Taste of the Region Oct. 28

  

Make plans today to attend The United Regional Chamber of Commerce's annual Taste of the Region on Tuesday, Oct. 28 in Franklin. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Tri-County Regional Vocational High School, 147 Pond St., Franklin, you can sample food from restaurants throughout the region and bid on exciting silent auction items. 

 New this year are prizes for Best Sweet, Best Savory and Best Presentation. Some of the food establishments that will be participating include: Artistry Kitchen, Making Whoopie, Willow Tree Poultry, Edible Arrangements in Foxboro, The British Beer Company in Franklin, Commonwealth BBQ, Ambrosia Tavern, Cracker Barrel, Chili's Grill & Bar in Plainville, and Twelve Fine Food & Spirits. The event sponsor for Taste of the Region is Middlesex Savings Bank.  

United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Taste of the Region tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Call 508-222-0801 for tickets.

In the News: taxing marijuana stalled, recycling grant received

The town’s plan to charge a local sales tax on medical marijuana has become a pipe dream, at least until the next Legislative session. 

Franklin officials had petitioned legislation to allow the town to impose a 5 percent local sales tax on the retail and wholesale sale of medical marijuana. 

But lawmakers effectively killed the bill late last month along with a similar version filed by the town of Dennis, deciding to put both on hold for further study. A bill petitioned by Fairhaven met the same fate in July. 

The three failed attempts by the towns to tax medical marijuana indicate that the Legislature is not ready to take on the potentially contentious issue.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141017/NEWS/141017037/1994/NEWS

Franklin received $7,500 to expand its existing recycling program to collect carpet materials at municipal recycling stations. Franklin also received a $1,000 grant for outreach and educational materials for the town’s drop-off recycling program. 

The grants, funded through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program, are intended for recycling, composting and reuse activities to limit the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141016/NEWS/141017097/1994/NEWS

Trick or treat, but no alchohol

The liquor licenses for the British Beer Company and the 99 Restaurant were suspended for three days during the Town Council meeting on Wednesday. One day will be served on Friday, Oct 31, Halloween. Two days will be held in abeyance for two years as these are first time offenses.

The bartender who served the minor was fired immediately from the 99. The bartender at British Beer was suspended for a week, re-did the training required and is now back working. Both organizations took immediate action in recognition of their failure to pass this test.

The Town Council heard from Franklin's legislative representation. Senators Karen Spikla and Richard Ross and Representative Jeff Roy had time on the agenda to provide a brief update on how they coordinate and collaborate to help Franklin at the State House. They also took time to recognize the service to Franklin by former councilor Glenn Jones.

from left to right: Senator Spilka, Glenn Jones, Rep Jeff Roy, Senator Richard Ross

Jones, you may recall, announced his resignation at the last Council meeting to avoid a conflict of interest with his new position teaching at Tri-County Regional Voc Tech.

Police Chief Stephen Semerjian introduced some of the new police officers and recognized one who will be retiring soon.

Chief Stephen Semerjian introduces new police officers to the Town Council

DPW Director Robert Cantoreggi and Engineer Mike Maglio also presented information on the Lincoln/Daniels St construction project. Work remains to be done but the major push to complete the section in front of the school contributed to the feeling that once that section was done, nothing was really happening.

Among the key legislative items was the creation of a building committee for the build-out of the second floor of the Senior Center. The group appointed effectively reunites those who served on the original building committee.

Additional details on these and other items from the meeting can be found in these links reported during the meeting on Wednesday.

• Live reporting: Closing items
• Live reporting: Legislation
• live reporting - Public Hearing - Liquor license c...
• Live reporting - Special Presentation
• Live reporting: Town Council - October 15, 2014
• 
  

FHS Sports results from Wednesday, Oct 15

Franklin High School soccer teams won in their Hockomock League action on Wednesday.

FHS Panthers

Boys Soccer

Franklin, 1 @ Attleboro, 0 - Final - Adam Moessing scored the lone goal of the game for the Panthers on assists from Billy Dorion and Nate Zaccardi with 26 minutes left in the game.

Girls Soccer

Attleboro, 0 @ Franklin, 6 - Final

Field Hockey

Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 0 - Final - Franklin junior goalie Samantha Jones and senior Emily Jeffries played well according to head coach Lisa Cropper.

For the complete set of results around the Hockomock League, check Hockomock Sports
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-101514

The Inevitable Course of Life

To view this email on the web Click here

OCTOBER, 2014  The Inevitable Course of Life Hey Steve     Do you realize that we are less than 70 days away from Christmas? Yeah, life goes by way too fast. I definitely witnessed how fast life moves while on vacation in Brazil last month. The last time I went home I had not even started my own company - some 8 odd years ago. Between then and now I noticed an average of 3 or 4 new high rises on every block. Check out the development of Sao Paulo....my home town. Here's what I took away from my trip: evolution and change will not wait for me. I have a choice - either keep up with progress or be left behind... And so do window coverings... According to experts in the industry, homeowners replace window treatments on average every seven years. Imagine how much technology changes in that time frame. My suppliers still make corded shades, but less and less each year. Automated shades and "smart" homes are how all window coverings will be controlled in the very near future. As a comparison - can you still buy a car with crank windows? Absolutely! However if you have tried power windows before it will be very hard to go back in time and "settle" for less. And the same thing happens once you have experienced the convenience of automatically controlling your shades via remote, iPad or smartphones. Check out my latest smart home installation project completed last week in Boston by clicking here.   Lutron Automated Shades Boston For more info about automated shades or questions about your next project, please email me roger@shadesinplace.com or simply use the "old fashioned" technique by calling me at 508-520-6700. Like we say in Brazil: ate Novembro!     Show Me Some Love Online reviews are the newly redesigned 'Word of Mouth' way of supporting a company that you like and respect. I would greatly appreciate your time if you decide to write me a review. Below are three links for you to show me some love: via Houzz -  http://www.houzz.com/writeReview/cmd=r/n=shadesinplace via Customer Lobby -   https://www.customerlobby.com/reviews/30075/shades-in-place-inc/write/ via Linked In -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadesinplace Get In Touch Roger Magalhaes reviews  email me Shades IN Place Inc. 76 Grove Street Franklin MA 02038 508-520-6700 office 508-904-2108 mobile Download Brochure www.ShadesInPlace.com Showroom Hours   By Appointment Only Buy More....Save More! Buy 5-9 units: Save 5% Buy 10-14 units: Save 10% Buy 15 or more units: Save 15% Lutron Automated Shades Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Forward this email Privacy Policy. Shades IN Place | 76 Grove St | Franklin | MA | 02038

"This is a black eye for us."

Milford Daily News reports on the liquor license suspensions:

Town Council on Wednesday handed down liquor license suspensions to two New England restaurant chains that served alcohol to teenagers working undercover with the police department. 

The British Beer Company and the 99 Restaurant & Pub — chains that combined have more than 100 locations across New England — failed the police department’s annual compliance check last month. 

For the past few years, Franklin police have received a state grant that provides money for underage drinking enforcement, including the checks that run similar to drug stings. During a typical check of a business, the teens attempt to purchase an alcoholic beverage using their real Massachusetts driver’s licenses.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141016/NEWS/141017530/1994/NEWS


While the Milford Daily News reports on the license suspensions, you can find out all about the remainder of the almost 2 hour meeting here

Live reporting: Closing items

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
additional signage for school signs, $60K

looking to get the money for SNETT trail to be released by the Governor

bringing before you some Fiscal 2015 budget adjustments

reminder on Question 5
for road improvements, funds can only be spent on roads
a permanent increase in taxes
will star to address the $50M backlog of road repairs
about $130 per year per household, don't skip the ballot questions

L. OLD BUSINESS
Pfeffer - the folks appointed tonight were all on the first building committee, want to finish the building

M. NEW BUSINESS
TV studio to see the progress on the building
the generator, and the other items being stored from the old high school

The old South Church
uncertainty on what the building can be used for some work required, 1856
what can the town use it for?
need to know the actually and official status

if the building is under the historical society, what does it really mean
it is the oldest church in Franklin

we can give you a written reponse
we have a copy of the deed to the town, are the owner of the building
the deed is not the best written
one should have a lot more info
there are a lot of pieces of the puzzle to be figured out

why when a published author speaks at the Library
the Library trustees have a long standing policy prohibiting the sale for profit

They should go talk to the Library Board


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
the recycling center is going well, over 70 last two Sundays

stroke awareness program well received at the Senior Center
Friends of Franklin Elders provided the refreshments
the cable show taped it and it will be available for replay

extras trucks will be going around, bags will also be available

Franklin Housing Trust is putting together a modular house with Tri-County school
good work by them, it was true and stayed true when moved
it will be part of the lottery next year

Condolences to the Cusson family on the loss of their daughter


P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed


The documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2014/101514.pdf

Live reporting: Legislation

Public Hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept Grace Lane and Nina Lane – 7:10

Planning Board held hearing and made recommendation as well

roads finished, 100% complete, recent subdivisions
made the presentation to the town to accept the roads

hearing closed

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 14-60: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Grace Lane and Related Drainage Lot
motion to accept, passed via roll, unanimous (6-0)

2. Resolution 14-61: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Nina Lane and Related Drainage Lot and Easement
motion to accept, passed via roll, unanimous (6-0)

3. Resolution 14-62: Local Licensing Authority’s Approval of Package Store Licensees’ Notifications of Change in Hours to Permit Earlier Sunday Openings
motion to accept, passed via roll, unanimous (6-0)

Cerel - legislature passed to allow opening on Sundays, licensees need to file paperwork, it is a fomality, rather than doing separate enactments (13 separate) this will authorize the clerk to sign off

allows for opening at 10 instead of 11


4. Resolution 14-63: Creation of a Senior Center Building Committee
motion to accept, passed via roll, unanimous (6-0)

announcement of the Committee members
Karen Alves, Tom Mercer, Ken Norman, Judith Pond Pfeffer, Nancy Rafter, and Paul Remington

5. Bylaw Amendment 14-742: Amendment to Chapter 185-§4. Districts Enumerated – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer to the Planning Board, passed 6-0

all three changes are technical corrections, no substantial change, just wording for consistency

5. Bylaw Amendment 14-743: Amendment to Chapter 185-§20. Signs – Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer to the Planning Board, passed 6-0

6. Bylaw Amendment 14-744: Amendment to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review - Referral to Planning Board
motion to refer to the Planning Board, passed 6-0

live reporting - Public Hearing - Liquor license compliance

Stephan Semerjian, Chief of Police

introducing new police officers
(photo to be added)

Sargent Alan Thibeault going to retire
one of the old guard, came through some difficult times, weathered the storm and did it well, doesn't like the attention, lifelong Franklin resident

Chairman Vallee reads proclamation for Sargent Thibeault

Padula - I grew up next to Alan
had some trouble spinning his wheels on the high school grass
Alan helped him


Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check – 7:10
• 99Restaurant
conducted Sep 26th with underage license check, 3 were not open, 2 did fail the operation
9:00 PM under cover operative entered, asked for a Bud Lite received and paid for the drink without carding

99 representatives do not dispute the facts
Operations director, we always take precaution, it is embarrassing as it is Boys and Girls Club fund raising month; bartender fired immediately (part of their policy)
all servers re-took class and exam, working to ensure it never happens again
had not occurred in the 7 years of operation; sympathetic and apologetic
I stand humble before you


recommendation 1 day suspension, 2 days held in reserve for a period of two years

Padula - Clarification on section of policy that applies to the sting operations

Bissanti - the compliance check notification is sent?
Yes, we knew
The bartender completely failed to do that, put a black eye on the restaurant, he lost his job

Vote via roll, unanimous

• British Beer Company
now that the package is given with the license renewal, we don't do another notification (we used to)
asked for Bud Lite, paid for it with a $20 received the change

also a first offense, recommendation like for 99
3 day suspension, 1 day to be served; 2 days held in abeyance

we do acknowledge that we were stung 
we are a family establishment, we have been in business for 17 years it is our first offence, not proud of our first offense

it is an embarrassment for our company
each pub is our own individual family, the leaders take ownership
The bartender was suspended immediately, for a week
has retaken the course and is back at work
has been a good employee and has not had any other cause for

we love Franklin and plan on being here for a long time

Padula - they are taken steps, they are apologetic, they are good corporate partners

Pfeffer- thank you for the suspension and for not firing the bartender

Padula - motion to serve on October 31 with two days held, 
vote via roll call, unanimous

Live reporting - Special Presentation

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
Senator Richard Ross
Senator Karen Spilka
Representative Jeffrey Roy

Presentation of a Senate Citation for Glenn Jones
in recognition for his service to Franklin

has been tirelessly working on economic development
Glenn will be back, his heart is in all of these issues
his students are reaping the benefits of his time

(photos to be added)

Senator Ross congratulations on working together for the past four years
working together with Senator Spilka to bring things back to Franklin

$1.5M for the SNETT trail work among recent accomplishments

listing of items done for Franklin, in the future when you have things coming down the pike, let us know, keep us informed and we'll help you
it is never an embarrassment to represent Franklin

Sen Spilka
thank you, surprising that it has been nine years representing Franklin
thank you for the close relationship that we have 

Trying to work with Best Buddies, Franklin has a special spot with this program
these are programs that enrich every bodies life

Franklin may be the first community to go from elementary through higher ed coordinating with the schools and Dean College

Commission on Status of Women, nine member commission
can decide for themselves the agenda and areas to target
very exciting, we rely on policy recommendations from groups like these
applications are due Sep 1

Rep Roy
it has been an honor and a privilege to represent Franklin as a team
Richard read off the laundry list of things we have delivered together
by working together collaboratively we are able to get a whole lot accomplished

the formula will be reviewed, to look at how schools and education is funded in MA, hopefully to see some increases in Chapter 70 money

thanks for the great presentation of Franklin when the Governor was able to visit, it sends a strong message about what the community is, I continue to hear positive things from that day

Live reporting: Town Council - October 15, 2014

Present: Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti
Absent: Williams, Feldman


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 3, 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
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none


Presentation - DPW on Lincoln St
Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director

roadwork bid in May, contractor got notice to proceed in June
180 days to proceed
we could put it out for being done in 60 days but the bid would be far higher and cost more
Aggregate Industries won the bid, have been here before
Focused on getting the road repaired in front of the school, they did that
and then the road slowed down
discovered the culverts at Winterberry that needed to be replaced
The work needed to be coordinated with the gas company to get a line lowered to allow the culvert to get replaced

I have worked with the Project Manager and I'll not beat around the bush, I have worked with better.
The road will be completed

The dip in the road.is due to the flatness of the road, need to keep the water off the roadway
Could have put more catch basins in but that costs money

One of the issues we had on Lincoln was the school, how do we calm the traffic?
You narrow the road, notified the residence of a pubic hearing in May
we did remove some sections of the dividers to meet with criticisms

the area is not actually done yet, it will be layered with some visual indicator
The contractor will be prepping the work tomorrow and be doing it soon

The contractor last year was for the water lines, this contractor was for the repaving
there is a penalty clause in the contract

we do document the various issues

Mercer - keeping documentation on contractors, have you thrown someone out in the contractor
Cantoreggi - yes, we did this year

Mercer - it is important to know that there are ways and you need the documentation

their communication was an issue, we needed updates, the PM could have been better, their work is good

Kelly: What about the dividers?

The divider is on the DPW, that is our design
we got no push back on this, this is to create the boulevard effect, it would slow the traffic down; they could see that.

we worked with folks on the curb cuts themselves, we put sand bags out there so they could see for themselves

Kelly: Snow - what is the plan for ice and snow down there?

It will be a resin product, about a half inch that goes down

Bissanti - mentioned the communication problem, a liaison between their PM and use

Cantoreggi - we have someone out there almost daily

Bissanti - was weather an issue?

Cantoreggi - no, not really. They are within their contract now

Reminder: Walk to Break the Silence - Oct 18th

Friendly reminder that you can take action to help end domestic violence.

Voices Against Violence provides comprehensive services including a 24 hour hotline, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and shelter to more the 3000 victims and survivors in the Metrowest area every year. Voices depends on the generosity of the community to ensure that life-saving services remain free and accessible to all. 

The "Walk to Break the Silence" is an annual, family-friendly, 1/2 day rally and walk-a-thon event in downtown Framingham that celebrates the strength and courage of victims and survivors. The event includes powerful visual art displays, games and face painting for the kids, inspiration from our speakers, and a little exercise too! Registration is free and there are several ways you can lend your support - you can be a Team Captain, a Walker, or a Virtual Friend!

The "Walk to Break the Silence" flyer:




For additional information about Voices Against Violence you can visit their webpage
http://smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php

To register for the Walk to Break the Silence, follow this link

Register to Walk to Break the Silence

Library: Book and Bag Sale -> Oct 18-19

The monthly Library Book and Bag sale comes up this weekend October 18 and 19.

• The Book Sale runs Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 
• The Bag Sale runs Sunday from 9:00 AM to noon.

Classical music by Betty Kushner will be available from 9:00 to 10:00 AM

Oct 2014 - Book and Bag Sale

This was shared from the Franklin Public Library webpage here

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/10/library-book-sale.html

Fun Workshop .... Living you Yoga

From Karen Ring:

I wanted to let you all know that I am running a 6 week workshop with Betsy Barry and Kathryn Nulf of Franklin Yoga & Wellness about "Living you Yoga and LOVING YOUR LIFE!!" (See below for the details)

live a life you love

We will meet every Friday 6pm-8pm except Halloween we will meet Sunday Nov. 2nd 6pm-8pm. This all starts October 17th and runs through to Nov. 21st. Just in time for all the holidays!!! 

Enter this Holiday season with a clear, happy, healthy mind and a new outlook on your life :) SIGN UP HERE --> http://franklinyoga.com/workshops-2

Thank you for reading this email and if you ever want to be removed from my email list please let me know, do not hesitate to send me a simple reply "Please remove my email"  :) and I will get right on it! Hope to see some of you for this fun workshop!! 

Much Love. 

-Karen

This unique 40-day program includes: 

• ·        Weekly class meeting (1 ½ - 2 hours)
• ·        40 days unlimited yoga (all current class passes will be put on hold)
• ·        Instruction to begin a deeper, personal meditation practice
• ·        Tools to move past current limiting beliefs and habits
• ·        Short yoga practices unlock, open and heal the body gently
• ·        Stress reduction techniques to invite peace into everyday living
• ·        Nutritional tips and techniques
• ·        One hour wellness consultation with a certified holistic health counselor
• ·        Weekly journaling assignment
• ·        Online FaceBook group support
• ·        20% of holistic health services for 40 days after the program ends (November 26 – January 5^th) – clear with practitioners first!

The Six Weekly Themes:

• 1.      Seeing & Accepting: Beginning where you are
• 2.      It Doesn't Have to Be Hard: Learning to release, forgive and move on
• 3.      Detox Your Life (remove toxic relationships, excess, clutter, food (the "whites!"))
• 4.      Pleasure: A guide to self-care
• 5.      Ease & Grace: "When you are relaxing, you are receiving"
• 6.      Gratitude: Positive strategies to manifest abundance (this last week should be a mini-celebration with food)