Tuesday, July 29, 2014

In the News: Kmart on RT 109 to close

In the Milford Daily News we find this item of interest to Franklin shoppers:
The Kmart store on Rte. 109 will officially close in October, said Chris Braithwaite, vice president of media relations for Sears Holdings."Store closures are part of a series of actions we’re taking to reduce ongoing expenses," he said.Kmart is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corp. and has had presence in Milford for at least 35 years. The store will begin a liquidation sale Aug. 7, he said.
You can continue to read the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140729/NEWS/140726803/1994/NEWS

Monday, July 28, 2014

Fund raising: Thermal totes for infants

Via email I hear of a fund raiser to help those with infants at a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU):
Hi Franklin! I am working to donate Thirty One thermal totes to the NICU at a nearby hospital...so many moms go there to see their little babies who are fighting for their lives or very sick. 
I am not looking for other sales or to make the commission...my commission will be used to fill the bags with ice packs to keep milk cold, Chapstick, snack, magazines etc... things they need and we can help in some small way. 
It's $20.50 for the tote (incl. tax and shipping). Please help me by donating a tote. You order and it ships to me and you fill your heart with knowing how you helped someone. 
For more info please email Megan DeKing or comment here. Orders will go in August 3rd! Thanks!

The thermal totes:

infant surrounded by thermal totes
infant surrounded by thermal totes

You can email Megan directly at = Hartwick1998@aol.com


Patriots, Public Safety Officials Throw Danny Nickerson a Surprise Birthday Party Unlike Any Other


It started with a simple wish for birthday cards a week before his sixth birthday and ended with a birthday celebration unlike any other at Patriot Place and Gillette Stadium on Saturday, July 26.

Danny Nickerson, a Foxborough boy with an inoperable brain tumor, celebrated his sixth birthday on Friday, July 25, with a trip to Legoland in Boston before meeting New England Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft at Gillette Stadium.

Danny and friends
Danny and friends

During the visit, Danny and his family toured the Patriots’ trophy room before taking a walk onto the Gillette Stadium field, where they were greeted by Pat Patriot, the team’s official mascot, and Patriots Cheerleaders.

“We got out on the field and Danny’s name was up on the video boards, which was absolutely awesome,” said Daniel Jamieson, Danny’s father. “I never thought one of my family member’s names would be up on the video board in Gillette Stadium.”

presentation of the card
presentation of the card

Kraft presented Danny with a card signed by the entire New England Patriots team and a gift bag, which included Patriots-themed toys and a customized Patriots jersey. Following the special field visit, Patriot Place treated Danny and his family to a birthday lunch at SkipJack’s.

“Seeing Danny smile so much has been amazing,” said Jamieson. “Everything Mr. Kraft and the Kraft family have done to help out my family and show support for my son is incredible.”

The show of support for Danny didn’t stop there, as Cops for Kids with Cancer organized a surprise birthday party for the six-year-old and his family at Patriot Place and Gillette Stadium on Saturday, July 26.

“Hopefully this helps Danny and his family know they aren’t alone,” said Burlington Police Sgt. Gerard McDonough, one of the organizers of Saturday’s event. “I’ve read that Danny can feel alone and sad at times, so we want the family to know they are not alone and they are not fighting alone.”

Cops for Kids with Cancer
Cops for Kids with Cancer

Danny’s special day began with a convoy of more than 100 police, fire and EMS vehicles arriving at Gillette Stadium shortly before 9 a.m. Hundreds of public safety officials representing more than 40 communities throughout the region then gathered on the steps of Patriot Place’s grand staircase to sing “Happy Birthday” to the guest of honor.

“Seeing all the police, firefighters and motorcycle riders showing up to support my son is absolutely emotional and really nice,” said Jamieson.

The celebration continued on the first floor of CBS Scene with a public safety-themed birthday cake that featured a photo of Danny on a motorcycle and a presentation of birthday cards and gifts from each agency, including a motorized toy police car from Boston Police, which Danny drove around NRG Plaza until the power ran out.

“It’s been an incredible and emotional day,” said Canton Police Deputy Chief Helena Rafferty, who also serves as President of Cops for Kids with Cancer. “Every little boy loves police and fire and it is such an honor to be part of this special day.”

Foxborough police officer Stephen McGrath said participating in Saturday’s celebration was important to the department because Danny is a relative of one of their sergeants.

“We knew that participating today would be just one way to demonstrate our support to Danny and his family, and also to our sergeant,” said McGrath. “I know how important it is to them and I think they need to know not only the Foxborough Police Department is behind them, but the support extends throughout law enforcement and communities across the region. This event brings everything into focus for us and we are honored to be a part of it.”

After cake and presents at CBS Scene, the party moved to Patriots Training Camp where another surprise was waiting for Danny.

Toward the end of practice, Kraft invited Danny and his parents onto the field where the entire team, including head coach Bill Belichick, gathered around the Foxborough family and sang “Happy Birthday” to Danny.

“It’s been an incredible day for Danny and the Patriots singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to my son was a real touching moment that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Jamieson.

Danny’s mother, Carley Nickerson, was equally grateful for all the support her family has received since making a public request for birthday cards for her son.

“It’s overwhelming,” Carley said. “Everyone has been amazing. They’ve all come together and are here for our little boy.”

Danny has received more than 150,000 birthday cards in the 10 days since his wish was made public. Some cards have been sent from as far away as Japan, and mail is still coming in.

“It’s been amazing to see him so happy,” said Carley. “He loves getting mail.”

For Sgt. McDonough and Cops for Kids with Cancer, the goal for Saturday was a simple one – make Danny and his family smile.

“As long as Danny was smiling and we gave the family some happy memories it was mission accomplished for us,” said McDonough. “We are very grateful to the Kraft family and the Patriots organization for giving us the venue to be able to do this and we were very happy for the show of support to Danny and thank all the officers who were able to come out.”


Franklin Library: Tanglewood Marionettes - Aug 2 - 10:30 AM

The Franklin Public Library will host a show by the Tanglewood Marionettes:
Featuring over twenty beautifully hand-crafted marionettes, The Fairy Circus is a showcase for turn-of-the-century-style trick puppetry. The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the best-loved music of favorite composers. This title is perfect for younger children and family audiences. 
The Fairy Circus is performed by a solo puppeteer. The presentation includes a lively puppetry demonstration prior to the show, and a Question and Answer session following the performance. 
Running time: 40 minutes
Recommended grade levels: Appropriate for pre-K - 6; best for pre-K - 2

Tanglewood Marionettes
Tanglewood Marionettes

When:  Saturday, August 2, 10:30 AM

This was shared from the Franklin Public Library website
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/07/tanglewood-marionettes.html

For more about the Tanglewood Marionettes, you can visit their website here
http://www.tanglewoodmarionettes.com/fairycircus.html


Sunday, July 27, 2014

Downtown Project - protecting the trees

The trees are being protected as discussed during the downtown improvement project construction meeting held on July 10 at Dean College

trees on the Town Common
trees on the Town Common

tree at the Franklin Public Library
tree at the Franklin Public Library

My notes from the July 10th meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-downtown-project-status.html

The map distributed that night can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/downtown-improvement-project-map-pdf.html

You can also listen to the full meeting with this audio recording
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/downtown-improvement-project-meeting.html


Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 30, 2014


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
July 9, 2014

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Historical Commission - Minessa Konecky
Housing Authority - Peter Brunelli

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-49:Designation of Special Municipal Employee under State Ethics Law
2. Bylaw Amendment 14-738: Amendment to Chapter 179-9.1: Water Map – 2nd Reading
3. Bylaw Amendment 14-739: Amendment to Chapter 179- 9.1: Water Map – 2nd Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 14-740:Amendment to Chapter 139-14: Sewer Map –2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN


The full set of documents as released with this agenda can be found on the Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/073014.pdf

Franklin Municipal Building - 355 East Central St
Franklin Municipal Building - 355 East Central St


Rainbow Loom events to help Max Love Project


Learning Express Franklin
Learning Express Franklin
I am a local Franklin resident and I help Learning Express with their marketing. They are planning a community-Rainbow Loom event, called the MAX LOVE PROJECT. 
This is a nation-wide event where we are trying to help this 7-yr old (Max) who is battling brain cancer reach his goal of building a 100-mile Rainbow Loom Chain! 
The Franklin Learning Express store will be hosting 3 Max Love Looming events to contribute to this project. We would love if you could help us gain momentum in the community. Our flyer is attached below.

Max Love Project

When are the community rainbow loom events?
July 31 - 4:30 PM
Aug 9 - 4:30 PM
Aug 14 - 3:30 PM

For more about the Max Love Project, you can visit their website  http://maxloveproject.org/

For more about Learning Express Franklin, you can visit their website http://www.learningexpress.com/store/franklin-ma/

Love lobster? Visit Boston today

The Mass Great Outdoors blog has an article on lobsters in advance of the Boston Seafood Festival being held today, July 27.

Did you know:
And while some lobsters might be as old as time (or close to it) they have not always been a delicacy. According to National Geographic, in the 17th and 18th centuries, lobsters were so abundant that they were used as food for the poor—and not even good food. Feeding your servant too much lobster was considered inhumane. There were laws forbidding people from giving servants lobster more than twice a week. Most surprising, lobsters were so cheap that they were even used as fertilizer!
Mass Great Outdoors blog
Mass Great Outdoors blog

Read more about lobsters on the Mass Great Outdoors blog here
http://blog.mass.gov/greatoutdoors/environment/lobsters-boston-seafood-festival/

Boston Seafood Festival
Boston Seafood Festival

More about the Boston Seafood Festival can be found on their webpage
http://bostonseafoodfestival.org/

In the News: housing trust lottery, new Indian market, Dean explores online degrees

The housing trust lottery winner was announced on Saturday
John Bertane of Franklin had a good reason to be happy. His family had just the won the lottery, but instead of cash, the prize was a home. 
A small group, including Bertane, gathered Saturday in the Town Council Room of the Franklin Municipal Building to hear the results of the town's latest affordable housing lottery. 
The lottery was for the first home purchased by the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, a two-bedroom home at 11 Landry St.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140726/NEWS/140727224/1994/NEWS

Related posts on the housing trust lottery can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/franklin-municipal-affordable-housing.html


There is a new Indian market in Bellingham
A new grocery store, aimed at serving the area's growing Indian population (and any resident with a taste for Indian cuisine), opened Saturday at 15 North Main St. 
A grand opening celebration for Namaste Supermarket was held early in the afternoon, featuring face-painting, henna tattooing and food samples. 
Arun Nagrath, the store owner, said the Indian population within a 10 to 15 mile radius around the store had increased substantially of late. 
"There are almost 2,600 families here," he said. "Before, they would have to drive to Worcester or Norwood (for a similar selection). We are a supermarket, but we also have takeout because there are few restaurants (in the area)."
Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140726/NEWS/140727228/1994/NEWS


Dean College is looking to expand its offering to include online degrees

Dean College is seeking approval from its accrediting agency to offer an online business degree program. 
The private college in downtown Franklin has online courses, but in the fall of 2014, Dean hopes to begin accepting enrollment into an online bachelor’s degree program for business. Many of the same courses in the college's current business program will be offered in the online tract. 
"Dean College continues to expand what we are able to offer to our students," said John Marcus, vice president of enrollment services and marketing, in a statement. "An online degree program is a great opportunity for adult learners to pursue their education and career goals while juggling their current work/life responsibilities."
Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140726/NEWS/140727345/1994/NEWS

Dean College - 99 Main St, Franklin, MA
Dean College - 99 Main St, Franklin, MA

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Members of St. Mary’s Parish and Delete Blood Cancer Holds Bone Marrow Registration Drive


Beginning Friday, August 8th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, members of St. Mary’s Parish in Franklin will be partnering with Delete Blood Cancer to host a bone marrow registration drive during the Feast of Saint Rocco held at St. Mary’s church. During this event, volunteers will be registering new bone marrow donors to become potential life-saving matches for patients suffering from various forms of blood cancer and blood disease. 
The registration booth will also be open on Saturday, August 9th from 11:00am to 10:00pm and Sunday, August 10th from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. 
The group of volunteers hosting this event will be led by Justin Graci, who lost his sister Kristin to leukemia in 2010, and other members of the Graci family. Though Kristin is no longer with us, Justin and other members of the St. Mary’s community who were touched by her illness and passing continue to give back by spreading awareness about blood disease and the need for bone marrow donors. 
Every day thousands of patients like Kristin search for a bone marrow donor. However, only 4 out of 10 patients are lucky enough to receive a transplant. Members of the St. Mary’s Parish hope to change these odds by offering people the opportunity to register as a potential bone marrow donor and further Delete Blood Cancer’s mission of saving lives.  
About Delete Blood Cancer
DeleteBloodCancer.org
DeleteBloodCancer.org

Delete Blood Cancer DKMS started with one family’s search for a bone marrow donor and is today part of the world’s largest bone marrow donor center. We have helped register more than 4 million potential donors and facilitated close to 40,000 life-saving transplants around the world. But we’re not stopping there. Every day we lead the fight against blood cancer by working with families, communities and organizations to recruit more donors and provide more patients with second chances at life. 
For more information or to register as a bone marrow donor, please visit DeleteBloodCancer.org.

DeleteBloodCancer.org
DeleteBloodCancer.org

The St Rocco Festival schedule and additional information can be found here
http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/93

FHS Last Tour: Corridors and Student Art Work - part 14 (photos)

Let's finish the walk through the corridors of Franklin High School on the 'last tour.' I'll share the last of the photos of student art work and other significant items of interest as we complete the walk through FHS.

Franklin's panther
Franklin's panther

bring down the house
bring down the house

view 1
view 1

view 2
view 2

student art 1
student art 1

student art 2
student art 2

student art 3
student art 3

old text books
old text books

stairwell view
stairwell view

student art 4
student art 4

Franklin athletes never quit
Franklin athletes never quit

Photos shared earlier can be found here:

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_24.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_21.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_20.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_19.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_18.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_17.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_15.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_12.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_30.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_29.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-welcome-to.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-field-house-small-gym.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-field-house-photos.html


Note: all the photos will be posted to Facebook and to Flickr for anyone to view in a single place. The locations are already established and photos will be added to them over time.

Facebook album       Flickr album





Elm Street Bridge Closure - extended through Monday, July 28


Hello. This is Gary Premo, with the Franklin Police Department, calling with an important traffic advisory. 
Due to unforeseen circumstances the Elm Street Bridge will remain closed through Monday 07/28. 
Again, please seek alternate routes if you need to be in the area. Thank you; goodbye.


This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. 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 TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Franklin Police station - Panther Way
Franklin Police station - Panther Way

Pam's Run - 5K for Neighbor Brigade - Oct 16



Pam's Run
Dear Friends,
Our team is hard at work planning Neighbor Brigade's second annual Pam's Run, a road race and walk named to honor the legacy of our founder, Pam Washek. Please join us on Saturday, October 18, for the race and race day festivities, including live music, kids' activities and food trucks. Registration for the Run is open. Register today and consider forming a fundraising team—spirit-wear optional! All proceeds from the Run will support Neighbor Brigade's programs and expansion to meet the demand for our services. Please help us raise awareness for our organization and the event by passing along the information to your friends, colleagues,
family and neighbors!
Pam's Run
Pam's Run

WHEN:
Saturday, October 18, at 10 am
WHERE:
The race will start and finish at the Claypit Hill School, 40 Adams Street, Wayland, MA
EVENT:
The race will offer both a 5K Run/Walk and a 10K Run. It will also feature age group awards and cash prizes for top finishers.
REGISTER:
Register at www.pamsrun.com. Once you register, a personal fundraising page will be created for you automatically.
You are encouraged to raise additional funds to help keep Pam's dream alive!
There is no minimum fundraising commitment or team fee.
THANK YOU TO
OUR SPONSORS!

Sponsorships are available.
For more information contact:
Joanna Manikas at
Stephanie Lawrence at

Friday, July 25, 2014

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/25/14 - THU 7/31/14

FRI 7/25   10:30am   Ronald McDonald at Franklin Public Library
FRI 7/25  12-6pm   Farmers Market at Franklin Common
FRI 7/25   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 7/25   8pm   Midsummer Night’s Dream by FSPA at Franklin Town Common

SAT 7/26   7pm   One Acts by FPAC, 38 Main St., Franklin

SUN 7/27   8am   Yoga on the beach - free event at Beaver Pond, Franklin

MON 7/28   3:30pm   iStories at Franklin Public Library
MON 7/28   4-7pm   Farmer’s Market at Whole Foods Plaza in Bellingham
MON 7/28   5pm to close   Dining for a Cure at Milford 99 Restaurant
MON 7/28   6:30pm   Family PJ Storytime at Franklin Public Library.

TUE 7/29   4pm   Lego Club and Games, Franklin Public Library

WED 7/30   3pm   Marvelous Marvin - Magic of Science at Franklin Public Library
WED 7/30   6pm   Concerts on the Common - Electric Youth


For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

Elm Street Bridge Closure - Friday, July 25



Hello. This is Gary Premo, with the Franklin Police Department, calling with an important traffic advisory for Friday July 25. 
The Elm Street Bridge will be closed for an additional day. 
Again, please seek alternate route if you need to be in the area. Thank you; goodbye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. 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 TOWN OF FRANKLIN either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-520-4938 or REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Franklin Police headquarters - Panther Way
Franklin Police headquarters - Panther Way