Yes, it is pothole season

This is a reposting of the info shared earlier this year (Feb 2014). There are so many new subscribers (Thank you!) you may have missed this, and as we get into the cold days of winter, it may come in handy!

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The changing weather is creating potholes on many roads. You can report those you find directly to Franklin with your smart phone or via the website here http://seeclickfix.com/franklin_4

report a Franklin pothole or street light problem

You can also report a pothole directly via the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/report_an_issue

cracks like these may eventually create a pothole

While this is prime pothole season, the app is also useful for reporting street lights that are out, or traffic light problems.


Prior posts on the app which was introduced in the fall of 2013 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/yes-franklin-has-app-for-that.html

and

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/pothole-season.html


Background info:

The Boston Globe has a graphic that describes the creation of a pothole (subscription required) 
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/02/22/how-pothole-formed/jxuRRk1iLfJg0hZ6zebEcP/story.html

"property taxes will continue to be a solid source of revenue"

The Milford Daily News reports on the five year financial forecast that is in the current set of documents for Wednesday's Town Council meeting. The forecast says FY 2016 should be ok but FY 2017 is another budget year where balancing the budget will present some problems. 

This financial reason is the driving factor behind the moves to sell both the Pond St and Emmons St properties. The town needs to expand its taxable base to bring in additional revenue.

Nutting said that beginning next year, revenue increases may start to lag behind town expenses, forcing the town to stretch itself thinner in order to balance the budget. 

"By FY 2017, the forecast strongly suggests we could be in a position to use some reserves, reduce the current level of services, and consider a tax increase or some combination of the above to balance the budget," he explained. 

The only short-term solution to reducing costs is cutting town employees, Nutting said, an option he views as a last resort. 

"This will directly affect the quality of education and public services currently provided by the town," he said.

Continue reading the article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150107/NEWS/150108229/1994/NEWS#sthash.0xUy51VN.dpuf

150 Emmons St - one of the topics on the agenda

Details on the five year fiscal plan can be found beginning on page 43 of the released set of documents for the agenda for the Town Council meeting, They can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-7.html

Family Concert Series - “Jazz4kidz Featuring Mark Poniatowski and Friends”

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual, free Family Concert Series kicks off this season with “Jazz4kidz Featuring Mark Poniatowski and Friends” on Sunday, January 11 at 1 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Joining Poniatowski are vocalist April Hall, drummer Kenny Hadley, guitarist Mark White and pianist Joe Mulholland.

Mark Poniatowski

Family Concert Series events are especially geared to children in length and presentation and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The performances introduce audiences of all ages to music of many genres and feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging, entertaining and interactive format. Audience participation is encouraged.

An Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, bassist Mark Poniatowski has performed with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno, and Junior Watson. His extensive performing experience includes the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band, the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, and The Music of Gershwin and Porter with Rebecca Parris and the Kenny Hadley Big Band. Poniatowski’s recordings include “Mississippi Moan” with the Bruce Katz Band and “The George Carlin Show” soundtrack.

A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, FPAC’s Family Concert Series continues on February 22 with My Violin Journey, featuring violinist Irina Fainkichen with piano accompaniment by Kitty Cheung Evans, and on April 12 with Alice in Wonderland, an opera for children featuring sopranos Mariko Matsumura and Shauna Martin.

FPAC’s 2015 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance. A distinctive, non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, FPAC presents quality performances with a focus on youth development and live music, while offering opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts to work together in a collaborative and creative environment. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.fpaconline.com and www.theblackboxonline.com

FHS Sports: boys go to 4 OTs to win in basketball

From Hockomock Sports we find that both the boys and girls basketball teams beat Taunton. The girls team won in the game's regulation time while the boys went to 4 overtimes to finally pull it out.

FHS Panthers

Boys Basketball

Franklin, 105 @ Taunton, 98 - Final (4OT) - Franklin senior Marcus Giese had a monster game, scoring a career-high 34 points and adding 13 rebounds, 6 assists and three blocks. Shawn Hanley added 18 points and Dylan Reno finished with a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Jessy Machado lad Taunton with 28 points and six rebounds, EJ Dambreville added 19 points and six rebounds, Jose Mercado had 19 points, Tommy MacLean added 17 points and Corey Green had 15 points and six assists.

Additional write-up on the boys game can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/franklin-outlasts-taunton-in-quadruple-overtime

Girls Basketball

Taunton, 34 @ Franklin, 57 - Final

BFCCPS 8th grade Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser - Jan 24th

Please join the 8th Grade Students at BFCCPS for their annual Pancake Breakfast to be held at the Franklin Elks on January 24th from 8am to noon.  

The event will be $5 per person with a $20 per family maximum. 

Proceeds will benefit the students' upcoming trip to Washington DC.

BFCCPS 8th grade Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

For additional information about the Charter School, please visit their webpage here http://bfccps.org/

Mass Poetry: Common Threads 2015 is here!

View this email in your browser Common Threads 2015 has arrived! We are excited to release the fifth edition of Common Threads, guest edited by Alice Kociemba, contributed to by Robert Pinsky, and graced with eight stunning poems by Massachusetts poets! It includes discussion questions, writing prompts and more, and boasts a complementary media package and a host of exciting events throughout 2015. Check out the Common Threads page of our website or use these quick links: FREE PDF $10 HARDCOPY MEDIA PACKAGE EVENTS (to be continuously updated throughout the year) New this year: 1) Common Threads events can take place anytime in 2015, so if you are interested in hosting a discussion or writing group, you can still do so! We just ask that you sign up so we can keep track of all the groups happening across the state. 2) Please send us photos & videos! We would love to add you to the media package--record yourself reading your favorite poem from the issue, take a snapshot of yourself with the issue, etc., and send to commonthreads@masspoetry.org or share via social media using the hashtag #CommonThreads2015. If you are hosting a Common Threads event that is open to the public, please submit your event info when ready so that we can add it to the calendar. Where might I run a Common Threads group? At a library near you! (Check out the simple search feature in the upper right-hand corner.) With seniors in your area With your church group or school At a local coffee shop or bookstore With friends! We've got poets available to partner with you if needed (you can request one during sign-up or via email), and a live webinar with Alice Kociemba on Jan 16 (limited spots available) if you'd benefit from a run-through with a Common Threads veteran. Our Suggestions for Common Threads Discussion Group Leaders might also be helpful. Questions? Contact us at commonthreads@masspoetry.org. Help us spread the word on social media with these ready-made posts! On Facebook: Common Threads 2015 is here! Bring poetry into your community today. masspoetry.org/commonthreads #Threads15 Common Threads: Diverse, accessible, contemporary poems by MA poets + discussion questions, writing prompts, & more. Explore the free PDF & ways to get involved at masspoetry.org/commonthreads #Threads15 Not sure you like poetry? Step out of your comfort zone this year by checking out Common Threads, an outreach program connecting people and communities with poetry. Get the free PDF & find events near you at masspoetry.org/commonthreads #Threads15 On Twitter: Common Threads 2015 is here! Explore the free PDF at masspoetry.org/commonthreads #Threads15 @masspoetry Diverse, accessible poems by MA poets + discussion questions, writing prompts & more masspoetry.org/commonthreads #Threads15 @masspoetry Not sure you like poetry? See if you connect with one of these 8 poems by MA poets. masspoetry.org/commonthreads #Threads15 @masspoetry Lead or attend a poetry group this year with Common Threads! masspoetry.org/commonthreads #Threads15 @masspoetry Share Tweet Forward Facebook Twitter MassPoetry.org Copyright © 2015 Mass Poetry, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up on our website. Our mailing address is: Mass Poetry 15 Channel Center Street, Suite 103 Boston, MA 02210 Add us to your address book

Questions should be raised, answers sought, opinions stated

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has issued a call for action:

Please attend the Town Council meeting this Wednesday. 

We encourage the public to come to the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, January 7th, at Town Hall at 7:00 pm if you have concerns about a food drive-through at the 150 Emmons Street downtown location.

Our hope is to convince the Council to change the wording in the RFP so a food drive-through is not an option at this busy intersection. 

This will be the final discussion before the Council votes on the RFP. Come make a difference and have your voice heard.

The Town Council agenda has a couple of key items regarding the town property. 

• Sale of 150 Emmons St
• Rezoning of 44 Pond St

You can let your voice and interests be heard by showing up to the meeting.

The Town Council has four options on the Emmons St property. The options were published as

1. Sell the land for $500,000 and allow the developer to construct anything on the property allowed by zoning. 

2. Sell the land for $500,000, but restrict the use. (The discussion at the Economic Development Committee was whether to allow for VSEs (Vehicle Service Establishments) for any use or not allow VSEs for fast food/coffee uses? 

3. Sign a Land Disposition agreement and allow the developer 180 days to find a tenant (s) acceptable to the Council. 

4. Take no action at this time.

The Town Council also has a public hearing scheduled for 7:10 PM on the rezoning of the Pond St property. Questions should be raised, answers asked for, opinions stated.


The full agenda for the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-7.html

The options can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/options-for-150-emmons-st-decision.html

A quick survey/poll on the options can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/survey-says-which-option-on-150-emmons.html

The Downtown Partnership call to action can be found here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/01/make-your-voice-heard-wednesday.html

Additional info on the Pond St property can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/public-hearing-pond-st-zoning-bylaw.html

150 Emmons St

Friends of Franklin Library - next meeting March 4

The Friends of Franklin Library will not hold regular monthly meetings in January or February. Instead, members will meet in subcommittees to plan for 2015 and beyond. 

The group's next full meeting will be Wednesday, March 4, at 7 p.m., in the library's community room.

As always, the Friends' board appreciates hearing from members and library patrons. Reach the group by email at fofl02038@gmail.com or check in via Facebook and Twitter.

On Twitter you can find them at https://twitter.com/FriendsFranklin

screen grab of the Friends of Franklin Library twitter profile

On Facebook you can find them at 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Franklin-Library/700089496685566

screen grab of Friends of Franklin Library Facebook page

Artistry Kitchen Closes

I had picked up through the grapevine that Artistry Kitchen had closed as of Saturday night, Jan 3rd. I walked by Sunday morning to see if there was a sign posted about this. There wasn't. Looking through the windows on the corner what was noticable was the tables instead of being set as they impeccably were for business, were bare.

photo of Artistry Kitchen Sunday morning, Jan 4

The photo looks like it was created with a special effect and was only the reflection of the background on the glass window as I looked in to the empty tables.

An email from the recent owners of Artistry Kitchen was shared by a Franklin Matters reader:

It is with sadness, but much pride that Elissa and I announce that we have left Artistry Kitchen. We have been out of the Bistro since October and fulfilled our last catering responsibilities as of December 31st. 

The CEO of the company has decided to take the company in a different direction than the one we originally signed on for and therefore we have decided to pursue other opportunities. 

We are immensely proud of the work we, along with the rest of the Franklin team have done to create what we believed was a wonderful place to experience great food, in a great atmosphere with top notch culinary and hospitality talent. 

We will always be so grateful to our friends, family and the community for embracing our ideas with open arms and for supporting us every step of the way. This journey would not have been the same without your constant words of encouragement and the many visits you paid to us over the last few months. 

It has been a very difficult decision to walk away from Artistry after putting so much love, sweat and tears into the project. However, when faced with the prospect of changes that WE believe would compromise the integrity of what was built, we knew it was the right choice. 

We are looking forward to our next adventure and hope to share the next chapter with you very soon!

If you do have a gift card, there is a process for redemption/refund.

For anyone who has Artistry Kitchen gift cards, call Spencer at the restaurant between 9 and 4pm at 508-530-7440 and he will refund your gift card. If he does not answer the phone just leave a message and he will return your call.

Artistry Kitchen - Dec 2013

Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving Programs To Local High Schools

Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving
Programs To Local High Schools

The Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) will bring its "End Distracted Driving" (EDD) program to

• Brockton High School on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 9:52am and 12:53 pm
• Medford High School on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 8:30 am
• Norwood High School on Thursday, January 7, 2015 at  9:54 am

The program will be headed by MATA President Charlotte E. Glinka and Philadelphia Attorney Joel Feldman, who created the EDD program after losing his 21-year old daughter Casey in 2009 as a result of  the actions of a distracted driver. 

Attorney Glinka remarked, "MATA is proud to continue to support the efforts of Attorney Joel Feldman in bringing the End Distracted Driving program to high schools throughout the state. Over the past few years we have reached out and engaged in a dialog with thousands of teens about the dangers of distracted driving. There couldn't be a more important message about driving safely and saving lives". 

MATA Past Presidents Timothy C. Kelleher III and C. Michael Conley, as well as MATA Executive Committee Member Saba Hashem have volunteered in the last few years to bring the EDD presentation, created by Attorney Joel Feldman, to as many schools as possible and will continue to do so going forward. 

MATA has made this ongoing volunteer program a priority as an organization and the EDD events are a prominent part of MATA's public service projects statewide. As trial lawyers, MATA members believe in safety on every level and this important program is educating those most at risk – young and inexperienced drivers.

Blackstone River Theatre: Great bluegrass/Americana with The KroppDusters!!

THANK YOU! The 2014 Solstice Festival was our biggest yet... stay tuned for performer information for the 2015 festival set for June 20! COMING SOON TO BRT!                     Ongoing   Zumba with April Hilliker on Mondays, 6:30 PM Thursdays, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 Cajun Two-Step 6:30 PM  Beginner Zydeco 7:30 PM with instructor Jody Rudnick Friday, Jan. 9, Sat., Jan 10 and Sunday, Jan 11 8-week session of Irish Dance classes with   Erika Damiani begins        Saturday, January 10, 8 PM THE KROPPDUSTERS Tuesday, Jan. 13, and Wednesday, Jan. 14 Five levels of group fiddle classes begin (6-week session) with Cathy Clasper-Torch Thursday, Jan. 15 TOTAL BEGINNER FIDDLE (6-week session) starts Saturday, January 17, 8 PM  MATT & SHANNON HEATON / TORRIN RYAN and MARK OIEN Saturday, January 24, 2 PM  DIXIE DIEHARDS JAZZ BAND Saturday, January 31, 8 PM  FELLSWATER / ERIC MCDONALD AND WILL WOODSON Saturday, February 7, 8 PM  OCCIDENTAL GYPSY Sunday, February 15, 7 PM  FULLSET (from Ireland) Saturday, February 21, 8 PM  ROSSONI Saturday, February 28, 8 PM  THE GNOMES Sunday, March 1, 7 PM  RUNA Quick Links... BRT Website     BRT Classes       Directions to BRT THE KROPPDUSTERS MATT & SHANNON HEATON Tickets often available at door but to ensure a seat CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 401-725-9272 Please understand that when a show is SOLD OUT, it truly is! We must adhere to fire codes and it truly is not possible to fit "just one more"... especially when we have had several people ask to do the same! If a show at BRT has an advance price & a day-of-show price it means: If you pre-pay OR call in your reservation any time before the show date, you get the advance price. If you show up at the door with no reservations OR call in your reservations on the same day as the show, you will pay the day-of show-price. NOTE for prepaid tickets or if reservations have been made but not pre-paid: If you reduce the number of tickets requested or paid for at the box office on the night of the performance, that ticket must still be paid for! BRT requires 24 hour notice for cancellations or you will be charged for all seats reserved. Dear Steve, We are really looking forward to a great first concert featuring our friends THE KROPPDUSTERS on January 10... wonderful musicians and great 4-part harmonies! BRT CLASSES STARTING SOON! - NEW! Cajun Two-Step and Beginner Zydeco    classes will be offered Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 (see details below!) - Irish step dance classes (12 levels) begin Jan. 9, 10 and 11 - Fiddle classes (5 levels) begin Jan. 13 and 14 - TOTAL BEGINNER FIDDLE classes start Jan. 15 at 5 PM And don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook to get late-breaking news and really expensive gifts. Well, not that last one but definitely the first part... Please share what we do with your friends! www.facebook.com/pages/Blackstone-River-Theatre/165592431396    Hope to see you soon... Russell Gusetti, Executive Director   THE KROPPDUSTERS - BLUEGRASS /AMERICANA The KroppDusters are a group of veteran musicians featuring banjo master Mike Kropp, guitarist and singer Bill Henry, bassist and vocalist Jeff Horton, mandolinist and singer Monty McClanahan, and claw-hammer banjo player Lisa Schmitz. Mike Kropp is New England's premier finger-style banjoist. As a member of the critically acclaimed Northern Lights he performed nationally and recorded with Vassar Clements, Don McLean and Jonathan Edwards. Lisa Schmitz has been playing 5-string banjo for 20 years and is regarded as one of the top melodic clawhammer players in the country. Guitarist Bill Henry joined Northern Lights in 1981 and he has also recorded with Peter Rowan and Jonathan Edwards. Bassist/vocalist Jeff Horton also currently performs in the Pegheads. He was a founding member of the Neon Valley Boys, and for six years in the early '90s he played with Northern Lights. Monty McClanahan is an alumni of the New England bands Southern Rhode and Shady Creek. He is most noted for his lead and tenor vocals in the high lonesome style. The band's vocal blend culminates in beautiful 4-part harmonies augmented by some impressive instrumental work. A great night of bluegrass and Americana music to kick off BRT's new season! EVENT INFO Saturday, January 10, 8 P.M. $12.00 advance / $15.00 day of show at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I. Call 401-725-9272 for reservations  www.riverfolk.org CAJUN TWO-STEP & BEGINNER ZYDECO CLASSES BRT will offer a 4-week class in Cajun two-step at 6:30 PM and Beginner Zydeco at 7:30 PM on Thursdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 with instructor Jody Rudnick. Fee is $60 for the 4-week session... these classes are lots of fun and no partners are necessary! Minimum 8 students needed to run each class. Beginner Two-Step This will be a four-week "Sampler" class. One basic step will be learned with at least one figure at each class. While the two-step is ultimately a partner dance, no partner is necessary to participate in class. This dance can be performed to any musical genre that has a six- or eight-count tempo and is excellent for both experienced and inexperienced dancers. Music played will range from Hank Williams to the Mavericks to some funky Cajun and contemporary Country two-steps. Beginner Zydeco This will be a four-week basic introduction to Zydeco dance. One basic step will be learned to match a slower tempo of the music. Even those who think they may have "two left feet" will be able to learn these basics! Steps are carefully and patiently broken down and students are invited to learn through counting, speaking the "mantra" and mimicking the instructor so that several learning styles are covered. Both "closed" and "open" position will be taught once the basic step is acquired. Music played is from Louisiana greats such as Beau Jocques, Nathan Williams, Boozoo Chavis and from younger performers like Keith Frank and Curley Taylor. Fun will be the priority!   CLASS INFO Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29  CAJUN TWO-STEP AT 6:30 PM  BEGINNER ZYDECO AT 7:30 PM $60.00 for 4-week session at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I. Email russell@riverfolk.org for registration   www.riverfolk.org

Forward email to a friend! Blackstone River Theatre | 549 Broad Street | Cumberland | RI | 02864