Dean College graduates more than 300

Dean College held its 149th Commencement exercises on Saturday, with more than 300 students earning their degrees. 

The keynote address was provided by Dean College President Paula M. Rooney, who encouraged students to “Take risks. Be your own advocate and create opportunities where others can’t see them.” 

She urged students not to choose their next move in life based on it looking easy or because it is expected, but rather to “Move down a road because it is where you think you should be. Do something that you can be great at. When you do this you will contribute to the world in ways that are both valued and necessary.” 

Rooney added: “You are now part of the fabric of this wonderful tapestry that has been woven for 150 years. You are now not just part of a College. You are a part of the Dean College Family.”

Continue reading the article in the Sun Chronicle
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/dean-college-holds-th-graduation/article_40546b00-f6b9-11e4-b433-1f09a00dda83.html

Dean College set up for the commencement activities on Saturday

"several alternative designs and some cost information"

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy hopes to secure $50,000 for the town to use toward building a sculpture and small gathering place dedicated to Horace Mann, the state’s first secretary of education and an influential reformer who laid the groundwork for the country’s public schools system. 

Roy, D-Franklin, pushed through an amendment to the state’s $38 billion budget - passed by the House last month - providing the funding for a “Horace Mann Park” on the corner of Emmons Street. Now the Senate must debate and pass the budget. 

Born on a small farm in Franklin in 1796, Horace Mann is often referred to as “The Father of American Education." In 1837, Mann was elected secretary of the state’s Board of Education, according to the Massachusetts Historical Society; he would later help establish the first normal public schools in the United States, in Bridgewater and Lexington.

Continue reading the article online here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150511/NEWS/150519681/1994/NEWS

"the state recommends “common sense” to minimize exposure"

While the decision to continue to build a new turf field at the high school won't be changed, the New England Center for Investigative Reporting is looking into the safety issue.

Via @HuffPostPol: The movement against #syntheticturf is growing http://t.co/1PgScDgsET @SHPFC @FranklinMatters @jeffroy @KarenSpilka

— Turf Grass Forum (@turfgrassforum) May 10, 2015

Part of the article published at Huffinton Post:

As opposition mounts, some consider the fields a solid waste problem, and question what towns would do with the thousands of pounds of crushed tires if the issue reaches a tipping point. The momentum of concern has pushed the California legislature to consider legislation prohibiting the use of state funds to build new fields with recycled tires and that would require towns and cities to examine cleaner alternatives before launching a new project. The Los Angeles Unified School District and the New York City Parks Departments already have stopped construction of new fields with crumb rubber following past concern about lead content. 

Artificial turf advocates say there are multiple studies that show fields are safe, while critics argue that there are no conclusive tests to prove such claims and that waiting for definitive evidence of a health hazard leaves children unprotected. 

More than 300 such fields have been built in Massachusetts during the past decade and they are becoming a coveted sports alternative for student athletes in towns from Boston to Attleboro, New Bedford to Springfield, according to a survey of field construction companies carried out by the New England Center for Investigative Reporting. Athletes who play on the fields are well acquainted with the black pellets – a spray of which is often kicked up by bouncing balls and running children, and gets into cleats and tracked into homes and mixed with laundry after practice.

FHS girls soccer team kicks off a home game on the turf field at FHS in October

Continue reading the full article here
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/09/toxic-turf_n_7218728.html?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000016

For more information about the New England Center for Investigative Reporting, you can visit their webpage here  http://necir.org/

The MA Dept of Health letter on the topic can be found here
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/2071976-dphturf.html




Updated: from the Sun Chronicle
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/news/local_news/local-officials-confident-turf-fields-are-safe/article_6348fdfa-f6c4-11e4-8774-9fe08004b4cf.html

Franklin Police: New Patrol Officers Hired

Chief of Police Stephan H. Semerjian is pleased to announce the hire of two new Franklin Police Officer Candidates bringing the Departments sworn police officer number to 45.  After extensive background investigations which included education, financial and personal character components of all potential candidates Michael R. Bolze and Michael J. Colecchi have been offered employment as police officers by the Town of Franklin.   

Michael Bolze is a graduate of Penn State University and brings with him police experience as a special police officer with the Cohasset, Massachusetts Police Department.   Michael Colecchi is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, a United States Air Force veteran who was employed by the Douglas, Massachusetts Police Department. 

Bolze and Colecchi will be the first brand new Academy trained recruits for the department since 2004.  Both men took the first non‐civil service department administered entrance examination in January of 2014.  Some 270 potential candidates took this examination; Bolze and Colecchi were in the top tier of passing scores.    

They will begin their rigorous 26 week Basic Police Recruit Training at the Massachusetts Police Training Council’s Randolph facility in May of 2015.  Upon successful completion of all required courses of study they will then report to Franklin for the beginning of a 10 week on‐the‐job Field Officer Training component with veteran Franklin Police Officers as their mentors and teachers.   

After successful completion of their Field Training Bolze and Colecchi will be given their duty assignments as full‐time Franklin Police Officers and begin the start of what I expect to be a very rewarding and beneficial career of police work for them both and the Town of Franklin.  

Franklin Police - 911 Panther Way, Franklin

You can  find the announcement on the Police Department page here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PoliceNews/020C439E-000F8513.0/Bolze%20Colecchi%20Announcement.pdf


For additional information on the Franklin Police Department, you can visit there webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/index

You can contribute to the Franklin Cultural Festival!

You can find out more about Franklin's Cultural Festival here   or on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalFestival

Franklin Culturaal Festival - Arts Happen Here!

"As If It Were Already Here”

I have been traveling into Boston regularly and took the time to walk by the new aerial sculpture.

taken from just at the edge of the sculpture, every where you stand you get a different view

From the Boston Innovation page I find and share:

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy announced that Janet Echelman has named her aerial sculpture, currently sitting pretty above the park, "As If It Were Already Here” in reference to Boston's industrial past. The industriousness that it took for Echelman to pull off the art installation though is aptly reflected in the statistics. 

According to the Greenway Conservancy:

• The sculpture includes over 100 miles of rope

• There are over half a million knots (~542,500)

• The sculpture weighs approximately 1 ton

• The sculpture can exert over 100 tons of force

• Longest span is 600 ft

• The sculpture is 365 ft at its highest point

• Projected plan area of the sculpture is 20,250 sq. ft. or almost half an acre

• Illuminated by 32 individually programmed LED lights

The time lapse video of the effort to put it up is impressive!




http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2015/05/06/greenway-art-boston-time-lapse-video-of-aerial-art-sculpture/

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on April 2015 Real Estate Activity Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P.O'Donnell reported robust increases in total volume of real estate sales and average real estate sales price but a relatively flat number of real estate sales in the Norfolk County real estate market for April 2015. "The April 2015 real estate figures for Norfolk County clearly show a seller's market with average sale price of commercial and residential property increasing year over year by 23% to $776,760. Total volume of commercial and residential sales increased 16% to $537 million compared to April 2014 numbers. However, the total number of real estate sales only increased by 1% compared to one year ago. This was due to continuing issues with real estate inventory. Buyers in Norfolk County are competing amongst themselves for a limited number of properties. One of the issues causing the reduced inventory is the harsh winter that was experienced resulting in some homeowners having to make significant repairs to their properties before putting them on the market. Good news for the home improvement industry but bad news for real estate buyers; particularly first time buyers," noted Register O'Donnell. A continuing bright spot has been the steady recovery of the mortgage market. Total number of mortgages recorded increased 36% compared to the same time last year. Total mortgage indebtedness also increased 32% year over year. O'Donnell noted, "The mortgage numbers are a clear indication of an improving economy in Norfolk County. Homeowners are taking advantage of increased equity in their homes to access financing for home improvements and other critical needs." Homestead recordings, which provide limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence up to $500,000, increased 2% from April 2014 to April 2015. A total of 905 Homesteads were recorded versus 888 during this comparative time period. Information regarding the Homestead Act can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Foreclosure activity in Norfolk County showed signs of improvement. The Notices to Foreclose recordings totaled 36 for April compared to 47 filings in April 2014. Foreclosure deeds recordings were also flat in April 2015. 16 foreclosure deeds were recorded during the month, the same number as April 2014. Register O'Donnell stated, "While one foreclosure deed is one too many, the reduced number of Notice to Foreclose filings is a sign that at least in Norfolk County, the worst of the foreclosure crisis recently experienced appears to be behind us. With that said, my office continues to watch these numbers closely and work with other government agencies and programs to assist homeowners who have received a Notice of Foreclosure." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Without question, the total real estate sales number for April 2015 was less than expected. However, I am a firm believer this number will improve once inventory levels rise as the weather continues to improve and in some cases, homeowners complete necessary repairs to their residences caused by the harsh winter months. Norfolk County continues to be a destination location for individuals and families to live and work." 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 screen grab of Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

@RattleCity tweeted: It's official, best fans in the state. Parade and banner ceremony date to be determined #MIAABOTF

From the Twitter feed we find another award for Franklin to celebrate this week. Rattle City, the student cheering section has been recognized as the best in MA by the MIAA

It's official, best fans in the state. Parade and banner ceremony date to be determined #MIAABOTF

— Rattle City ™ (@RattleCity) May 8, 2015

Congrats to @RattleCity and all Panther fans for winning 2015 MIAA "Battle of Fans" contest #neverquit #gopanthers

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 8, 2015

Franklin selected by MIAA as the winner of their "Battle of the Fans" contest. #hockomock https://t.co/EUdZg52XdI

— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) May 8, 2015

And the video that won for Rattle City:



View the MIAA twitter feed for additional submissions and tweets with the tag #MIAABOTF

You can folllow Franklin Matters on Twitter  https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters

You can follow Rattle City at https://twitter.com/RattleCity

screen grab of Rattle City Twitter profile page

Friendly reminder - Comment policy

The comment policy was established in Dec of 2007 and it's time for a friendly reminder.

I welcome your comments here at Franklin Matters. To maintain a respectful dialogue, I've posted the guidelines of the comment policy below.

• Stay focused. All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain on the topic set by the original blog post, discussion question or other type of initial entry.
• Be respectful. Ad hominem or personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are prohibited. Instigating arguments in a disrespectful way is also prohibited.
• Tell the truth. Spreading misleading or false information is prohibited.
• No spam. Repeated posting of identical or very similar content in a counter-productive manner is prohibited – this includes posts aggressively promoting services or products.

I retain the discretion to determine which comments violate this comment policy.

I reserve the right to remove violations.

I expect all contributors to be respectful.

This comment policy is valid for all discussions hosted on this Franklin Matters website and/or the Facebook Franklin Matters page.

Thank you for taking the time to review our comment policy. I encourage your participation in a healthy and respectful discussion and look forward to an active exchange of ideas.




The comment policy is also located here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/12/comment-policy.html

Dean College Commencement - May 9th

The schedule of events for the Dean College Commencement can be found here
http://www.dean.edu/commencement_may2015.aspx#

Best bet would be to avoid the Dean/Main St area between 10:00am and 1:00pm

Dean College gets ready for commencement 2015

To the Dean graduates, best wishes on the road you choose to follow!

Listen to your mother

Dear StoryCorps Friend,     Sunday is Mother's Day and the perfect gift is already right in your hand! Why not take a short break from the brunches and barbecues and record a conversation with your mother using the new StoryCorps app? You can download the app here. Together, you'll create a lasting memory that you can preserve forever.   Ask your mom...   How has being a mother changed your life? What are some special memories you have of your mom? What are your hopes and dreams for my future and yours? What songs did you sing to me as a child? Using the app's step-by-step directions, it's simple to honor your mother while preserving her wisdom, memories, and voice forever at the Library of Congress.   If you're unable to be with your mom this weekend, get together with a sibling, friend, or spouse and share some stories about a woman who means a lot to you. Listen closely--you never know what you'll learn about the extraordinary women in your life! Warmly, Robin Sparkman Chief Executive Officer   P.S. Click here to listen to some amazing Mom stories other StoryCorps app users have shared! P.P.S. In honor of Mother's Day, please add the tag thanksmom to your stories.   Amplify the voices of women everywhere. Support StoryCorps today.

Forward this email StoryCorps | 80 Hanson Place | Brooklyn | NY | 11217

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 5/8/15 - THU 5/14/15

FRI 5/8   1:30pm   Adult Coffee and Craft: Zentangle. Franklin Public Library
FRI 5/8   2:30-4:30pm   Game Day at the Franklin Public Library (Wii, board games, crafts) - all ages
FRI 5/8   6:30pm   Mother Daughter Fancy Tea Party at The Cake Bar, registration required
FRI 5/8   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 5/9   8am-1pm   FHS Bottle and Can Drive to benefit All Night Party, FHS parking lot
SAT 5/9   9am-12pm   SNETT Cleanup Day, meet at South School in Bellingham, bring gloves. Come learn about the rail trail and help out. Great way to earn community service hours too.
SAT 5/9   10am-3pm   Stamp Out Hunger Drive - leave non-perishable items by your mailbox or visit Franklin Food Pantry to drop off
SAT 5/9   10am   Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race & Walk, Elks Lodge, Franklin
SAT 5/9   1-3pm   Zentangle Workshop at Franklin Art Center
SAT 5/9   8pm   Rebecca Loebe and Jesse Terry Concert at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

TUE 5/12   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting at the Franklin YMCA. Public welcome.

WED 5/13   7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers Club Monthly Meeting at ‘3’ Restaurant with a special guest Jeff Nutting. Prospective members welcome!

THU 5/14   6pm   Kindergarten Info Night at Kennedy and Parmenter Schools
THU 5/14   7pm   Small Shop Co-Op Meeting at The Cake Bar

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

Sidewalks, beer/wine license, and RFPs draw large crowd to Town Council meeting

There was almost a full house at the Town Council Meeting on Wednesday evenings. The coincidence of the agenda drew many members of the community for their particular interest along with the major department heads for their capital budget needs.

Neighbors along Chestnut St who had signed a petition looking for sidewalks got a commitment to be included in the design process. Sidewalks were approved for Pleasant St (from St Mary's down to Miller). The design study would look at a sidewalk from Griffin all the way up Chestnut to 140. Another phase of work would look at sidewalks along Washington St. These sidewalks were all identified as desired in the Master Plan published in 2013

Neighbors along Pond St gathered to see the discussion and vote by the Town Council to approve two RFP's. One to offer the land for lease for a potential solar farm. The second would be offering the land for sale for a multi use development including some residential but not apartments. Both RFPs were approved. This is the first of about an 8 step process according to Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. Responses to the RFPs will be reviewed by the Economic Development Committee before being brought to the Council for discussion and decision.

National Small Business Week

The Lenzi family and supporters of small business also gathered to participate in the discussion around a beer/wine license for the Big Y. After hearing arguments for an against the proposal, the Council voted 8-1 to award the license to the Big Y. Councilor Dellorco was the only 'no' vote. The 'yes' votes were essentially won over by the financial benefits that the Big Y has brought to Franklin (new construction, road improvements, and substantial tax contribution) as well as the license is only for beer/wine. The other two small businesses (Franklin Liquors and Davitas) have full liquor licenses. The argument of providing a convenience to the Big Y customers won the day. The Big Y is a MA based family owned company.

For the other license transactions on the agenda, British Beer Company did not show up so their item was continued to the next meeting. Guru now doing business as Chinese Mirch received approval for their DBA change.

The Council spent less time approving $1.7 million dollars for a variety of capital improvements. This continues the financial practice of using 'free cash' to fund the capital needs of Franklin. From putting money aside for new fire truck, adding money to the fund to replace the turf fields, to funding the removal of the modular units at Davis Thayer, protective vests for the police, emergency air units for fire fighters to highlight a few. In Capital Subcommittee Chair Matt Kelly's words, it was like Christmas morning. Everybody got something on their wish list.

In the last minute juggling of the agenda to make progress while waiting for the 7:10 time for the public hearings to begin, Alan Mercer provided an update on the Franklin Cultural District and this summer's Franklin Cultural Festival. 

Franklin TV was also scheduled for an update on the cable operations and ended up rescheduling for next time.

Tucked among the action items is a surprise rate reduction for the Trash/Recycling. The current rate is $216 and it will be reduced to $200. All the work with the single stream trash/recycling is continuing to pay off. Literally in our case with the savings coming to the rate payers. This is the lowest the rate has been in years. It may still go up some time in the future but not some much each time and maybe not for a couple of years. We all can enjoy the savings in the meantime!

My set of notes recorded live during the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting - Closing
• Live reporting: Legislation for action
• Live reporting: License transactions
• Live reporting: Town Council - Agenda - May 6, 201...

Franklin Library: Adult coffee and craft - Game day

There are two events at the Library today. For the adults, the coffee and craft series will feature Zentangle. For the kids, the next iteration of Game Day.

Coffee and Craft starts at 1:30
Game Day starts at 2:30

Zentangle for the coffee and craft today at 1:30

game day for the kids at 2:30

These events were shared from the Library pages here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/05/adult-coffee-craft.html

http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/05/game-day.html

Annual Franklin Post 75 and Medway Post 367 Scholarship Run - Jun 20

The Annual Franklin Post 75 and Medway Post 367 Scholarship Run will be held at Medway High School on Saturday, June 20, 2015. 

We are currently seeking sponsors and donations. Please mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details including instructions on how to register.

If you have any questions or would like to be a sponsor or make a donation, please contact Kim Leone at Franklin Post 75 or Doug Wahl at Medway Post 367.

screen grab of American Legion Post 75 webpage

To register for the 5 mile race, click on the link below.

Link to Registration page

or download the form from here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczM2M3cnZmRUZTTkd0X012X1VOUUwwMkphdTVv/view?usp=sharing