Franklin Girls Softball Officially Opens 2014 Season

The long winter yielded to a beautiful spring weekend as the Franklin Girls Softball Association (FGSA) officially kicked-off the 2014 season at Pisani Field on Saturday, April 12. More than 300 Franklin girls and their families attended the annual celebration that marked the opening of the recreational softball season which offers 24 teams across four divisions of play for girls in kindergarten through eighth grade. 

The celebration started with the national anthem sung by Hannah Stahl, age 12 and senior division player, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by a Girl Scout Color Guard comprised of league players.

Following the ceremonial first pitch, thrown by Makayla Kuykendall, age 6 of the instructional division, the girls enjoyed a team scavenger hunt, hot dogs, DJ dancing, hair coloring provided by David Christopher Coiffures, and whoopie pies donated by Making Whoopie. 

“FGSA’s Opening Day Celebration has become a tradition looked forward to by players and their families,” said Tom Healey, organizer of the celebration and a senior division coach. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for players of all ages to gather, socialize and have fun. Following the brutal winter, the day has also become a celebration of spring finally arriving to New England.” 

In addition to running Franklin’s recreational softball league, FGSA offers two competitive travel summer teams, Franklin Fusion and Franklin Tornadoes. For more information, visit www.fgsafastpitch.org.

Girl Scout Color Guard

Elizabeth Hamilton, age 12, leads the Girl Scouts Color Guard in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Sox with Team

Members of the Blue Diamonds Junior Division softball team pose with “Sox,” the Pawtucket Red Sox mascot, at Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12. Pictured left to right are Taylor Padula, Stefany Padula, Marissa Barber, Madelyn Corvi, Caroline DeSimone, Marina Komari and team coach John DeSimone.

Girl Getting Hair Dyed

Jill Hamilton, age 5, receives hair dye to match her team’s color from a stylist at league sponsor David Christopher Coiffures during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Dancing

Caroline DeSimone, age 9, enjoys dancing on the softball field with friends during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Watching

Leila Frankina, age 11, anxiously awaits her turn during the team scavenger hunt relay at the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

Girl Running with Ball

Taylor Aten, age 11, runs in with a softball during the team scavenger hunt relay during the Franklin Girls Softball Association Opening Day Celebration on April 12.

All photos and text courtesy of the Franklin Girls Softball Association

Stuff A Truck Challenge At Healthy Kids Day!

The Franklin Food Pantry will be bringing their new Mobile Pantry Truck to Healthy Kids Day and we challenge you to help us fill it with healthier items!

The Stuff a Truck Challenge will close out the Hockomock Area YMCA 2014 Healthy Futures Food Drive.

When: Saturday, May 3rd

Where: Patriot Place NRG Plaza, Foxborough MA

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hockomock YMCA

 Suggested donation items include: high fiber cereal, low sodium canned vegetables, toiletries, paper goods, whole grain pasta, pasta sauce, olive oil, spices, 100% fruit juice, multi-vitamins, white tuna, cans of beans, oatmeal, nuts or seeds

Mass in Motion

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) - Open House

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold an Open House for prospective students and families on Wednesday, April 30 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes and rehearsals, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs for all ages and abilities in music, dance, and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class. 

Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Since 1985, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA provides a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage – and for life. 

Bringing the performing arts disciplines together under one roof, FSPA offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice and instrumental instruction. An unparalleled calendar of performing opportunities features studio voice recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, Glee Club, musical theater troupes, dance companies, Ballet Repertoire Series, chamber music, jazz and percussion ensembles. Many FSPA students also participate in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. 

FSPA classes for the school year continue through June 23 and registration for upcoming summer and fall sessions is ongoing. For more information or to request a course catalog, call (508) 528-8668. Visit online at www.fspaonline.com.

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/18/14 - THU 4/24/14

FRI 4/18  6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center

SAT 4/19   9am-3pm   Book Sale - Franklin Public Library
SAT 4/19   4pm-6pm   Bag Sale - Franklin Public Library

TUE 4/22   10am   Bocce Club Meeting - New Members Welcome, Franklin Senior Center
TUE 4/22   10:30am   Family Storytime, Franklin Public Library
TUE 4/22   3pm   Mr. Vinny’s Lil’ Puppet Show - Franklin Public Library

WED 4/23  10:30am   Drop-In Crafts for Children - all ages. Franklin Public Library.
WED 4/23   3pm   Acrobat Li Liu, Franklin Public Library
WED 4/23   6:30pm   “Doggie Tales” Read to Dogs Program at Franklin Public Library (sign up)

THU 4/24   10:30am   Wally the Green Monster visits Franklin Public Library.
THU 4/24   4pm   Lego Mania (ages 6-12) at Franklin Public Library.

For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

For April vacation camps/programs click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Stamp Out Hunger - May 10 (video)

The postal carriers will be conducting their annual "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive to help the Franklin Food Pantry.

Stamp Out Hunger - May 10

FHS Softball Boosters Bottle and Can

The FHS Softball Boosters are planning a Bottle and Can Fundraiser at the Franklin Elks on Saturday May 17th from 8am-noon. I am hoping you can add this posting to the calendar of events on your Blog and also your email blats. The flyer is attached with all the details.  We would love to have as many Bottles and Cans as we can get that day.  

By sending out the flyer now we can have folks save up their bottles and cans and bring them to our fundraiser on 5/17. Our goal is to buy a pitching machine for our 3 teams (Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity) to share.   

FHS - home of the Panthers

Spring Fertilization of School / Town Grounds

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Hello 

The Town of Franklin will be fertilizing all School and Town Athletic Fields on April 20 and 21. Per state law we are required to notify the public this is taking place. It is recommended that individuals not use any Town or School grounds on Sunday, April 20. State official also recommend that if you have any chemical sensitivity you should avoid the  grounds fro 72 hours after the application. 

If you would like additional information about the application of fertilizer, the  "Standard Written Notification can be found on the front page of the district web site (left corner). The documents can also be found on the DPW web site . A copy will also be posted on the front door of all schools.

Thank  You

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 either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.

Parmenter School sign

What about Ben's books?

The Library will get an addition. Felicia Oti, Library Director and members of the Library Board of Directors made the case that Franklin has outgrown the current space provided by the Library facility. It was built in 1904, added to in 1988 and due for a new expansion now.

There was not an opportunity for public discussion but I was itching to ask how Ben's books are being handled in this renovation. Where are they stored today? Word has it that they are in the 'safe'. Which  may be a secure place but for ancient text, is it the best climate controlled environment for a true legacy of Franklin? If not, then this renovation proposal would be a great time to provide for them books properly. As the renovation committee gets formed and details get worked out, there will be time to address this aspect of Franklin's legacy.

The remainder of the Town Council meeting was a busy one on Wednesday evening. As reported when the agenda was published here on Sunday, there was a full slate of monetary action items to be voted on.

The full accounting of the $1,592,000 to be spent on the various departmental capital requirements is outlined in the following document. The source of funds is tallied on page 2. Most of the funds come from the 'free cash' but there are several other capital accounts that are being closed out and those funds are being used here. A perfectly acceptable method!




The individual posts as reported live during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday:

• Live reporting: closing
• Live reporting - Legislation
• Live reporting - Library Presentation
• Live reporting - Solarize Franklin
• Live reporting - Ambulance presentation
• Live reporting - Town Council - Apr 16

Library Book Sale - Sat April 19th

A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/May14connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament

Last year you were very helpful in getting the word out about our Dodgeball Tournament to benefit Best Buddies on May 4th. We're hoping you'll do the same this year. 

I've attached our flyer for you to use. If that doesn't work, or you'd like more information, please let me know. 

Thank you so much!

Best Buddies Dodgeball - May 4th

For additional info visit the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/events/596704650406803/

Holy Week Services at the Franklin United Methodist Church

Maundy
Thursday 7:30 pm Service

Franklin United  Methodist Church

Good Friday
7:30 pm Service

Easter Sunday
10 am Worship Service

https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=233251690075655

Franklin TV - Stations of the Cross broadcast schedule

Steve, is it at all possible to re-post the information about the broadcast of the Stations of the Cross on Franklin TV on Good Friday at 2:00 PM. Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 26? 

There is also a special REFLECTIONS show for Holy Thursday being broadcast @ 1:30 PM on the same Channels, and the Easter show is being broadcast @ 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM also on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon 26

Franklin.TV

The post on the Stations of the Cross schedule
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/stations-of-cross-broadcast.html

Live reporting: closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
reminder on earth day
always a good day to help clean up Franklin

L. OLD BUSINESS
working on Wachusett St, tentative closing date of May 7th

M. NEW BUSINESS


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Bissanti - has an opportunity to visit with Stella, doing well and in good spirits

Kelly- proud to know Stella

Padula - talked with Stella about squirrel nuts and for a penny you could pull out any filling


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 7-0

Live reporting - Legislation

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

Economic Dev Commmittee - Jones
met today to discuss ongoing topics
expression of interest letter read
from qualified developers and interested parties
understand existing market conditions
meaningful and productive public process
max short and long term interests
must be signed
proponents interest
nature and status of organization, including jurisdiction
narrative
site tour May 21, 10:00 AM
compelling and appropriate development

looking to request an appraisal of the Pond St property


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 14-16: Authorization to Borrow – Water Infrastructure Improvements - Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0
this would start planning for next years work, doc and schedule released earlier


2. Resolution 14-17: Appropriation Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund- Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0
continue to fund this fund to replace turf fields at FHS and Beaver St, this gets us almost halfway there
work targeted for 2016-2017

life expectancy, warrantied for 10 years
1 since 04 and one since 03
expected 15 year life but no field had been in life that long


3. Resolution 14-18: Appropriation OPEB Stabilization Fund - Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0
unfunded liability is 89M, this is a small amount
should really be doing 2.4M per year but we don't have that money to do so

4. Resolution 14-19: Appropriation Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 14
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0


5. Resolution 14-20: Appropriation Water Enterprise Capital FY 14
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0
start of plan to replace water meters, 3,000 over age


6. Resolution 14-21:Appropriation Fire Truck Stabilization Fund - Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0
another savings account for a future purpose

We are working in an industry that wanted to keep horse drawn wagons
we do want to use multi-purpose vehicles

fire apparatus is rolling tool boxes
you don't have the luxury of saying, golly i left that at the station
we work at a time compressed environment

national stats show declines in fires
I don't live there, I live here in Franklin where there are 25-35 fires in a year
we have a ten year on line for the trucks
and ten years in reserve, this has been a sweet spot for us so far

flash point used to be 29 mins, go to the UL labs, it is now 3 mins
fires grow quicker, latency with smoke detectors are two minutes

I am a numbers guy, I appreciate the national stats but that is not our town


7. Resolution 14-23: Senior Center Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund- Requires 2/3 Vote
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0
could restart the committee to look at the second floor of the Senior Center in the fall
this would put us at $900,000


8. Resolution 14-24: Appropriation Capital FY 14
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0
$1,592,000  (updated copy to be attached later)


9. Resolution 14-25: Appropriation Recreation – Spray Park
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0
for the Fletcher Field proposal
Commonwealth would pay 75-80% of the total, we need to front the money


10. Resolution 14-22: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Town Property at 150 Emmons Street
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0



11. Bylaw Amendment 14-731:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd Reading
motion to accept, second, passed 7-0 (via roll call)
trash rate increases $212 to 216 ($4)
increase from 192 to 196 ($4)


12. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-733: Changes to 185-5, Zoning Map, changes from Commercial 1 to Downtown Commercial District in an Area on or Near Alpine Row - Referral to Planning Board
motion to referral to planning board, second, passed 5-2
(Pfeffer and Bissanti voted no)
This was covered in the zoning workshop held in July 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/live-reporting-town-council-special.html



13. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-734: Changes to 185-5, Zoning Map, changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Josephine Street - Referral to Planning Board
motion to referral to planning board, second, passed 7-0

Live reporting - Library Presentation

Sandra Brandfonbrener and Monique Doyle (Co Chairs)
Felicia Oti, Library Director

The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/041614.pdf

The library presentation begins at Page 16

approved library budget down 22% since 2000
staffing down 52% since 2000
service delivery has increased during this same period

looking for additional space
for collections, technology and storage

two options
1 - renovations without an addition (still requires 1000 sq ft0 and meet code requirements
2 - add 6000 sq ft to current building and meet the code requirements

expand programming capabilities

library comparison with neighboring communities

can be funded within existing debt capacity

current library was built in 1904 with a population of 5,000
today the population is over 30,000 and we are using pretty much the same space

2 stories, additional parking required?
not at this time, no immediate land around it to use

ebooks are expensive and not sustainable
limited to 22 checkouts for library copies

there are many more reasons for using the library than to get books/ebooks

one of the beauties of the library, it is the first, it is free
continuation circulation of items

there can be improvement in technology, we should expand to better serve the community

ever since the video stores have closed, it is a resource for those movies

it is a magical place for children to go

keeping the historical integrity of the library