Blackstone Valley: Things to do in November

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October: Things to do in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor For a complete, detailed listing of events, see the event calendar.  Coffee with Charlene Barns in the Cultivated Landscape Art by Woldemar and Kate Neufeld November 7 - January 2 Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery  Alternatives' Whitin Mill  50 Douglas Road  Whitinsville, MA Opening Reception Friday November 7 5:00 - 8:00 pm An exhibition on paintings and blockprints by brother and sister Woldemar (1909-2002) and Kate (1905-2004) Neufeld. Each in their unique style returned to the agricultural landscape throughout their careers.  Read more Photography Exhibit Features Artistic Impressions of Hearthside & Great Road Sunday, November 9 Hearthside 677 Great Rd Lincoln, RI 1:00 - 4:00 pm David Cruz has taken thousands of images, both documenting activities as well as capturing the look and feel of the 200-year old house through artifacts, its architecture, and with docents in historical costume.  He has selected some of his best works to show in this special display of photography of Hearthside. Read more Aurea at Slater Mill - Anthem for Doomed Youth Monday, November 10 Slater Mill 67 Roosevelt Ave Pawtucket, RI Start time: 7:30 pm The chamber music and spoken word ensemble AUREA present their second of three Monday evening autumn performances at Slater Mill.  This performance is an observance of Veterans Day and Armistice Day, with a concert of music and poetry of World War I. Five piece ensemble led by artistic director Consuelo Sherba.   Read more Veterans Day at the Museum of Work & Culture Tuesday, November 11 Museum of Work & Culture 42 South Main St Woonsocket, RI  This Veterans Day, The Museum of Work & Culture will honor the sacrifices of past and present veterans by opening its doors free of charge to all veterans and their families, and to everyone who will bring a new unopened package of socks, t-shirts or underwear to be donated to the United Veterans Council.  The Museum event will start immediately following the dedication of the new City of Woonsocket Veterans Park which is scheduled for 9:00 am, rain or shine. The museum program will include a performance by musician and historian Rick Spencer who will present his repertoire of WWI songs. Refreshments will be served. Read more Mendon Historical Society presents Author Bill Shea   Tuesday, November 11 Mendon Senior Center 64 Providence Rd Mendon, MA 7:00 - 9:00 pm The guest speaker will be Mr. Bill Shea, a retired history teacher and the proprietor of The Ruptured Duck, specializing in WWII memorabilia.  If names like Eisenhower, Patton, Clark Gable or Hitler mean something to you, plan on attending this presentation.  For more information, call 508-482-5535. Don McLean in Concert at Stadium Theatre Thursday, November 13 Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Center 28 Monument Square Woonsocket, RI Don McLean galvanized a generation with his timeless hit American Pie, as each generation since its release has discovered, the poignant lyricism and unforgettable melody stirs deep emotion and empathy from all who encounter it, once it has visited it never leaves the heart of the listener, burying itself like a familiar comforting memory only to be reawaken on subsequent encounters.  A once in a lifetime song, from a once in a lifetime artist. This track along with the classic singles Vincent, Driedel, Everyday, The Legend of Andrew McCrew and numerous others confirmed McLean was a gifted storyteller with a talent that ascended his peers and rightfully earned him a place in the Song Writers Hall Of Fame. Read more Durtyfeets Trail Series #3 - Upton State Forest Sunday, November 16 Upton State Forest Upton, MA Start time: 9:00 am 21k (half marathon over 2 laps) or 10.5k trail run through single track and forest roads in Upton State Forest in Upton, MA (park entrance is at intersection of Westboro St and Southboro Rd).  Fees: are on-line only ($5 discount for under 20 years old (Junior)). Day-of fees are $10 more; this is to encourage pre-registration so we can just focus on the RACE on race day and not paperwork.  As with the 2013 Series, 2014 will be a no-frills set up; no shirts or other swag, and awards will be modest. We just want folks to come out and have fun on the trails.   Read more Ajax - A Greek tragedy by Sophocles at Blackstone River Theatre Thursday, November 20 Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad St Cumberland, RI This free play, set during the Trojan War, will be followed by a community forum on veterans' issues and seeks to bring audiences face-to-face with the emotional scars faced by soldiers who must relive their experiences on the battlefield.  The goal is to bring together recent veterans, future soldiers (e.g., ROTC cadets), faculty, students, and the larger community in the region for conversations about how best to assist soldiers returning from multiple tours of duty. The performances are free and open to the public. Read more 2014 Blackstone Valley Polar Express November 22 - December 21 Blackstone Heritage Corridor Offices One Depot Square Woonsocket, RI Step into the enchanted world of THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride as the conductor shouts, "All Aboard!" A family favorite becomes reality during this three hour event that includes a 90-minute train excursion, inspired by Chris Van Allsburg's Christmas classic. Read more A Case History: A Grave Matter Monday, November 24 Newman Church Hall 100 Newman Ave Rumford, RI 7:00 - 9:00 pm The public is welcomed to attend the general meeting of the East Providence Historical Society. Craig Chartier, project dirctor of the Plymouth Archeological Rediscovery Project, will discuss the site dig on Newport Avenue of the Case Cemetery.  For more information visit www.ephist.org or call 401-438-1750. Read more Event Calendar Check out the event calendar for a more complete, detailed listing of Blackstone Corridor Events: Event Calendar  We are glad to include Corridor-related news and events, both on our web site calendar and in our monthly newsletter, Corridor Currents. Send us your stuff! The Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a unique cultural landscape of industrial history and immigration in the interconnected system of the Blackstone River watershed. An energetic nonprofit, the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, Inc. partners with organizations, local communities and businesses, and residents to insure the long term vitality of the Corridor. Water Powered!

Forward this email Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor | One Depot Square | Woonsocket | RI | 02895

FHS Soccer Teams Advance in Playoffs

The FHS girls and boys soccer team won their playoff games this week to move on.

In the big games, the big players are expected to step up and perform at their best. On Wednesday night, Franklin senior forward Taylor Cogliano did just that -- scoring her first playoff hat trick to allow the Panthers to cruise into the Division 1 South quarterfinal after a 4-0 win against No. 15 seed Brockton at Pisini Field.

Continue reading the full article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/mvp-performance-by-cogliano-lifts-franklin-past-boxers

FHS Panthers

Boys Soccer
D1 South

#4 Franklin, 2 vs. #13 Braintree, 0 - Final - Billy Dorion scored two goals in two minutes in the second half for the Panthers. Franklin advances to play #5 Silver Lake.

All the results from the Hockomock action on Tuesday can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-110414

Live reporting - Closing

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 
docks finally in at DelCarte

tax rate hearing coming at the next meeting

Lincoln St almost complete

Main St busy this week
wouldn't be in the major downtown section until the middle of the 2015 summer

Populatic paving delayed by Purchasing Director transition

Veterans Day on Tuesday

horse trough being stored in DPW during the construction
will be stored inside

new councilors don't take office until the second meeting of November


L. OLD BUSINESS
deed speaks to the Historical Commission for their determination
there are some restrictions on future use, i.e. need to maintain the pulpit


M. NEW BUSINESS
Tree situation, tree on private property
unfortunately we don't take action when it is private property
MA DOT was contacted and awaiting response

Bissanti
I don't feel we are going to open the flood gates with other home owners
we can do it for everyone
I do see this as a public safety issue

Cerel it is a private tree but it is his responsibility

Bob Dellorco
Can you let me know so I can escalate?

Tedesco
it didn't look close but they were on my yard to do that before
that tree is closer to the road than all the other trees
it was okay to come on my yard to cut the other trees

bond sale? can we get to that?
it is on the next agenda?

what do other towns do for a communication director?
to have someone do that
Mr Sherlock does a good job helping

house numbers are an issue, some missing and it delays the response
schools do not have numbers on the classrooms

Nutting - the schools are being worked, with each principal
the bylaw is there and a public education campaign maybe with the tax bills


N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Pfeffer - thansk to the FireFighters for building the ramp
repainted the Franklin rocks at the downtown train station
Basil LeBlanc, 89 year veteran, received 7 medals for service during WWII

Feldman
several contracts signed, up to the second tier of pricing
up to seventy residents have had visits to explore solar

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

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn
passed 7-0

Live reporting: Action Items

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Appointed Bissanti to Economic Development Council Chair


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-742:Changes to Chapter 185-§4. Districts Enumerated – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0

2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-743:Changes to Chapter 185-§20. Signs – 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0

3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-744:Changes to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review - 1st Reading
motion to move to 2nd reading, seconded, passed 8-0


4. Resolution 14-65: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant With Developer of Village At Cooks Farm
Bissanit, Mercer, Padula all recused themselves
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0


5. Resolution 14-66: Authorization to Grant Utility (sewer) Easement – 2/3 Vote
discussion on requirement for 6 votes, with the three recusal, 6 votes is not mathematically possible


The developer is asking for help as everything is on hold
Attny Cerel says that the prior decision should be sufficient for the Planning Board

this item will be tabled until 7:50 PM
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0


6. Resolution 14-67: Appropriation - NuStyle Project
amount requested $40,000
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

more about testing and information, than remediation
this has been a total money pit
taken years ago for $400,000 and penalties in back taxes
the EPA has it in the radar, we are now required to pay to fix it


7. Resolution 14-68: Appropriation – Senior Center Capital Project – 2/3 Vote
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
moves the money from the stabilization account to the operating account for the committee
amount should be $912,895 (motion to amend, passed)

8. Resolution 14-69: Appropriation – Open Space
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0
$250,000 bought two properties, starts to replenish account in case something else comes up

9. Resolution 14-71: Appropriation – Elections Budget
$10,000 for the special election, Dec 16, 2014
motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

the volunteers do a fantastic job
need to stagger the lunch break
used the new voting booths for the first time
saved money by buying the booths as used


picking back up the item 14-66
Attny Cerel determines that the permit should not be held up at the Planning Board
tabling the item 14-66 until Nov 19th
motion, seconded, passed 5-0


10. Resolution 14-72: Establishment of a Property Acquisition, Projects and Facilities Maintenance Stabilization Fund
motion, seconded, passed 7-0 (Padula left for the recusal and has not returned)
opening a new stabilization account to save for future uses

Pfeffer has a problem with the 'maintenance' aspects of this
Nutting - the Council has control of what goes into and out of this account
the Council has floated 8 million in bonds for buildings


11. Resolution 14-73: Appropriation - Property Acquisition, Projects and Facilities Maintenance Stabilization Fund - 2/3 Vote
motion, seconded, passed 7-0
amount requested $250,000


12. Resolution 14-74: Appropriation – Wage Settlement
motion, seconded, passed 7-0
amount requested $215,000 in anticipation of arbitration settlement


13. Resolution 14-75: Amendment of FY 2015 Budget

balance adjustments to the existing budget for the FY 2015 year
Purchaser left, new person in at higher salary
legal expenses for the Fire Dept negotiations
Recreation needing more part-time help, will be covered by fees but need the up front coverage
brings the budget up to date

motion, seconded, passed 7-0

Live reporting - Presentations

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 

• Erin Lynch, Food Pantry

with the pantry for two years
Executive Director since July

reviewing the foundations and services that the Pantry provides
volunteers are being trained, sustain operation

Thanks to Steve Sherlock who has been the Chair of the Food Pantry
Chris Feeley will be assuming that role

over 600 families use the services of the Food Pantry
some will always use our services
some are transitional, how to best help them

physical access. mobile pantry three Mondays a month
Winter St, Central Park Terrace, Senior Center

Clients coming weekly for produce and bread
separate room aranged to handle this without interferring with the normal monthly flow

shifting flow to empowerment
learning how to teach folks to fish, rather than just providing fish
we are creating a healthy community
more fruits and vegetables

Food Pantry Raffle
Turkey Trot on Thanskgiving morning

shampoo, cereal, peanut butter

help us keep shifting the culture, we are a centralized resource to connect all the resources

Traveled with a group from the Hockomock YMCA to Washington, DC

Healthy Futures market, fresh produce on Tuesday's

• James Dacey, Treasurer Collector

thanks to his staff, all veterans, been with the Town for 12-16 years
Treasurer and Collector are two separate positions
bill and collect all water/sewer trash bills
personal property bills
collect all parking ticket fines, hearing officer for parking ticket appeals
process tax liens

170 delinquent properties, down 50 from a year ago
down $150,000 from last year

on Treasurer's side, responsible for all investments
maintain a cash book using Excel, had been an actual book when he started
looking at a new software system that could merge with Munis

track all bonds and prepare annual debt budgets
there are 2 bonds that are ripe for re-funding, could save us about $430,000 in interest costs
will be coming back for approval to do that change

we are not interested in owning property, want to get the tax bills paid
periodically report to a variety of agencies payroll reports, etc.

epayable, payments to vendors via virtual credit cards
received a cash back bonus using this service

paying vendors by doing electronic funds transfers
pay all debt by wire transfers

story on WBZ news on people with back taxes
folks claiming back taxes to Worcester attempted to swindle folks from the money
there is no company that can settle the debt that any individual owes to Franklin

Q - how many employees are still getting a paper check
about 10 or so remain, all others electronic deposit

Live reporting: Town Council - Nov 5, 2014

Present: Feldman,  Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams
Absent:  none


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
none

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
Frank Tedesco, 409 King St
owner of the snapped tree as posted earlier to the Franklin Matters Facebook page
leaning against two surviving trees
State had mishandled the tree markings when King St was done

the tree on King St as discussed

Beth Simon, Claire Griffin
Ladybugs Art Project
update on the progress of the 25 ladybugs
all sold, painted and shown around town at different events
have raised enough money to do a statue to recognize Palmer Johnson

presenting a copy of the poster developed

they will also make an appearance at the Holiday Stroll

The ladybug hat was presented to Chair Bob Vallee


E. APPOINTMENTS
none


F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-742:Changes to Chapter 185 - §4. Districts Enumerated
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-743:Changes to Chapter 185 - §20. Signs
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 14-744:Changes to Chapter 185 - §31. Site Plan and Design Review

technical corrections to align wording in the sections
no actual change in the voting

Friends of Franklin Library: Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, Nov 5, 2014

FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Meeting time:  7PM

Meeting place:  Franklin Library, Community Room

Welcome and introductions

Public Comments

Library Director

Library Board of Directors

Acceptance of minutes from last (October) meeting

Treasurer's report

Committee updates

o   Membership 

o   Outreach – Facebook/Twitter  

• Content for next newsletter

o   Downtown Partnership  

• Harvest Festival 
• Review of October 5 event
• Holiday Stroll participation? 

o   Neal Sanders event held on October 7 at Alumni

o   Friends Sharing with Friends networking event (MFOL) on October 25 at the Middleborough Public Library

Continuing items

o   Scholarship 2015 – subcommittee

• Suggestions for a new essay question

o   FoFL Bulletin board content, monthly themes

o   Presenting/sponsoring programs in conjunction with other town groups

• Newcomers is interested

o   Memorandum of Understanding

o   By-Laws review and update – subcommittee (need volunteers)

New Items

o   Fundraising 2014-2015   

o   Creating a read-only "minutes" book to keep on file at the library

o   Supporting other town groups

• Newcomers Craft Fair  November 8 at Tri-County, 9-4,  Admission is $3, and they are collecting donations for the Food Pantry
• Franklin Art Association Fall Show   November 15 & 16 at Tri-County.  Free admission
• St Vincent DePaul Thanksgiving food drive, November 22 & 23, leave donations at St. Mary's

o   Other

Franklin Public Library

Newcomers Craft Fair - Nov 8th

From Terri Attinello:

Hello! 

I was wondering if you might be able help us to publicize our craft fair on your facebook page or anywhere else? In addition to collecting donations for the food pantry at the craft fair, we also donate funds in the spring to many organizations. 

As the craft fair is our only fundraiser, the more successful it is, the more we will be able to donate. Last year we donated $4,500 to local charitable organizations, most based in Franklin, with the Food Pantry receiving the largest amount (based upon member voting). 

I've attached a flyer that can be emailed or posted to Facebook.  

Thank you for your help!

Newcomers & Friends Craft Fair

For additional information on the Newcomers & Friends, you can visit their website
http://franklinnewcomers.com/

Franklin Art Association: "Art Exhibit: Enhanced"

The Franklin Art Association is pleased to present "Art Exhibit: Enhanced" at the Tri-County High School, 147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA on Saturday, November 15th, 12:00-8:00 pm and Sunday, November 16th, 12:00-3:00 pm 

Original Fine Art, small works, scholarship raffle, refreshments
Free and opened to the public 

For more information visit our web site at www.franklinart.org and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc 

We are sponsored in part by the Franklin Cultural Council

Franklin Art Association

Franklin election results - 11/4/2014

Election results

Question 5

dedicated override failed to pass N=8289   Y=3583

Question 6 

non binding for overturning Citizens United passed handily Y = 7778   N = 3237

new handicap voter booth at the high school

My thanks to Town Clerk Deb Pellgri and her team for preparing the results to share here

All the other candidate results can be viewed in the three page PDF file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd09KczlKYk9FUFE/view?usp=share_link&resourcekey=0-Zs26d1a5vsL5AliPXMd5Lw

Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Food Elves -"12 Days of Donating"

Franklin Food Elves Launch '12 Days of Donating' Campaign

The Franklin Food Elves and the Downtown Partnership will launch the "12 Days of Donating" food drive to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry at the annual Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 4, at the 4 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony.

 

Downtown Partnership

The charitable community service group's goal each year is to collect 1,200 pounds of food and $1,200 in 12 days to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The campaign will run from December 1 through December 12. Along with a food bin set up at the tree ceremony on the Dean College campus, the Elves are placing red bins at local business locations where people can drop off non-perishable food items.

If the Food Elves reach their goal and collect 1,200 pounds of food, participating businesses pledge an additional $1,200 in matching funds. Franklin Food Elves co-founders Melissa and Cameron Piana and the FDP hope that the community will support the Food Pantry by helping them reach this goal.

Over the past 4 years the organization has surpassed their original 1,200 pound goal and last year 75 elves together with Partnership businesses, collected more than 3 three tons of food donations to support the Franklin Food Pantry.  The organization hopes to increase business participation this year again.

Franklin Food Pantry

If you are interested in participating in the Food Elves' campaign as a business or as a volunteer please contact the Partnership at downtown.Franklin@yahoo.com  

Volunteers can contact the Food Elves directly at Franklinfoodelves@yahoo.com  

For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry and what items are needed, please go to their website, www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Reminder: Franklin SEPAC fundraiser - Comedy Night

COMEDY NIGHT 2014 IS HERE

COMEDY NIGHT 2014 IS HERE!!

SEPAC is hosting our 5th Annual Night of Comedy on November 7th at Franklin Country Club starting 6:30 p.m.  

Comedy Night includes dinner buffet, silent auction, balloon raffle and a comedy show featuring comedians Ray Harrington (#1 on Amazon, #2 on Itunes), Brian Beaudoin (voted #1 comedian in RI), and Derek Furtado (2012's Last Comix Standing Winner). 

Over 150 auction items as well (Red Sox tickets, signed Patriots Football, Museum of Science passes, BBC, EMS, gym memberships, supermarkets, Restaurant 3, Get in Shape for Women, WINE and wine tastings, Marriott gift card, rounds of golf...)

In the past, this event has enabled us to host monthly workshops for parents, social events for children, and a monthly support group. In addition, we have been able to assist programs, like the Franklin Fish Swim Team, Special Olympics and Best Buddies, that work with Special Needs children in Franklin.  

Tickets for this event are $50 per person.  Tables of ten can be purchased at a discount of $450, and will be reserved under a name of your choosing.  Please contact SEPAC at franklinsepac@gmail.com to purchase tickets, go to www.franklinsepac.org to pay through Paypal.  Tickets purchased on line will be available at the door on the evening of the event.