Informational Meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Project

Algonquin Gas Transmission has scheduled an informational meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Project, which includes a proposed expansion of the Algonquin Gas Transmission with new pipelines in Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Algonquin representatives will be available to answer questions concerning the proposed facilities, safety, environmental and permitting processes, construction and operation, and other aspects of the Atlantic Bridge Project.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

5:30 pm -7:30 pm

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham,

835 Upper Union Street in Franklin

If you are unable to attend feel free to call 888-331-6553 or write to the Algonquin Project Office, 3 Allied Drive, Suite 303, Dedham, MA 02026 with questions

Atlantic Bridge Project

You can also find additional info on the Spectra Energy webpage here
http://www.spectraenergy.com/Newsroom/News-Archive/Spectra-Energy-to-Expand-Pipeline-Systems-in-New-England/

and here
http://www.spectraenergy.com/Operations/New-Projects-and-Our-Process/New-Projects-in-US/Atlantic-Bridge/



This was shared from the Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01E79389-000F8513

New FHS Tour/Dedication Schedule

From the Franklin Public Schools page

Tours

Saturday, September 20

10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m

Dedication Ceremony and Reception

Sunday September 21

Ceremony 1:00
Reception and Tours 1:30- 3:30

Franklin High School

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 17, 2014

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 be recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Advisory Committee

Deborah L. Pellegri
Joseph F. Halligan Jr.
Paul R. Compton
Richard Ciccone

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Ron Roux – Design Build, LLC
David McKearney, Board of Health

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 14-56: Franklin Advisory Committee
2. Resolution 14-57: Support for House Bill 1840, Seniors and Retired Volunteers Act of 2013
3. Resolution 14-58: Authorization to Issue Request for Proposals – Emmons Street Property

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN



The set of documents released for this meeting can be found on the Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/091714.pdf


Note: most of the document released is the full text and associated supporting docs for the RFP on 150 Emmons St

150 Emmons St - the subject of the RFP

"How not to be ignorant about the world"

The TED Talk by Hans and Ola Rosling has a provocative title. It may be just me but I would have said "How to better informed about the world." And maybe that is why I am doing what I do and not presenting something like this.

Regular readers know that what we are about here at Franklin Matters is sharing information and creating a fact-based understanding about what is happening in Franklin. We focus on the business side of things but do spend time in related matters.

At one point in the talk Hans says:

"You see, the problem is not that people don't read and listen to the media. The problem is that the media doesn't know themselves."

What we do here is not 'traditional media'. I use "we" deliberately. You contribute as much to this site as I do. Your questions, your information, your corrections all help to drive what is shared here. It may be my name on most of the regular posts. It may be Renata's name on the weekly summary of events. But is is YOU behind the scenes feeding us the info and questions.

Towards the end of the talk Ola (Hans' son) says:

"If you have a fact-based worldview of today, you might have a chance to understand what's coming next in the future."

Thank you! Please continue to read, comment, share and ask question. Together we can become more informed about Franklin or as Hans would say "not ignorant!"

The video runs about 18 minutes so settle in and enjoy!





You can find this Ted Talk on the official Ted page here
http://www.ted.com/talks/hans_and_ola_rosling_how_not_to_be_ignorant_about_the_world/transcript?language=en

Other TED Talks by Hans Rosling can be found on his profile page
http://www.ted.com/speakers/hans_rosling

Hans Rosling - TED bio page

Note: as mentioned previously, if someone has interest to follow and report on Franklin committee meetings, feel free to reach out to me. I can help you with the technical details.

Please Support Neighbor Brigade!

Hello Friend, 

It's hard to believe October is just around the corner and Neighbor Brigade's annual Pam's Run 

On Oct 18, 2014 we honor Pam Washek's memory and the need to support the mission she ignited and that lives on. 

This is my 3rd year leading the Franklin chapter and I am honored to be helping our neighbors when an immediate short term crisis enters their lives.  The community of volunteers in Franklin has been a great comfort to families, knowing a neighbor is willing to lend a helping hand if family and friends are not enough or available.  

After a year of many of my close friends and family members challenged by the unexpected health and life challenges, I could not imagine anyone doing these real life days without help.  We continue to grow as a community of volunteers as well as our partnerships in the community.  

I am grateful to take part in a wonderful organization that is bringing needed love and attention to our neighborhoods.  Please support Neighbor Brigade in any way you can to help in enriching more and more communities to join and help their neighbors!  

I have a donation page open and ready: https://donate.neighborbrigade.org/fundraise?fcid=341412 

Much love and thanks in advance, 

Linda

Neighbor Brigade - help is next door

The Organization:

Neighbor Brigade

Neighbor Brigade establishes and mobilizes community-specific networks of volunteers to help residents facing sudden crisis such as devastating illness, accident, or other tragic event. Our volunteers provide non-medical, non-monetary services and collaborate with the shared purpose of helping fellow residents. Neighbor Brigade provides temporary support to those affected while strengthening the fabric of a community.

Linda Gagnon
Neighbor Brigade Inc.
617-335-5452/ FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org
https://donate.neighborbrigade.org/fundraise?fcid=341412

Next Size Up founders celebrate 5 years running consignment events

Two Franklin moms, Kristin Kane and Tiffany Miller, are celebrating five years of running the Next Size Up  Kids' Consignment Sale this fall. 

Through the business, they conduct large consignment sale events every spring and fall, where area families can both earn cash selling their children's outgrown or unwanted items, and shop for gently used toys, clothes, furnishings, strollers and more at a fraction of retail.

next size up consignment sale

The events have grown considerably since the first sale was held in the fall of 2009 in Franklin: that event was held in a small function hall and had 60 consignors selling 2,500 items. Next week, when the sale is held Sept. 19 – 21 at the John Smith Sports Center in Milford, the sale will have 200 consignors and more than 30,000 items. 

"The idea caught on pretty quickly," Miller said. "At the time, consignment sales were common in other parts of the country but they were a new concept in this area.  We have found that once people experience the sale, they get hooked." 

Local parents who sell through Next Size Up earn at least 60 percent of the sale price of their items – much higher than what is offered by a traditional storefront consignment shop. They can increase that percentage to 75 percent by volunteering at the sale itself. 

"Last spring, our average consignor payout was $326, and a number of consignors earned over $1,000 each," Miller said. "A lot of families tell us these payouts really make it worthwhile to take part in our events."

Each sale is not just a big yard or rummage sale, but a highly organized event. Prior to the sale, each consignor enters their inventory into an online system, choosing their own prices, and then prints barcoded tags to attach to each item. They come by appointment to drop off their items, which are then inspected by a team of volunteers to ensure that toys and baby equipment are in working order and clothing is free of stains or excessive wear. 

 "From the beginning, we have put an emphasis on quality," Kane said. "We wanted shoppers to be confident in what they were buying from us. They have shown their appreciation for that by coming back year after year to shop." 

Once items are inspected, they are placed on the sale floor much like they would be at a retail store – a very large retail store. Clothing is hung by gender and size, and toys, books, sporting equipment and other items are organized by interest and age range.

In addition to an emphasis on quality, Kane and Miller have also made charitable giving a priority. They invite consignors to leave unsold items at the end of the sale for pickup by Cradles to Crayons, a Boston charity that gives the items directly to needy families. A food drive is also held in conjunction with each sale, and on half-price day, shoppers can gain admission a half-hour early by bringing in two non-perishable items for the local food pantry. They also provide free passes to a private presale – which is generally open to consignors, volunteers and paid ticket holders only – to military families and a limited number of new, first-time parents.

Miller and Kane also provide other local entrepreneurs a chance to advertise through their events, as vendors during the sale or advertisers on the Next Size Up website or shopper handouts. This has been a great way for many local businesses to reach out to local families. 

The next event will be Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 AM to 8 PM.  New items will be restocked on Friday evening for Saturday's opening.  The half price sale will be on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 10 AM to 2 PM (many items will be marked 50% off). Those bringing 2 items for donation to the Daily Bread Food Pantry of Milford will get 9:30 admission on Sunday.   

Cash, Mastercard and VISA will be accepted. No food or drink will be allowed on the sale floor due to the new turf.

More information is available at: http://nextsizeupkids.com

Have you taken a ride on the Franklin Area Bus?

The Franklin Area Bus is a service provided by GATRA (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority).

The bus runs a route from the Municipal Building to the Village Mall Plaza (Stop & Shop).

Franklin Area Bus

Visit the Franklin Area Bus page for their schedule and fare information
http://www.gatra.org/index.php/routes/bellingham-franklin/franklin-area-bus/

Franklin Area Bus

Franklin Solar Challenge - meeting documents

The flyer available for those attending the Franklin Solar Challenge meeting on Wednesday, Sep 10 is available here:





The presentation used by SolarFlair can be viewed here




My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/franklin-solar-challenge-solarflair.html

and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/franklin-solar-challenge-next-step.html

The solar farm under construction at Mount St Mary's Abbey in 2013

If you would like to explore joining the Franklin Solar Challenge, you can find out more with the Franklin Planning and Community Development Dept.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/initiatives/solarize.pdf

Franklin Food Pantry: Volunteers Needed for Mobile Pantry Monday, Sept. 15

Hello Volunteers,

We are looking for a couple of volunteers for our Mobile Pantry at Winter Street this Monday from 1:00-4:00.  Responsibilities include loading the truck with a few crates, loading coolers with refrigerator items, heading to location (1 mile away), unloading crates, assisting clients with selections, weighing items and other assistance as needed.

It is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer in our community and see the complete circle!

Please reply back to me on this email.  ,

As always, if you no longer wish to receive these emails, just reply with the word REMOVE in subject area.

Many thanks,

Franklin Food Pantry

Lisa

--

Lisa Buccella and Maria Weiss

Volunteer Coordinators

Franklin Food Pantry

43 West Central Street

PO Box 116

Franklin, MA 02038

508-528-3115, press 5 for volunteer line voicemail

www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Note as this is are-posting of the email, the directions to unsubscribe will not work.

Dean Leadership Institute Announcement - Werner canceling

Dean Leadership Institute Announcement Dear Stephen, Thank you for registering to attend Dean College's Fall Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture Series event, scheduled for September 23, 2014. We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, Tom Werner is unable to present the Dean Leadership Institute Executive Lecture. We are working with The Boston Red Sox to secure a new date and we apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you again for being a friend of Dean College.

Forward this email Dean College | 99 Main Street | Dean Hall | Franklin | MA | 02038

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	August 2014 Real Estate Activity Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported today real estate activity in Norfolk County, MA for the month of August, 2014 was flat with small growth in real estate sales volume offset by continuing challenges faced by the mortgage industry. One bright spot for the month of August, 2014 was the average sales price for commercial and residential property stood at $608,535, a healthy 13% increase year over year.  O'Donnell expressed continued confidence that the worst of the real estate slump has been surmounted and real estate activity, particularly in Norfolk County, would continue to show signs of improvement. O'Donnell stated, "The increased average real estate sales price is the clearest evidence that Norfolk County is an attractive place to live and conduct business. Overall, the improving economy, evidenced by the reduced unemployment rate in Massachusetts, particularly east of Rt. 495, will in the near term result in increased real estate activity and improvements in the mortgage market". Total dollar volume of real estate activity for the month of August, 2014 increased 1% year over year. For the month of August, 2014, total sales volume was $699 million dollars compared to August 2013 figure of $693 million. The total number of deeds recorded fell 11% year over year with 1,149 recorded in August compared to 1,289 recorded in August, 2013. Mortgage market continued to face challenges in August, 2014. Total number of mortgages recorded in August, 2014 fell 24% year over year. Key factor in the reduced mortgage recording activity continued to be a slowdown in mortgage refinance activity. Total mortgage indebtedness did increase 49% year over year. The total mortgage indebtedness for August, 2014 was $1.9 billion compared to $1.3 billion in August, 2013. Foreclosure deed recordings also remained flat. Twenty-one foreclosure deeds were recorded in August, 2014 compared to 20 in August, 2013. Monitoring of foreclosure deeds continues to be a top priority of Register O'Donnell and the staff of the Registry of Deeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, working closely with its partners South Shore Home Consortium and Neighbor Works Southern Mass, continues to help identify services and counseling for those Norfolk County homeowners who have recently received a Notice of Foreclosure from a lender. Homestead recording activity in August, 2014 decreased 13% year over year. A total of 1,138 Homesteads were recorded in August, 2014 compared to 1,315 in August, 2013. Information on the advantages of filing a Homestead Act can be found on the Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

Franklin High School Sports Teams all Win on Friday!

Hockomock sports provides a good source for all the FHS sports scores. In the results from Friday we find:

Football

Franklin, 27 @ Framingham, 21 - Final (OT)
1st Quarter: Andrew Parent 14-yard rush (6-0).
4th Quarter: Jake Lyons 1-yard rush (13-21); Kyle Skidmore 22-yard pass to A. Parent, A. Parent 2-pt rush good (21-21).
Overtime: A. Parent 7-yard rush (27-21).

FHS Panthers

Boys Soccer

Franklin, 3 @ Sharon, 0 - Final - Tim LaRowe scored a goal and had an assist, Billy Dorion and Cal Harmon each scored once and James Fredrick had the shutout in net for the Panthers.

Girls Soccer

Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 3 - Final - Taylor Cogliano had a goal and an assist in the win for the Panthers. Bailey Knous and Alexis Stowell each scored a goal as well.

you can read all the scores from the Hockomock League action on Friday here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-091214

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 9/12/14 - THU 9/18/14

FRI 9/12   12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market - Town Common
FRI 9/12   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center

MON 9/15   3-6pm   Farmers Market at Whole Foods Plaza in Bellingham.

WED 9/17   6:30-7:30pm   Doggie Tales: Read to a dog. Franklin Public Library, grades 2 and up. Sign up at the desk.
WED 9/17   7pm   Franklin SEPAC Workshop - Open to Public, Free, Franklin Municipal Building.

THU 9/18   7-8:30pm   14th Annual High School Fair for 8th grade students at Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Franklin.

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

Franklin Library: Fun on the Trail

The Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee has collaborated with the Franklin Library to put this pair of events together. Your child makes an art craft one Saturday (Sept 20) and then takes a walk on the trail the next (Sept 27) to find the art craft.

Nice combination of art and exercise!

Fun on the trail

This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/09/fun-on-trail.html

For more info about the Rail Trail, you can visit their website here
http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

Franklin's Primary Election Results

Only 1580 2325 (1590 Democrats and 735 Republicans = 2325 total voters) voters made the effort to get to the high school and cast their ballot in the primary election on Tuesday. Town Clerk, Debbie Pellegri posted the results to the Franklin website.

You can view the results here:




You can also find the results on the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/Sept.%209%202014%20Primary%20Results.pdf.pdf

gymnasium section at the new Franklin High School