Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Franklin Downtown Partnership: Happy Summer and Thank You Sponsors!

When you drive downtown and the lovely red, white and blue blossoms catch your eye, thank the Downtown Partnership (their sponsors and volunteers) for the wonderfulness!

Thank You Eileen, Beautification Sponsors & Volunteers

Posted: 25 Jun 2015 08:19 AM PDT

The flowers planted by Partnership and Franklin Garden Club volunteers in May have bloomed beautifully this spring.

Beautification Chair Eileen Mason and the new Sponsors signs on the downtown bridge.

We want to thank Eileen Mason, our Beautification chairperson, and our sponsors for creating and maintaining these welcoming displays.

Thank you Gold Sponsor D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Silver Sponsors Franklin Ford and Middlesex Savings Bank, and Bronze Sponsor Simon's Furniture.

And a special thanks to Cam of Signs by Cam for creating the wonderful signage.

Do you want to sponsor our beautification efforts? Contact Eileen at emason11@verizon.net for more information. Or click here to see our Sponsorship Opportunities form.

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page here

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/06/thank-you-eileen-beautification-sponsors.html

MBTA Survey - Your input looked for!

"Help the MBTA set our service priorities"

http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442454647&month=&year

MBTA Survey

Senator Spilka: Joint Statement on FY16 Budget Conference Report

The Conference Committee has reached an agreement and filed a report to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the fiscal year 2016 budget. The agreement appropriates $38.14B in state spending. The Conference Report also includes language preventing the use of state funds or tax expenditures for the 2024 Olympics, the creation of a finance control board and a 3 year suspension, for the MBTA, of the statute that governs the privatization of the functions of state entities, an increase to 23% for the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) effective January 1, 2016 and no changes to the income tax.

“I am proud that this budget begins the process of bringing meaningful reforms to the MBTA, to ensure that the system failures brought on by the storms during the winter of 2015 will not be repeated,” said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D- Haverhill, Chairman House Committee on Ways and Means). “I would also like to highlight that this budget found a way to prioritize funding to make significant investments to protect and expand services for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens especially clients of the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Mental Health.”

“This report is a reflection of the priorities of both the House and Senate and while we may be a few days into the new fiscal year, it demonstrates our ability to work together on complex issues to reach the compromises needed for results,” added Dempsey. “I would like to congratulate my fellow conferees Representatives Kulik and Smola and Senators DiDomenico and deMacedo for their hard work on the Conference Committee. I would also like to extend an additional thank you and congratulations to my co-chair Senator Karen Spilka on the successful completion on her first budget conference committee as Chair of Senate Ways and Means.”

“I am pleased that we have reached an agreement on a final budget that lays the foundation for shared prosperity and economic growth,” said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This budget is terrific news for Massachusetts families. I’m especially proud of the increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit, an incredibly effective way to lift working families out of poverty and a step toward addressing income inequality in our communities. "

"We strengthen pathways to educational opportunity at all levels, from early education to K-12 to college to workforce development. The budget also invests significantly in homelessness prevention, initiatives to tackle the opioid addiction crisis and innovative ways to increase access to justice. To improve public transit we have given Governor Baker the tools he needs to get the MBTA back on track. We have protected riders from excessive fare increases and kept our commitment to financial investments in the T.”

“Thank you to Senator DiDomenico, Senator deMacedo, Representative Kulik and Representative Smola for your hard work and assistance throughout this process. Thank you also to my House counterpart Chairman Dempsey for his partnership in creating a budget that reflects the priorities of both chambers. My goal when I became Chair of Senate Ways and Means this year was to lift all families through the budget process. This final budget accomplishes that goal,” said Spilka.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

2015 HockomockSports.com Baseball Awards feature 3 players from FHS

The Franklin High School Baseball team put three players on the 2015 HockomockSports.com Baseball Awards

First Base - Zane Byrne, Franklin

Franklin senior Zane Byrne was an important part of a Franklin team that made it all the way to the D1 South Sectional Semifinals this season. Byrne batted .299 on the season with 23 hits, seven doubles and a home run. He knocked in 21 runs, scored eight times himself and had three sac flies this season. On the mound, Byrne went 6-2 with a 2.23 ERA, 26 strikeouts in 50.1 innings, issued 17 total walks and had three complete games.

Shortstop - Nick Santucci, Franklin

FHS Panthers

Franklin junior Nick Santucci was a cornerstone in Franklin's run in the D1 South Sectional tournament. Santucci was one of the best in the entire Hockomock for the second half. On the season, Santucci batted .367 with 22 runs batted in, 11 stolen bases, 29 total hits and 20 runs scored. Santucci also hit a pair of home runs this season. On the mound, Santucci had a 2.33 ERA with four strikeouts and a save for the Panthers.

Outfield - Anthony Chaiton, Franklin

Franklin senior Anthony Chaiton got it done at the plate, in the field and on the mound for the Panthers this season. Offensively, Chaiton had 31 hits for a .367 average and knocked in 19 runs. He had 11 stolen bases to go with six doubles and a triple while scoring 17 runs. On the mound, Chaiton compiled a 4-2 record in 42.2 innings, striking out a team-high 53 batters while issuing just 17 walks. He finished with a 3.12 ERA this season.

All the Hockomock League Baseball Awards can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/baseball-awards.html

Senator Ross: June 2015 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, June 2015

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Twitter

Website

State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District.

State House
Room 419
Boston, MA 02133

Ph: 617-722-1555
Fax: 617-722-1054
Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov

Dear Friends,

Summer is here, school is out, and the House and Senate are still in the midst of budget talks which will hopefully be resolved very soon.

In the meantime, this week we celebrate our independence and the birth of our great nation. We honor our leaders, our local heroes, and the men and women who gave everything to their country.

Also important to note, on Thursday, July 9th, the Secretary of Veterans' Services Francisco Ureña will be making stops in both North Attleboro and Wrentham. Veterans and their families are welcome to attend.

For more information, please read my newsletter and spread the word by sharing it with your friends and family today.

Sincerely,

For the full newsletter follow this link: View this email in your browser

Attention: Forest Street Reopens

Hello. This is Gary Premo, with the Franklin Police Department, calling with an important traffic update.

Repairs have been completed, and Forest Street is REOPENED to through traffic.

Thank you for your patience. Have a GREAT day. Good bye.

This e-mail has been sent to you by TOWN OF FRANKLIN. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message.

Franklin Solar Challenge hits Tier 5 pricing! (the lowest discounts available)

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Dear Franklin Resident,

Great news!

The Franklin Solar Challenge has officially hit Tier 5 pricing, the lowest pricing available in the program. SolarFlair Energy, the selected installer for the Franklin Solar Challenge, is offering

discounted solar panels

to Franklin residences and businesses for a limited time.

Homes that have minimal tree shading will have a return on investment in just 5 years! We also offer $0 money down options, where you pay nothing upfront and lock in your electric rate for 20 years.

Don't let this special offer and great investment go to waste, now is the time to schedule a free site assessment!

To schedule an assessment, please call 508-808-4424 or send SolarFlair an email at FranklinSolar@SolarFlair.com

190 Pleasant Street * Ashland, MA * 01721

www.solarflair.com * Phone 508-808-4424 * Fax 508-293-4003

Forward this email


SolarFlair Energy Inc \| 190 Pleasant Street \| Ashland \| MA \| 01721

Monday, July 6, 2015

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda, July 8, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 10, 2015, June 11, 2015 Budget Hearings, June 24, 2015

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 others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council = Gia Podobinski; Justin Haslett
Charles River Pollution Control District = Joseph V. Cameron
Registrar of Voters = Lois D’Amico

F. HEARINGS
– Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery or furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – 7:10 PM

• Dacey’s Market

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Franklin Advisory Committee

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-46: Appropriation: Water Enterprise – Prior Year Bill – 9/10 Vote
2. Resolution 15-47: Appropriation: Other Post Employment Trust Fund – 2/3 Vote
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – Referral to Planning
4. Bylaw Amendment 15-748: Amendment to Chapter 128 Peddling and Soliciting – 2nd Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 15-749: Amendment to Chapter 139-14 Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Collective Bargaining Police, Police Sergeants, and Library

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building

The full set of documents as released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/07082015.pdf

Franklin Police, Fire Collaborate with High School Students to Create Sharps PSA

Police Chief Stephan Semerjian reports that the Franklin Police and Fire Departments collaborated with High School students to create a public service announcement about safely disposing of syringe needles.

The video stresses that if anyone finds a sharp in the community, they should not pick it up, and instead immediately alert police. The PSA reminds residents to: STOP. DON'T TOUCH. CALL 911.

During a minute-and-a-half video, a group of students are on a playground when one girl notices a needle in the mulch. Curious, she reaches to pick it up, but a friend interjects before she can, "Stop, don't touch that!" he says. "It's a sharp, it can hurt you."

After calling 911, students standby until Franklin police and fire arrive on scene. An officer uses rubber gloves to pick up the syringe and properly secure it in a sharps container.

"Glad you guys called us," says Sergeant Christopher Spillane. "If someone accidentally got pricked with this, they could get hurt, or even worse, they could get sick."

Firefighter Charles Bailey explains that the person who used the needle could have hepatitis or HIV, which could be transmitted to a person if he or she is pricked. So, it's important that community members never touch a a syringe they find on the ground.

"The high school students did a great job collaborating with local public safety officials to create this important public service announcement," Chief Semerjian said. "Together, we can help ensure our community stays safe."

You can view the video here:

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0214E899-000F8513

Franklin Police Station - 911 Panther Way

Used needles can be safely disposed of at the kiosk located at the Police Station on Panther Way
http://www.town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Health/needles.pdf

Remember that prescription drugs can be safely disposed of at the Police Station
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_PoliceNews/DrugSafe.pdf

Stop Addiction In It's Tracks - Family Stories TV Spot

Continuing to share the videos from the MA Department of Public Health series on "Stop Addiction in it's Tracks", this is a short summary of the family stories.

MA DPH webpage

You can find additional resources on the "Stop Addiction" page here
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/stop-addiction/

Sunday, July 5, 2015

4th of July Celebration - Schedule Sunday

Sunday, July 5th:

1pm-7pm Food Booths and Amusements Open
2pm-5pm BATTLE of the BANDS (prizes will be awarded)

2015 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

Note: This is one of the many great events happening in Franklin that is put together by an private/volunteer organization and not the Town. You can contribute to the cause here
http://july4thfranklinma.com/donations.asp

You can volunteer for the cause here http://july4thfranklinma.com/volunteers.asp

Stop Addiction In Its Tracks - Cory's Story

Continuing the MA Department of Public Health series on "Stop Addiction in its Tracks", this is Cory's Story.

MA DPH webpage

You can find additional resources on the "Stop Addiction" page here
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/stop-addiction/

Saturday, July 4, 2015

4th of July Celebration - Schedule Saturday

Saturday, July 4th:

Children's Day

12pm-10pm Food Booths and Amusements Open
12 noon Children's Parade
1pm-5pm Children's Entertainment

Anna and Elsa from FROZEN

Jamie Barrett (Franklin's own)

Flippo the Clown

7pm-10pm Groove Doctors Band (local musicians)

2015 Franklin 4th of July Celebration

Happy 4th of July

Wishing you all a very happy and safe 4th of July!

If you have time to spare, you can dig into the archives here. They are rather extensive. There are multiple posts for almost every day going back to 2008. Pick a date. Navigate through the archives by year and month to see what was happening.

Franklin Matters archives go back almost every day through to 2008

A very special thanks to Renata Gilrova for her collaboration on the weekly calendar!

Let me remind you that

If you like what we are doing here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don’t like something, please tell me

Thank you for reading, commenting, and sharing information. I could not do this without you. It is through our combined efforts that Franklin will become a more informed community.

Note: I am 'off the grid' for a few days and hopefully nothing really major happens while I am away. If it does, I'll find out and respond when I return.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/3/15 - THU 7/9/15

Link to Official Franklin MA 4th of July Celebrations

FRI 7/3 12-10pm 4th of July in Franklin: Booths and Rides Open
FRI 7/3 3-5pm 4th of July in Franklin: Tyler Zajac Solo
FRI 7/3 6:30pm Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 7/3 7pm 4th of July in Franklin: Corvairs - Oldies Band
FRI 7/3 8-9:50pm Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
FRI 7/3 10pm 4th of July in Franklin: Laser Light and 3D Show

SAT 7/4 9am-12pm 4th of July Race at The Town Common, registration opens at 9am, adult 5K starts at 10am and kid 1 mile at 11 am
SAT 7/4 12-10pm 4th of July in Franklin: Booths and Rides Open
SAT 7/4 12pm 4th of July in Franklin: Children’s Parade
SAT 7/4 1-5pm 4th of July in Franklin: Children’s Entertainment
SAT 7/4 7-10pm 4th of July in Franklin: Groove Doctors Band

Happy 4th of July!

SUN 7/5 1-7pm 4th of July in Franklin: Booths and Rides Open
SUN 7/5 2-5pm 4th of July in Franklin: Battle of the Bands
SUN 7/5 5-7pm Family Paint at Franklin Art Center

MON 7/6 1-2pm Drop In Craft: Words to the Wise (make an owl) and other crafts at Franklin Public Library
MON 7/6 7pm T-shirt Cut Ups at Franklin Public Library (grades 5-12)

TUE 7/7 10:30am Get Ready for Kindergarten (ages 3-5) at Franklin Public Library
TUE 7/7 1pm Ed the Wizard - Every Hero Has a Story at Franklin Public Library

WED 7/8 10:30am Terrific Toddlers (18 months - 3 years) at Franklin Public Library
WED 7/8 1pm The Greg and Axel Show - Every Hero Has a Story, Franklin Public Library

THU 7/9 10:30am Story and Craft for ages 3-6, Franklin Public Library

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