www.neighborbrigade3.org/live/other-forms/volunteer-application/?status=New&chapter=FranklinMA

Neighbor Brigade's main site (all chapters in MA):
http://www.neighborbrigade.org/

With gratitude,

Linda Gagnon, Franklin resident for 24 years


Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ 
FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org


Like Us On Facebook!

Updated 11/8/13 4:30 PM with corrected text and links

Life Long Learning update

We are at the beginning of November and Lifelong Learning courses are active, rigorous and engaging.

Read more about the learning underway 
http://lifelonglearningfps.blogspot.com/2013/11/autumn-2013.html

Check out their webpage for future learning opportunities. Registration is open now for classes beginning in December.  http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/