"they want to get better and that’s all I can ask for.”

It felt more like the end of the winter season than the start of spring with piles of snow lining Pisini Field and a cold wind whipping through, but Needham and Franklin opened the girls’ lacrosse season with a battle of two teams with aspirations of making noise in the, presumably, much warmer month of June. 

It was the visiting Rockets that would get the season off to a perfect start by dominating draw controls (21-5) and getting hat tricks from three players, including five goals from Kailey Conry,  to pull out a 15-9 victory. 

“We didn’t have the ball enough,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “I think it would have been a much closer game or we could have won if we had just won five more draws. We didn’t possess the ball as much as they did.”

Senior Emily Jeffries (4) scored a hat trick but it wasn't enough, as Franklin fell to Needham in the season opener on Wednesday. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Read the full article at Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/rockets-prove-too-much-for-franklin-in-season-opener 

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Announces Filing of Registry of Deeds Legislation Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today announced the filing of House Bill 1493, a cost saving measure which, if enacted, would remove the requirement that Registries must store original registered land documents at their facilities. Register O'Donnell noted, "The current practice of scanning these documents on-line along with being microfilmed would be continued but the requirement to keep original documents on-site would be removed. That document would go back to the homeowner or their designee." Register O'Donnell added, "Due to current state law, several Registries of Deeds offices in the Commonwealth are facing a storage crisis when it comes to fulfilling their obligation to retain hard copies of documents relating to registered land. Elimination of this requirement would result in future tax dollars being saved since Registries of Deeds will not feel compelled to find greater office space to house an ever expanding number of registered land documents. "The security and accessibility of registered land documents would be retained by utilizing scanned image and microfilm technology, processes that are already in place at Registries of Deeds across the Commonwealth. A copy of each document is housed off-site in a secure storage facility and available to be retrieved in the event a catastrophic event takes place at the Registry," noted the Register. With these steps taken, the documents would be available for viewing on-line by consumers. If an individual wants a printed copy it will cost them $1 per page. Most deeds are 2 pages. For those utilizing registry services often, they can continue to purchase an on-line printing account. The Register stated that House Bill 1493 will in no way affect the process of recording registered land documents. The legislation has been endorsed by the Massachusetts Register of Deeds and the Assistant Register of Deeds Association. There is no visible opposition to this legislation. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "I want to express my appreciation to the Norfolk County legislative delegation, and in particular lead sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham), for their support of this important legislation. The legislation is an excellent example of county and state government officials working together to identify best practices and reduce the burden on taxpayers." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com @NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, 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

From Pantherbook: Hollywood Nights, R-word, Science Night

A quick recap of three articles recently posted to Pantherbook worthy of sharing here:

Say goodbye to Lovefest and hello to Hollywood Nights, a collection of skits to be performed by FHS theatre students on April 8 and 9. 

The traditional Lovefest, an annual skit-based production, was scrapped this year due to a number of reasons, ranging from snow days to administration’s desire for a more serious play

Continue reading the article here
http://pantherbook.org/ae/2015/03/18/hollywood-nights-takes-lovefests-place/

pantherbook logo

A great many words that have had relevant meaning in society have fallen out of favor but none so much as the R-word. 

The students of Best Buddies have been advocating a campaign to end the use of this word. One of the advisors of Best Buddies, Mrs. Connolly, made claims that some videos supporting this campaign would be released, but no date of release has been revealed. 

While it has had a purposeful meaning in medicine, the phrasing has been changed and along with it, the connotation of the R-word. The word has degraded to an insult and slang instead of a medicinal term.

Continue reading the article here
http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2015/03/19/spread-the-word-to-end-the-word-2/

On Thursday, March 13th – Franklin High School’s Science National Honors Society (SNHS) chapter hosted an exposition of intro-level science experiments and demonstrations for Franklin’s elementary and middle school students. Students and their parents toured Thursday’s “Science Night” in throngs, enjoying the night’s demonstrations and activities with smiles of wonder and fascination. 

Serenaded by string instruments as they ascended up to the second and third floors, participants were directed to the four science classrooms where the event took place. Heading towards the biology lab with his parent, one younger participant compared the string ensemble to “an orchestra”.

Continue reading the article here
http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2015/03/29/science-national-honors-society-hosting-of-science-night-a-huge-success/

Concerns with the Spectra Atlantic Bridge Pipeline - Apr 2, 7:30 PM

I want you to know that concerned Franklinites are meeting this Thursday, April 2, to discuss concerns with the Spectra Atlantic Bridge Pipeline.  

The meeting is at the First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. at 7:30PM.

The informational meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Pipeline had been held at Keller School on Monday, March 16.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/what-is-story-about-pipeline-coming.html

sign truck parked outside the informational meeting at Keller Elementary

A new pipeline passing through Franklin is both unnecessary and a bad idea. An informational meeting will be held at FUSF Church (262 Chestnut St) Thursday April 2nd, 7:30pm. Please attend and become informed.

The details outlined in this posting: 7 Reasons to Oppose New Gas Pipelines in MA will be among the topics discussed on Thursday.

Is sexting "a teenage mistake"?

The Milford Daily News reports on a new bill filed by Representative Jeff Roy to change the way the state would charge teenagers for sexting.

Roy’s bill would branch sexting off into a new category of crime for people under the age of 18, one treated as civil offense or misdemeanor with repercussions ranging from a diversion program to a fine 

An important change, Roy said, is the teen would not be required to register with the sex offender registry. 

The Franklin Democrat began studying the laws on sexting after receiving a call from a concerned local police officer. 

“He said that when they have an incident of sexting among teenagers, they are faced with either charging them with possession of child porn or doing nothing,” Roy said. “(The officer) acknowledged that sexting is a problem that can lead to some damaging consequences. He said, ‘We hate to do nothing, but to charge kids with child pornography has life-altering consequences."

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150331/NEWS/150339622/1994/NEWS

Two big events in April 2015 open to the Public

First:

The American Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, April 8, 12:45 pm - 8:00pm

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
91 Jordan Road
Franklin, MA

Also

New England Family History Conference (nefamilyhistory.com)
Saturday, April 11, 10:00am - 3:00pm 

Admission is free 

 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 

91 Jordan Road 

Franklin, MA

Walking around Franklin (photo essay)

As the snow recedes, the sidewalks are visible and useable. Signs of spring were noticed on Sunday afternoon's walk but still hidden in the light snow on Saturday morning's walk.

Saturday

The FEF Trivia Bee is scheduled for April 8

as snow recedes we find the casualties of winter

the snow makes interesting shapes as it melts

almost ready for kids to play on!

sign replaced (finally) at the Library

 Sunday

the hockey nets are about to go under

signs of spring

Spring Lake (along Washington St) is starting to lose its ice cover

the Community Gardens are still resting under snow

this tree is starting to bud!

Housing Trust - affordable property available

The Housing Trust has another property available for those who meet the affordable housing guidelines. This property is located at 93 Brandywine Road.

Details on the property and affordable guidelines contained in this flyer





Contact Maxine Kinheart (508-520-4949) for more information.


Where is 93 Brandywine Road?




You can also find the flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczU0U3U2hTT3JBZTg/view?usp=sharing

or on the Franklin webpage here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0205C73F-000F8513

Spolidoro, Martin, Pisani recognized for FHS Girls Basketball

Franklin High School was represented by Jillian Spolidoro (1st team), Lexi Martin (2nd team) and Traci Pisani (Defensive team) when Hockomock Sports announced the awards for girls basketball for the 2014-2015 season.

Hockomock Sports girls basketball first team (HockomockSports.com photo)

You can find the complete listing of awards for the Hockomock League girls basketball here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-awards.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 1, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
February 4, 2015, March 4, 2015, March 18, 2015, March 18, 2015 – Executive Session

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Purple Heart Town

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Transfer of Liquor License – Jimmy D’s d/b/a the GBU

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Gary McCarraher – Ping 4 Alert
Melanson Heath, FY 14 Audit

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-13: Appropriation: Town Administration – Insurance Recovery Account
2. Resolution 15-14: Appropriation: Capital FY 15 – Diesel Asphalt Hot Box

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN


The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/040115.pdf

Giese, Reno, Prunier recognized for FHS boys basketball

Hockomock Sports announced their boys basketball award winners this week. 

HockomockSports .com first team boys basketball (HockomockSports.com photo)

Marcus Giese was named to the First Team. Dylan Reno was named to the second team. Tim Prunier was named to the third team.

Defender of the Year - Dylan Reno

Dylan Reno was named Defender of the Year. Marcus Giese joined him on the Defensive Team.

For all the HockomockSports.com awards for Boys Basketball Check here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-awards.html

American Red Cross Blood Drive - Thursday April 2 from 2pm - 7pm

American Red Cross Blood Drive at Franklin Country Club, Thursday, April 2 from 2pm - 7pm. 

American Red Cross blood drive screen grab

Open to the public. 

Email: kemlinger@franklincc.com or call Kevin to make an appointment at 508-528-6110 ext. 224


Additional information on dontaing blood can be found on the Red Cross webpage   http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood

You can also schedule your blood donation appointmen via  the webpage
http://www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive/chooseDonationTime.jsp

Enter "02038" and select "Franklin Country Club"

Slavery in Franklin?

Slavery in Franklin? Records show that there were in fact men and women of color owned as property, not only in the South, but throughout New England and by prominent Franklin families in the late 1700's and early 1800's. 

Susan Elliott's informative exhibit, with details about slaves in our town is now on display at the museum. 

Learn about a man named Ceasar owned by the Pond family. Extensive research was done in preparation for this revealing exhibit.

image from Franklin Historical Museum Facebook page

The Franklin Historical Museum is open on Saturday from 10:00 to 1:00 and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. (In warmer months, it will also oopen On Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 PM)

For more information about the Historical Museum and its exhibts, you can vis them on the web   http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

or on Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038?fref=ts

The best visit is in person 80 West Central St

Franklin Historical Mueum on a sunny day

Franklin Downtown Partnership Meeting: Thurs, April 2nd - Streetscape Presentation

Franklin Downtown Partnership

General Meeting

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Thursday, April 2nd

8:30 AM

Dean College Campus Center

Golder Room

Coffee will be served

Downtown Streetscape Project presentation

Construction will begin in April...so come and learn about the details!

For background info on the streetscape project, there are several links available on the Downtown Partnership page here 
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/downtown-project.html

FHS boys hockey recognized with Player, Goalie, and Coach of the Year awards

The Franklin High School boys hockey team was recognized for their historic year with several HockomockSports.Com awards.

Player of the Year

Franklin senior Ryan Spillane has been chosen as the 2015 HockomockSports.com Hockey Player of the Year. Spillane is the third player that has been chosen for this award and first from either the Kelley-Rex Division or from the Panthers. 

Ryan Spillane - Player of the Year (HockomockSports.com photo)

Spillane was also chosen as the Hockomock MVP by the league's coaches after leading the Panthers to a perfect 10-0 record and a league title. In addition, he led the Panthers to a 17-4-3 record and a history-making appearance in the Super 8 tournament highlighted by his dramatic overtime game-winning goal against Xaverian.

Goalie of the Year

Franklin senior Ryan Shea has been named the 2015 HockomockSports.com Goalie of the Year. Shea is the second player to receive the honor in its third season being awarded. Oliver Ames goalie Jimmy Tierney was the recipient each of the past two years. 

Ryan Shea - Goalie of the Year (HockomockSports.com photo)

“Ryan could arguably have been the MVP this season with performances that he turned in, including a second period that had everybody wowed against Malden Catholic in the Super 8,” said Hockomock Sports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Ryan showed that he could compete with some of the best teams in the state.”

HockomockSports.Com boys hockey first team (HockomockSports.com photo)

Kyle Filbert joined Ryan Spillane and Ryan Shea on the First Team. Alec Borkowski was named to the Second Team and Mason Saunders was named to the Third Team.

Coach of the Year

Franklin head coach Chris Spillane has been chosen as the 2015 HockomockSports.com Hockey Coach of the Year. Spillane is the second coach to receive this honor in the three years that it has been handed out. Canton coach Brian Shuman won the award each of the past two seasons. 

Spillane guided the Panthers to a 17-4-3 overall record and a perfect 10-0 in the Hockomock League. In addition, Franklin became the first Hockomock team to be selected for the prestigious Super 8 tournament and reached the tournament proper after an overtime win against Xaverian in the play-in game.

You can find the complete listing and writeups for the Hockey awards here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/ice-hockey-awards.html

Chinese Mirch opening soon

Via Facebook

The wait is almost over, just a week or so left and we will be be re-opening as Chinese Mirch. 

We will be serving Indian and indo Chinese. Many new menu items, a great new look and wonderful staff.  

Hope to see you all soon! 

The new signs are getting into place. The photo I grabbed on Wednesday morning before hopping the train.

Chinese Mirch formerly Guru

There are two other locations for this franchise, one in Framingham and one in Boston. You can find additional info on the Chinese Mirch webpage here 
http://www.chinesemirch.com/

Chinese Mirch opening soon

#shopFranklin

Congressman Joe Kennedy Visits Franklin Downtown Partnership

U.S. Congressman Joe Kennedy III visited the Franklin Downtown Partnership office Friday afternoon to hear first-hand about two initiatives the nonprofit group has been involved with.

Those projects include a partnership linking local small business owners with Dean College business students and the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project.

Kennedy spoke with FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana and Robert Cuomo, Dean of the School of Business at Dean College, about a new initiative that pairs business students with local small businesses to create business plans.

Congressman Kennedy (right) met with FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana and others Friday afternoon at the Partnership's office downtown. 

Kennedy discussed a new initiative linking Dean College business students with local small business owners with Dr. Robert Cuomo, Dean of the School of Business at Dean College. 

The owners of Franklin Yoga & Wellness, Making Whoopie, Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, and Drama Kids of Metro West are working with students to develop and enhance all aspects of their business plans. According to Cuomo, the businesses benefit from free planning help while the Dean students gain real-world experience in developing and growing small companies.

Director of Planning and Community Development Bryan Taberner explained the impact the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Program will have on downtown Franklin. 

Kennedy also reviewed plans for the upcoming Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project slated to begin in April. Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development for the Town of Franklin, described how the project will improve traffic circulation, road conditions, emergency response times and pedestrian safety while enhancing the downtown’s overall appearance and promoting private sector investment.

The project has been in the planning stages for nine years; Congressman Kennedy’s uncle, the late Senator Ted Kennedy, was instrumental is securing $5 million in federal funds for the project in 2006.

Lisa Piana explains some of the numerous revitalization and improvement projects the Partnership has been involved with since 2001. 

The congressman’s visit to the FDP office was one of several stops he made in Franklin Friday. Earlier in the day Kennedy took part in a manufacturing roundtable discussion, toured Franklin High School, and ate lunch at the Rome Restaurant. He later paid a visit to The Black Box.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize downtown Franklin. While well known for their successful events, including the Strawberry Stroll, Harvest Festival and Holiday Stroll, the FDP takes an active role in downtown improvement projects like streetscape design and beautification efforts. The Partnership currently has close to 200 members and welcomes all businesses and residents.

Please visit our website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FranklinDowntownPartnership.org, and on Twitter at @FranklinDowntwn. For more information contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774) 571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

US Representative Joesph Kennedy III and FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana

This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/03/congressman-kennedy-visits-fdp-office.html

In the News: Kennedy at business roundtable, tours Franklin High

The Milford Daily News reports on two of the stops US Rep Joe Kennedy III made in Franklin on Friday.

The roundtable, held at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, was attended by a number of legislators and officials, including U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, D-4th., state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D- Franklin, state Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash, state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, and Richard Lord, president of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. 

One topic on the agenda was energy costs, and National Grid program manager Sneha Sachar spoke about the factors that drove up electrical supply rates 30 percent over the winter. 

"The crux of the challenge is natural gas pipelines - there's a limited volume of gas we can bring into the state," she said, noting that the state had an increased reliance on natural gas for electrical generation. "Some of our old generating plants are retired - they ran on coal and gas. Massachusetts has a commitment to clean energy, so there's a little bit of price volatility associated with that as well."

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150328/NEWS/150326295/1994/NEWS


He also took a tour of Franklin High School

Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat who won re-election to a second term last November, also spent time marveling at Franklin’s new high school, calling its resources “truly unparalleled.” 

He passed through the school’s cavernous auditorium and poked around its high-tech science labs, where students build robots or study crime scenes. Every so often he paused to admire the student drawings and paintings that adorn most hallways. 

“This school represents an incredible sign of commitment from the community to the education of the next generation,” Kennedy said as the tour wrapped up.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150327/NEWS/150326414/1994/NEWS

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 3/27/15 - THU 4/2/15

FRI 3/27   9am-1pm   Tri-County Regional Children’s Center Open House and Registration
FRI 3/27   6-9pm   Daddy Daughter Dance (gardes K-4) at Annie Sullivan MS
FRI 3/27   7 and 9pm   Electric Youth at The Black Box
FRI 3/27   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 3/28   3:30pm   iStories at Franklin Public Library
SAT 3/28   8pm   Peter Yarrow Concert at Circle of Friends Coffee House

SUN 3/29   3pm   Broadway in Franklin at The Black Box

MON 3/30   7pm-8:30pm   Small Business Round Table with Jeff Roy, location TBD, follow this Facebook link to join #ShopFranklin community

TUE 3/31   7pm   Music and Art Appreciation Night at Franklin HS, presented by Lifelong Learning

WED 4/1   12-2pm   Adult Painting at Franklin Art Center
WED 4/1   6:30pm   Franklin Art Association Public Meeting with Oil Stick Demonstration, Franklin Senior Center

THU 4/2   8:30am   Franklin Downtown Partnership Meeting - public welcome! Golder Room, Dean College Campus

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

FM #110 - Audio recording of the Economic Development Committee meeting Mar 25

The audio recording from the Economic Development Committee meeting held Wednesday, March 25, 2015.

The meeting runs just about 1 hour.






The traffic report can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/economic-development-committee-meeting.html

My set of notes reported live during the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/live-reporting-economic-development.html

----

As I close this special session, let me remind you that

• If you like what I am doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don’t like something, please tell me

It is through this feedback loop that you can help me improve the information I provide for you.

Thank you for listening!

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

You can also subscribe and listen to the audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes