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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 *
Friday, December 20, 2013
MassBudget: The State of Working Massachusetts - Poverty Still Elevated
Open Registration for Boys' Vocal Ensemble
Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios is currently offering open registration for their Boys' Vocal Ensemble, with the first class starting on January 6th.
Classes will be weekly on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 and are for boys, ages 8 to 18.
Encore Music Academy
Students will learn music of all genres, work with harmonies and perform locally.
To register for the class, please call Encore at 508-533-7700.
Class fee is $260 for the trimester.
Additional information on this class and other offerings from Encore Music Academy can be found on their webpage here: http://www.encoremusicacademy.net/instruction/classes/
In the News: Brown leaves, Casino spending
Scott Brown settles into N.H. home
The wife of former Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Scott Brown says the couple is settling into its new permanent home in Rye, N.H., a move likely to fuel further speculation about his possible future political plans.
Casino outspent Milford citizen group 40 to 1 and still lost
Campaign finance reports filed Thursday, 30 days after the referendum vote where Milford defeated a casino proposal, show that Foxwoods outspent the citizen opposition group 40 to 1.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Franklin Food Elves Campaign Update
Franklin Downtown Partnership |
Thank you to everyone who participated. The Food Elves collected a Record 6,750 pounds of donations this year so far. This is 2,550 pounds more than last year!
The Food Elves are hoping to add another 100 pounds to the total by the end of this week....so please stop by one of the participating businesses by Thursday if you still have donations.
Red Bins can be found at:
Red Bins can be found at:
Dean Bank, Dean College, DCU, Downtown Partnership, Emma's Quilts, Jane's Frames, Murphy Business and Pour Richards.
You can also mail or drop off check donations to the Food Pantry directly.
Have a very Merry Holiday Season!
The Franklin Downtown Partnership
The Franklin Food Elves
January Meetings of note
Franklin Downtown Partnership - General Meeting
Thursday, January 9th-8:30 AM
Dean College Campus Center-Golder Room
Coffee will be served
Hearing on 150 Emmons Street Property/Old Municipal Building
Discussions on what the community would like to see developed on this site
Tuesday, January 21st-7:00 PM
Town Hall-Training Room
Zoning Workshop
Wednesday, January 29th-7:00 PM
Town Hall-Training Room
This was initially posted on the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2013/12/a-few-important-upcoming-meeting-dates.html
WMRC Finalizes Negotiations With Entercom to Broadcast the Red Sox Through 2016
WMRC-First Class Radio has just completed negotiations with Entercom of Boston, and has finalized an agreement that will insure that Boston Red Sox Baseball will be broadcast throughout this market through the 2016 season.
Since signing with WMRC back in 1990 the Sox have won 4 American league East Titles, played in 7 American League Championship Series, and won 3 World Series Titles.
WMRC 1490 - AM
Returning voices of Dave O'Brien and Joe Castiglione
Sox greats since 1990 include Mo Vaughn, Trot Nixon, Roger Clemmens, Jason Varitek, Johnny Damon, Pedro, Schilling, Mike Lowell, Papi, Mike Napoli, Jonny Gomes
Future Stars include Jackie Bradley Jr., Zander Boggarts, Will Middlebrooks
Tom McAuliffe Says "This is a fantastic partnership for WMRC, our listeners and our loyal Red Sox sponsors, and I'm thrilled to have the negotiations behind us, and know that the Sox will be on WMRC-First Class Radio for the next 3 seasons."
In the News: Carol's Christmas, donations to non-profits
TO DO THIS WEEKEND: FPAC debuts ‘Carol’s Christmas’
Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) premieres a new holiday musical, Carol’s Christmas, on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak St., Franklin.
Milford National donates $28,000 to non-profit organizations
The Milford National Charitable Foundation has donated more than $28,000 to various non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Milford area during 2013.
The mission of the Charitable Foundation is to provide financial assistance for the benefit of the community, charitable, educational and other benevolent purposes as they relate to non-profit organizations.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
"A river runs through"
The community mural project that was worked on at Jane's Frames during recent Franklin festivals is now on display in the lobby of the Municipal Building.
The mural will be displayed in additional locations throughout Franklin before being auctioned off to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.
More about the mural can be found on the Franklin Downtown Partnership website
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2013/12/community-mural-project-at-janes-frames.html
community mural - "A river runs through" |
The mural will be displayed in additional locations throughout Franklin before being auctioned off to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.
More about the mural can be found on the Franklin Downtown Partnership website
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2013/12/community-mural-project-at-janes-frames.html
Franklin Debt Service
One of the fiscal policies Franklin operates with is using up to 3.5% of the general funds for debt service. This is an easy way to fund medium term capital projects without getting a debt exclusion approved. This has allowed the new fire stations, the Senior Center and other building or renovation projects to occur. The worksheet use to calculate the FY 2014 debt as a percent of the general funds can be see below. This was reviewed with the Finance Committee during their December meeting.
This worksheet also handed out and reviewed with the Finance Committee at their December meeting, is more of an eye challenge. The current available capacity is gradually growing and will be almost $1M by 2016.
This worksheet also handed out and reviewed with the Finance Committee at their December meeting, is more of an eye challenge. The current available capacity is gradually growing and will be almost $1M by 2016.
"Eradicating the entire infestation is all but impossible at this point"
The Milford Daily News reports on invasive plants found at the DelCarte Property.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915454113/Invasive-plants-threat-to-Franklins-DelCarte-park#ixzz2np2D7g9B
These three plants are in addition to the one reported growing in the water.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/the-phantom-ecologist-can-do-better.html
Three invasive plant species have taken a foothold in the newly christened DelCarte recreation park, prompting the town’s tree warden and Conservation Commission to try to attenuate the infestation.
The species are: kudzu, which, according to The Nature Conservancy, a charitable environmental organization, "is quite a killer, overtaking and growing over anything in its path"; oriental bittersweet, an invasive vine; and polygonum perfoliatum, known, among other names, as the mile-a-minute vine because of how fast it can spread.
The state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has called invasive non-native plant species one of the two biggest threats to biodiversity in Massachusetts.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915454113/Invasive-plants-threat-to-Franklins-DelCarte-park#ixzz2np2D7g9B
one bright day in October |
These three plants are in addition to the one reported growing in the water.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/the-phantom-ecologist-can-do-better.html
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
On the web from Franklin: homemade thin mint cookies, shedding light on the new FHS
Berry Insurance is running a series on 12 Cookies of Christmas
Don’t let the short recipe fool you – Staci Mone’s Homemade Thin Mints will have you wondering if it’s Girl Scout Cookie season! These Homemade Thin Mints are sure to spark some holiday cheer among your family and friends.One of the ingredients is Ritz crackers....
Check out and try the recipe here
http://www.mainsurancejuice.com/2013/12/12-cookies-of-christmas-day-4-homemade-thin-mints/
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The Franklin High School student run blog, Pantherbook is starting to get busy.
In a recent interview, Principal Light described the improvements that students, teachers, and administrators will enjoy when the new school opens in September.
According to Mr. Light, the first floor of the new school will be dedicated to electives. The other classrooms will be separated by grade level rather than by subject. “The second floor will be juniors and seniors, because they’re going to be the ones that go up and down stairs the most, because they take more electives, and then the third floor will be freshmen and sophomores,” Light said.The read the full posting here: http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2013/12/16/mr-light-sheds-light-on-new-school/#sthash.Dp0MioFt.dpuf
MassBudget: Job Posting and Announcement of New Board President
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CPR and First Aid Training
Good Morning,
My name is Nick Spencer and I am a local CPR and First Aid Training company located in Franklin.
Frank from Padula Insurance asked for me to write to you and see if we can add some events to your website and calendar. I am located right across from the hall from him at 247 East Central Street in Franklin.
Our website is http://www.actfirstcpr.com and our number is 1-800-255-5660.
We will be holding CPR and First Aid training sessions at our Franklin office on
The normal cost for CPR and First Aid training is $95 per person. All of the above classes are discounted to $35 per person with the Discount Code: JAN2014. That's a savings of $60 per person!
People can register at www.actfirstcpr.com/open for any of our trainings.
My name is Nick Spencer and I am a local CPR and First Aid Training company located in Franklin.
Act 1st CPR |
Our website is http://www.actfirstcpr.com and our number is 1-800-255-5660.
We will be holding CPR and First Aid training sessions at our Franklin office on
- Sat Dec 22 - 2:30 pm
- Sat Dec 28 - 2:00 pm
- Sat Jan 4 - 2:00 pm
- Sat Jan 11 - 2:00 pm
- Sat Jan 25 - 2:00 pm
The normal cost for CPR and First Aid training is $95 per person. All of the above classes are discounted to $35 per person with the Discount Code: JAN2014. That's a savings of $60 per person!
People can register at www.actfirstcpr.com/open for any of our trainings.
--
Best Regards,
Customer Care - Act First CPR
P: 800-255-5660
W: www.ActFirstCPR.com
"Your Training is Only a Heartbeat Away!"
Learn about our Referral Rewards program - Click Here
Best Regards,
Customer Care - Act First CPR
P: 800-255-5660
W: www.ActFirstCPR.com
"Your Training is Only a Heartbeat Away!"
Learn about our Referral Rewards program - Click Here
Monday, December 16, 2013
Franklin, MA: Planning Board - Agenda - Dec 16. 2013
The agenda document for the Planning Board meeting Monday, Dec 16 at 7:00 PM can be found here
You can also find this document on the Planning Board page of the official Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Bcomm/planning
You can also find this document on the Planning Board page of the official Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Bcomm/planning
If you really want the updates, please subscribe
Companies using Facebook pages have found it increasingly difficult to reach their audience through unpaid, organic promotion. Even those with thousands of fans see only a tiny fraction of their posts actually being viewed in newsfeeds. Many have suspected for some time that Facebook is pushing businesses to use Sponsored Posts, just to get them seen by people who already Like the brand.
Facebook now admits that businesses will need to pay in order to get their companies posts and information in user newsfeeds.
Franklin Matters |
Facebook treats the Franklin Matters page as a 'business' and I can't blame them, they are attempting to creating a business that makes money from advertising. I don't spend on advertising as this is purely a volunteer operation and my charity dollars are better served going elsewhere.
In order to receive timely updates you are better off to subscribe via email. Once daily you'll get an email with whatever has been published the prior day. Most of what is published that day is generated that morning before the email will hit your Inbox about 9:00 AM. This is the freshest local news you can get.
The subscription process is two steps (1) you provide your email (2) you acknowledge the email confirmation that is sent to you. once completed, you'll receive the daily email. This email listing is not sold to anyone. Only on very special occasions will the email listing generate an email other than just after 9:00 AM.
You can subscribe here http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html
Franklin Business in the news: Emeritus at Franklin
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Emeritus at Franklin Offers Free December Educational Seminars for Seniors and their Caregivers
This spring, Emeritus at East Franklin will open its doors to provide a premier community designed for seniors whose needs range from assisted living to memory care. For the holidays, Emeritus at Franklin is offering an educational series for seniors, caregivers and the public that will provide helpful care tips for seniors who are living with dementia, as well as their caregivers. Refreshments will be served.
"How to Make the Most of Each Day - Living with Dementia" Wednesday, Dec. 18, 4-5:30 p.m.Place: Hampton Inn Franklin, 725 Union St., Franklin, MA
Please RSVP to (413) 224-2200 or Franklin-ED@emeritus.com. Seating is limited.
2
Emeritus at Franklin Names Executive Director
Emeritus Senior Living has named Christine Smith as Executive Director of Franklin's newest senior living community, Emeritus at Franklin. This new community will open its doors at 656 King Street in spring 2014.
"Christine has a wealth of experience managing a senior community that is a vibrant and caring place for seniors to spend their golden years," said Charlene Young, Emeritus Regional Director of Operations. "This makes her a perfect fit for Emeritus at Franklin."
Smith has more than 28 years of experience in healthcare. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director at The Inn at Robbins Brook, an assisted living community in Acton, Mass. Under her leadership, the community received a perfect state survey in 2012.
"I am really looking forward to welcoming residents into this beautiful new community," said Smith. "Besides the wonderful location and living environment, I'm excited about the care and programs we will be providing to enhance the quality of life for each resident."
Reservations for this premier community are now being accepted at (413) 224-2200
For more information on Emeritus at Franklin you can visit their website here
https://www.emeritus.com/massachusetts/franklin/emeritus-franklin
"working diligently to have the show ready"
"The Great Gatsby" is scheduled to be performed by Franklin High School students on Wed and Thu this week. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults. Both performances start at 7:00 PM
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915453337/-Gatsby-on-stage-at-Franklin-High-School#ixzz2ndLC4Z6R
The wikipedia entry for periaktos
In addition to the cast, the Franklin Arts Academy junior class has been involved in constructing, designing, and painting the sets, composing original music for the entire production, and recording sound effects.
In order to utilize space in a small area with many different scenes, periaktos were constructed by the students with help from Dean College. These periaktos, when set up, change almost effortlessly, causing the audience to be instantly transported into the heart of New York and Long Island.
Join the cast as they travel back to the heart of the Prohibition era, when parties were extravagant, money was abundant and life was easy. Gaze into the heart of Mr. Jay Gatsby as his mysterious intentions are revealed. Watch as Nick comes to realize all the people who surround him, with their secrets masked by money, are not what they appear to be.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x915453337/-Gatsby-on-stage-at-Franklin-High-School#ixzz2ndLC4Z6R
The wikipedia entry for periaktos
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Snow and the bells of St Mary's (video)
Stopped by the Town Common 4:00 PM Saturday afternoon as the snow was beginning to fall. Captured the video of the snow fall and was about to end with the bells of St Mary's started to ring. Good timing!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Free holiday parking downtown Franklin (video)
The practice instituted last year with free parking for the holiday season in downtown Franklin has returned this year.
Last year, the parking meter covers were not quite as festive as this years.
This year, the meter covers fit the season nicely!
And if you haven't seen the sign with the scrolling message, you can view it here:
Last year, the parking meter covers were not quite as festive as this years.
This year, the meter covers fit the season nicely!
parking meter cover |
And if you haven't seen the sign with the scrolling message, you can view it here:
In the News: holiday challenges, utility scam
Holidays can bring added challenges for elders
It's the hap-happiest time of the year, at least for many people.
Utility company warns of ongoing scam
NStar is again warning the public of a scam targeting the utility's customers.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Hockomock Area YMCA Welcomes New Gymnastics & Dance Director
The Bernon Family Branch of the Hockomock Area YMCA in Franklin has hired Jodie Bedard as Gymnastics and Dance Director. Bedard brings more than 20 years of experience coaching both recreational and competitive gymnasts, and has personal experience competing up through USA Gymnastics level 10. She will be responsible for the management of the gymnastics and dance programs including program development, staff hiring and supervision, and building strong relationships with participants and their parents. In addition, Jodie will be managing summer gymnastics camp programs, as well as coaching the Hockomock Area YMCA’s competitive gymnastics team based out of the Y’s North Attleboro branch.
Bedard first began coaching gymnastics as a teen, at the New York YMCA’s National Gymnastics Training Camp in Huguenot, NY. Her career includes serving as the assistant women’s gymnastics coach for Rhode Island College, where she was involved with all phases of the RIC women’s gymnastics program, including recruiting, scouting, administering practice and meet coaching. Bedard has served as a coach at Ocean State School of Gymnastics in Lincoln, RI for the past seven years.
“I’ve been involved in some way with the YMCA since I was 12 years old,” said Bedard, “I am so excited to have the opportunity to be here and be able to give back some of what my Y experiences have given me. I am here to bring the Bernon Family branch’s gymnastics program to a whole new level. I am also happy to be able to bring all my years of choreography to the dance program here. Every young person should have the chance to have a Y experience. I am beyond proud to be part of that!”
Jodie is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she competed in their Division 1 Competitive Gymnastics program. She currently resides in Rhode Island with her daughter Madeline.
About Hockomock Area YMCA:
The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. With over 33,000 members, half under the age of 18, their promise is to partner and collaborate with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. Their programs and activities emphasize the development of the whole person in spirit, mind, and body and are available to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay.
Representative Roy: Franklin Seniors Tour State House
Franklin Seniors tour State House |
Boston, MA -- Representative Jeffrey Roy (D. Franklin) was honored to host a group from the Franklin Senior Center in the State House. The seniors took a tour of the People's House and were joined by Senators Karen Spilka (Ashland – D) and Richard Ross (Wrentham – R) for an inside tour of the State Senate Chamber and Reading Room. The tour also featured a visit with House Clerk Steven James who provided insight on the history of the House Chamber.
"It was a fun and engaging visit with a great group from Franklin," said Representative Roy (Franklin-D), "Many of them were visiting the State House for the first time and were engaging with the State House employees they met along the way."
The timing of the visit and tour coincided with events surrounding the anniversary of President Kennedy's Assassination. The seniors had an opportunity to reflect and share their thoughts with WBZ-TV's Paula Ebben on the events of 50 years ago and the aftermath of President Kennedy's assassination.
"It was wonderful to welcome such a terrific group to the State House," Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) said. "Learning about the political process and getting involved in government is very important at any age. I'm so glad we were able to offer this opportunity for seniors in our community to visit and learn how to continue to be active and engaged citizens."
"It's always a great opportunity to show constituents around the historic Massachusetts State House, with the Commonwealth having played such a critical role in our nation's history. It was my pleasure to aid in taking Franklin Seniors on a tour and I hope I was able to add to their learning experience. " said Senator Ross.
FPAC Holiday Shows
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Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.
Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173
View as a web page.
In the News: nativity festival, foundation awards, Celtic Christmas, tax rate
Nativity festival set for today at Franklin church
Nativity sets serve as the focal point in many homes during the holiday season with some families passing these heirlooms down from one generation to another.
Foundation awards $228K to groups throughout MetroWest
Foundation for MetroWest announced on today that it has awarded grants totaling $228,000 to organizations throughout MetroWest as part of their 2013 Competitive Grant Program. The announcement was part of an event held this week at The Center for the Arts in Natick (TCAN).
To do this weekend: Celtic Christmas Celebration
The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents a Celtic Christmas Concert on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Franklin.
Franklin Town Council stays with single tax rate
Considering Franklin's small commercial tax base, the Town Council on Wednesday chose to stick with a single tax rate.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Weekend events in Franklin
There are choices to make this weekend.
Breakfast with Santa
One seating Saturday at 9:30 AM - British Beer Co
The Nutcracker - Franklin School for Performing Arts
Saturday at 7:00 and Sunday at 2:00
The Nutcracker - Patti Eisenhauer Dance Company
Saturday 5:30 and Sunday 1:00
Nativity Set Festival
Saturday at 5:00, Church of Later Day Saints
A Christmas Concert at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Saturday 8:00 PM
Did I miss anything?
Breakfast with Santa
One seating Saturday at 9:30 AM - British Beer Co
The Nutcracker - Franklin School for Performing Arts
Saturday at 7:00 and Sunday at 2:00
The Nutcracker - Patti Eisenhauer Dance Company
Saturday 5:30 and Sunday 1:00
Nativity Set Festival
Saturday at 5:00, Church of Later Day Saints
A Christmas Concert at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
Saturday 8:00 PM
Did I miss anything?
Schools - early dismissal Friday
Hockomock Hockey Season preview
From the HockomockSports.com preview of the hockey season:
What's the team to watch in the Hock this year and why?
Franklin is mentioned elsewhere in the article so you can read the full story here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/12/winter-preview-2013-2014-ice-hockey-q-a.html
What's the team to watch in the Hock this year and why?
Josh Perry: The most talented and deep roster in the league this season belongs to Franklin. With forward Troy Donahue and arguably the top defenseman in the league in Kyle Powers, plus top-three goalie Devon Maloof, the Panthers are stocked to make another charge at a league title. The biggest key for head coach Chris Spillane will be the continued development of the younger players like Alec Borkowski and Nick Downie who emerged as offensive threats last year in the playoffs. Borkowski, in particular, was one of Franklin’s best players in the final two weeks of last season and as a junior will be counted on to provide some of the scoring lost by the graduation of nearly two lines worth of forwards. It will also be interesting to see how Franklin reacts to a Division I schedule, as the Panthers (along with Mansfield and King Philip) jump out of D2, but this is a program with a history of success and it should continue this season.
Franklin is mentioned elsewhere in the article so you can read the full story here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/12/winter-preview-2013-2014-ice-hockey-q-a.html
In the News: Nutcracker here, Nutcracker there, breakfast with Santa, Nativity sets
Franklin: Growing up in 'The Nutcracker'
When Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents its annual production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” this weekend, more than 100 area dancers will grace the stage.
Becoming Clara… PEDC dancers reflect on path to ‘Nutcracker’ lead role
It all began at the age of 6 when she was cast as the “lead mouse” and a “polichenelle” and the adventure of being in Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center’s, “The Nutcracker,” was upon her.
Holiday breakfast to benefit Santa Foundation in Franklin
A Breakfast with Santa to benefit the Santa Foundation will be held at the British Beer Company, 280 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin on Saturday, Dec. 14. There will be one seating at 9:30 a.m.
Christmas Nativity Festival planned in Franklin, Dec. 14
On Saturday, Dec. 14 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin is organizing a Nativity Festival. More than 100 nativity sets from church members and area residents will be on display during the open house.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Performance this evening - A Christmas Carol Times Two
"A Christmas Carol Times Two!", a dramatic reading performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" combined with traditional 19th century English Christmas carols will happen on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.
Al LePage performs "A Christmas Carol" |
"Englishman Thomas Hutchinson, Traveling Thespian" portrayed by actor Al LePage, complete with English accent and Victorian-era clothing, will give his dramatic reading performance based on Dickens' very own historic script as a one-man show using only his voice, facial expressions and gestures to create some 18 characters.
Organist and local minister Rev. Dr. Dianne Carpenter will weave organ music between various scenes to set the tone for what's to come and entertain. This is a special benefit performance hosted by the Franklin United Methodist Church with all proceeds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.
Admission is $10 per person and the performance is best appreciated by both adults and children 7 years of age and older. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased in advance through BrownPaperTickets.com/, either on-line or by calling their 24/7 toll-free number 1-800-838-3006, and if still available, at the door the day of event. Doors for the performance open at 6:30PM, the fun begins at 6:45PM, and seating is general admission.
Tickets are also available at the Franklin Food Pantry during open hours 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tues, Weds and Thursday.
Franklin - Fiscal Policy Draft Update
There is a fiscal policy that Franklin operates with. This year, the policy is being consider for revision and the revisions will include input from the Finance Committee, Town Council and School Committee.
The Finance Committee reviewed and discussed the update at their meeting on Tuesday. This was also mentioned during the Town Administrators update during the Council meeting on Weds. It is scheduled for further discussion within the budget subcommittee before the Council takes it up. It is also scheduled for review by the School Committee.
The Finance Committee reviewed and discussed the update at their meeting on Tuesday. This was also mentioned during the Town Administrators update during the Council meeting on Weds. It is scheduled for further discussion within the budget subcommittee before the Council takes it up. It is also scheduled for review by the School Committee.
Franklin Library: All In - Dec 16th
There will be a discussion and activities around the book "Divergent" lead by Horace Mann Middle School reading specialist Ms O'Leary. The discussion will focus on chapters 11-25.
Additional info can be found in this posting by the Library:
This was originally posted to the Franklin Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/12/all-in.html
Additional info can be found in this posting by the Library:
Divergent - discussion and activities |
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2013/12/all-in.html
In the News: Dean Bank, license penalties
Bellingham Police look into Dean Bank robbery
Authorities are probing a Monday robbery at the Dean Bank on Pulaski Boulevard and say they believe the suspect is the same man who robbed that bank in October.
Franklin council to review penalties for liquor license violators
Town Councilors tonight will discuss new guidelines for penalizing businesses caught selling liquor to minors.
Note: This item was posted to the MDN website at 6:08 AM on Wednesday morning. The timing of the post by MND caused it to miss my posting yesterday. Since there is not yet a post on the meeting last night, i suspect something similar is happening. Whether this timing of the posts MDN makes is deliberate or accidental, doesn't matter to me. My radar should pick it up eventually.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
thanks to the Downtown Partnership and Dean for a wonderful Holiday Stroll
package provided to the Council as reviewed with the FinCom on Tuesday
reminder on snow event forecasted for this weekend
secondary roads have secondary priority for salting
thanks to the assessors for the recap and while it looks seemless
it is thousands of hours of work and we'll start on next year's tomorrow
estimate approx $270 for the average residence assessed at $364,000
except for market conditions, housing values rarely decrease
of the $270, approx 50 is the new high school
L. OLD BUSINESS
Padula - thanks to Mark Cerel to go over some of the questions I had at the last meeting
M. NEW BUSINESS
Jones - propose that the draft of license penalties as discussed be put on the agenda for formal adoption
Bissanti - Citizens committee to appoint Judy Pfeffer, add to next agenda
re- the flag situation,
Nutting - it is all fixed, we will work it out, we will get another set of flags for the Elks
contractually some days the DPW needs to do the flags
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Williams - happy and safe holiday's hug your kids
Jones - thanks Mass Development for hosting the event last week
Pfeffer - thanks for the holiday covers on the parking meters
Happy Birthday, Victor Pisani
Mercer - thanks for the Holiday Stroll, wish weather was a little better
we are building tight and roof tight for the winter
looking forward to either Jan or Feb to bring the Council up to date
Padula - happy holidays to all
Feldman - thanks for the good time at the ribbon cutting at the Abbey solar farm
P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed
Live reporting - License renewals, Legislation
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Guidelines and Criteria for Penalizing Alcoholic Beverage License holder Violations
discussion on guidelines
there are two scenarios (1) police stings
ABC Board doesn't like these sting operations and doesn't feel that licensee should be penalized
(2) other operational violations - where an incident or accident occurs and underage drinking was found to have occurred. These are much more case by case. Could use compliance check and then at the mitigating factors to consider.
Williams - Nice work, I see nothing inconsistent with what we have done in prior Councils. Send them out to the renewals, then there is no excuse for someone saying I wasn't aware of that. Our hands aren't tied, these are the minimums and we can do more as required
Nutting - we could send them out with the renewals and then every year thereafter
Jones - I am happy to see that we have this in writing, it is good to have.
Bissanti - I want to applaud Mark Cerel for tackling this. I think the penalties are reasonable. I think attaching this to any license is a good idea.
Williams - as a rule, there is a notice out to the establishments that a sting is forthcoming.
Cerel - there is a set of guidelines on how to conduct
this will come up for a resolution and or as a bylaw for January meeting
Motion to approve the license renewals
seconded, approved 7-0-1 (abstain - Padula)
Padula - will abstain for the whole vote to avoid conflict of interest
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-85: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Factor
residential factor set as 1
motion to approve, 8-0
2. Resolution 13-86: Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
There will not be an exemption for open space
motion to approve, 8-0
by not having these exemptions, everyone is treated the same
3. Resolution 13-87: Classification Tax Allocation – Small Business Exemption
There will not be an exemption for small business
motion to approve, 8-0
4. Resolution 13-88: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
There will not be an exemption for residential property
motion to approve, 8-0
5. Resolution 13-89: 2014 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
6. Resolution 13-90: Legal Notices
designated the Milford Daily News as the legal source
motion, seconded, approved 8-0
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-726: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area,
Frontage Yard and Height Requirements – Referral to Planning Board
Mercer, Bissanti, Padula recused themselves from this discussion
Motion to refer to Planning Board, seconded
impervious coverage chart wasn't adjusted for the unit density calculations
looking to get the impervious change for Zone 7, not in any other zone
looking only to affect multi-family in Zone 7
Passed 5-0
live reporting - Tax Classification Hearing
F. HEARINGS
Tax Classification Hearing – 7:10 PM
The documents associated with the tax rate hearing can be found here
reference to the booklet shown by Ken Norman, the documents contained in the booklet are found in the link above.
Kevin Doyle, Director of Assessors
Ken Norman, Chairman - Board of Directors
Chris Feeley, John Neas
discussion on single vs. split tax rate, most communities inside the 128 beltway
the single rate is the fairest given the disproportionate groups residential vs. commercial industrial
Bissanti - a dual tax rate is burdensome upon the businesses, businesses have left communities for that
the high school building raised the taxes about $48 dollars on the average
My personal notes: this simpler quicker presentation was not very informative. If folks have seen this before, it is a minor rate change. If people have not seen this before, then they don't get much info in this forum.
Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 11, 2013
Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti, Williams
Absent: Kelly
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 also be recorded by Franklin Matters.
No meeting Dec 18th, next meeting Jan 15th
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mark Ellis - Franklin Elks
regarding flags on Main St for veterans funerals
offering to keep tradition of putting the flags up
will take down and store, coordinate with the funeral homes
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
(three minute recess)
Absent: Kelly
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 also be recorded by Franklin Matters.
No meeting Dec 18th, next meeting Jan 15th
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Mark Ellis - Franklin Elks
regarding flags on Main St for veterans funerals
offering to keep tradition of putting the flags up
will take down and store, coordinate with the funeral homes
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
(three minute recess)
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