Live reporting: Town Council - November 12, 2015

Present: Padula, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones, Mercer (via remote), Pellegri (although in role of Town Clerk)

Absent: None

swearing in ceremony

Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri swears in the new Town Council

Motion to nominate Kelly as Chair
seconded, passed 8-0 as role call

Jones made motion to nominate Mercer as vice chair, Dellorco seconded
Bissanti made motion to nominate Vallee as vice chair, Padula seconded

• Bissanti voted for Vallee
• Dellorco voted to Mercer
• Jones voted for Mercer
• Mercer voted for Mercer
• Padula voted for Vallee
• Pfeffer voted for Vallee
• Vallee voted for Vallee
• Kelly (Chair) voted for Mercer

4-4 tie
move to schedule new vote when the full Council is seat
motion passed 8-0 via roll call


Motion to nominate Pfeffer as Council Clerk
motion to close nomination, 8-0 via roll call
seconded, passed 8-0 via roll call


approval of minutes for Oct 7
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0 via roll call (Jones abstain - wasn't present)

approval of minutes for Oct 21
motion to approve, seconded, 7-0 via roll call (Jones abstain - wasn't present)

Town Council Dec meeting moved to Dec 9
fiscal tax hearing

alternate planning board position open, contact no later than Nov

Nov 14, public hearing at Library on the open space and recreation

with no Vice Chair, issue of schedule

Citizens Comments
Helen Chalk, speaking on the Spectra pipeline, looking for Council input on issue

Jim Hill, 120 signatures on a petition and packet on fracked gas
organizing against the Spectra pipeline
30" extension of pipeline running through 21 towns
proposed utility bill tariff means the utility users actually pay for the pipeline

Karen Lavery
commenting against the Spectra pipeline
no many people are aware of what is possible
119 folks have signed an online petition (as of a few minutes ago)
surprised that there hasn't been more information surrounding this issue

Gail Chirdon
what is the process to get  special meeting with the Council before Christmas

Donald Parsling
asking for a meeting on the Spectra pipeline
focus should be more on renewable energy

Paul Sacky (?)
I haven't heard why we should have the pipeline

Appointments

• Finance Committee - David Moses

resident since 1998, volunteer with Franklin Youth Hockey

motion to approve, seconded, 8-0 via roll call

• Cable Access Committee

Ken Norman
Rose Turco
motion to approve, seconded, 8-0 via roll call

no hearings, no license transaction,

Legislation for action

• establishment for school store resolving account

motion to approve, seconded, 8-0 via roll call


Town Administrator's report
will be in touch to get a meeting on the pipeline after the new year

downtown project wrapping up for this season
back in April to do the bridge and Main St

Dean college cross walk moved, there are stop signs at the end of Emmons
the lights will be activated there eventually

OPEB obligation being reviewed next week

next meeting next Weds, then Dec 9th

Nov 29th - holiday event on the Town Common

Old business

Padula - thanks for the paint donations to get the containers painted at the recycling center

New business

discussion on the Dec 9th meeting, looking at the 10th instead
fiscal tax hearing on this night

with the expansion of power plant, and the pipeline coming, can we get a special attorney to help us
Nutting has reached out hopeful of having an answer next week

Jones, Dellorco
get them here as soon as possible

Bissanti
Wachusett st lot, expanding parking
Nutting - the work in not complete, you will come in the regular spot and turn right, the driveway won't be used as an entrance. it is still a work in progress

Pfeffer
discussion on getting the children more involved with the election process
perhaps a contest, open to all children, how to use the South meeting house for a public purpose
have an open house to let folks see what the possibilities are

Nutting to check with school folks

Councilor Comments

Jones - thanks for all the voters to turn out last week, thanks to my wife and kids, and all my friends
Dellorco - thanks to all voters, thanks to my wife and kids
Bissanti - thanks, it was intriguing to get social media involved, we are hearing of you and seeing you know
Pfeffer - thanks to all the voters and my family; thanks to Steve Lombardi for all his work for the town who just retired
Padula - thanks, I am humbled to be back here, I am looking forward to another 2 years
Vallee - no comments
Mercer - thanks to all, my wife and others for their help, looking forward to the next couple of years

even though the Clerk was elected, she can't hold a council position until the recount is completed
there will be a resolution to compensate her for her extra time
(Debbie was still in the audience)

Kelly- thanks to the almost 20% of the voters who came out and participate in the democratic process, thanks for your confidence in me as the Chair, I am fortunate to sit among an amazing group of councilors. I couldn't be working with better folks for the next two years

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 8-0 via roll call

Franklin TV - Annual Meeting - Nov 12 - 7:00 PM

The time has come once again for our annual open member meeting. This year our meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 12th at 7:00pm. This meeting is open to all Franklin cable subscribers and Franklin TV members.

If you would like to become a Franklin TV member it’s absolutely free. Just send an email to: info@franklin.tv with your contact information. You can also call us for more info. 508-541-4118.

This meeting is an opportunity to tour and learn about Franklin TV’s studio. Our facility enables us to provide full production support for Franklin residents and organizations who wish to create TV programs. It’s also an opportunity to meet our current board and staff. Our progress to date, plus all the groundwork for our plans going forward are all thanks to our board members who contribute so much of their time and energy to help make Franklin TV everything that a public access TV studio can be and more.

L to R: W. Ken Norman, John Milot, Nick Remissong, Anne K. Bergen, Jay Horrigan, Rose Turco, and Wesley Rea

Please join us at this important Franklin TV event. Starting at 6:00pm we’ll have tours of our facility, some good eats, and you can meet our board and staff. Meeting begins at 7:00pm. Come meet, greet, and learn all about local TV in Franklin.

Franklin TV studio on Hutchinson St

This was shared from http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Kenny Hadley Big Band - Sunday, November 15

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s new theater, music, and event venue, presents a Big Band Brunch, featuring the renowned Kenny Hadley Big Band, on Sunday, November 15. The critically-acclaimed 16-piece juggernaut, led by drummer Kenny Hadley, boasts masterful musicians with performance ties to Big Band legends Woody Herman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich and more.  

Kenny Hadley Big Band

The Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with such notables as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. Brunch selections feature Belgian waffles, cheddar scrambled eggs, red bliss home-fried potatoes, bacon, muffins, fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. 

A cash bar is also available, serving brunch cocktails including Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Enjoy this memorable pairing of Big Band music and delicious fare. Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with entertainment starting at noon. 

Combination tickets for the brunch and performance are $45; tickets for the Big Band only are $20. THE BLACK BOX, home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin is on Monday, November 23rd!

Laughter Yoga

Trade in your stress for laughter on Monday, November 23rd (and every fourth Monday) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin.  

Laughter Yoga is a unique and playful practice that does not rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga will have you smiling frequently and laughing heartily. Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! 

New laughers are always welcomed! $5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family.   

Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail  billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com.  

See other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

www.letslaughtoday.com

In the News: Clerk vote to be recounted, Tri-County solar, Dean students do 'Bye Bye Birdie'

From the Milford Daily News - articles with interest for Franklin'

"A candidate in the Nov. 3 election for the town clerk position is requesting a recount of the ballots after coming 32 votes shy in the race. 

Diane Padula-O'Neill announced on Wednesday her intention to make that request. 

The original tally of the four-way race had assistant Town Clerk Teresa Burr winning with 1,113 votes, defeating Padula-O'Neill (1,081), Elizabeth Simon (978) and Paul Cheli (472) for the seat. 

In a statement, Padula-O'Neill noted that the winning margin was less than 1 percent of the votes cast. The statement further said that 198 ballots in the race were blanks, and questioned whether they were tallied correctly."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151111/NEWS/151118566/1994/NEWS

"Tri-County Vocational Technical High School and its energy partners will unveil a 1.3 megawatt solar panel array 10 a.m. Nov. 13 at the school, located at 147 Pond St. 

U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III will join state lawmakers and energy leaders to unveil the ground-mounted solar system, created in partnership with nonprofit energy-buying consortium PowerOptions and SunEdison. The array is expected to offset the school’s annual electricity usage by 85 percent, with expected energy cost savings of over $50,000 in its first year and more than $1 million over the next 20 years."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151111/NEWS/151118728/1994/NEWS

"Chelsea Daniels, of Mendon, and Liam Devine, of Franklin, will perform in Dean College’s “Bye Bye Birdie” from Nov. 18 to Nov. 22. 

“Bye Bye Birdie,” set in the 1960s, tells the story of Conrad Birdie, an Elvis-like rock-’n’-roll singer and his hapless agent Albert Peterson. The rock singer travels to a small Ohio town to make his “farewell” television performance and kiss his biggest fan before he is drafted. Songs include “Put on a Happy Face” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do.” 

The Dean College production will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18-21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 21-22 in the Main Stage within the Campus Center at Dean College, 109 W. Central St., Franklin. Tickets range from $5-$22 and can be purchased online. 

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/byebyebirdie."

This was shared from
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151111/NEWS/151118495/1994/NEWS

Mansfield penalty stroke with just 40 seconds left tops Franklin field hockey 1-0

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of Hockomock Sports writes:

"The Panthers had dominated from the beginning of the game, forcing Mansfield to defend deep and putting consistent pressure on the Hornets’ back line. Then, with a minute remaining, Mansfield broke forward on a rare attack on the Franklin net. 

Franklin goalie Sam Jones made two kick saves, but in the mass of white and blue jerseys in the crease she was forced to cover up the ball to prevent a goal. The result was a penalty stroke with just 40 seconds left to play.

Mansfield celebrates Caitlin Whitman’s Last-minute penalty stroke goal that gave the Hornets a win in the Div. 1 South semifinal against Franklin. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Mansfield junior Caitlin Whitman stepped up to the spot. The Hornets had been practicing and Whitman put the effort to good use, dispatching a shot into the bottom corner and past the outstretched leg of Jones. 

The goal gave Mansfield a 1-0 win on Wednesday afternoon at a rainy and cold Alumni Field, decided the season series between the rivals, and advanced the Hornets to the Div. 1 South final."

Continue reading the article here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/mansfield-stings-franklin-with-last-minute-goal/

Franklin Chargers B&D squads make the Super Bowl - Nov 15

Please join us in Foxboro for 2 Super Bowl games featuring the Franklin Chargers.

Games will be played at Ernie George Field – 201 Payson Rd, Foxboro MA, Sunday, Nov 15

Franklin Chargers - Super Bowl Sunday, Nov 15

9:00am D Squad v. North Attleboro

12:30pm B Squad v. North Attleboro

This is a big accomplishment for the players and coaches. The kids have worked hard all year and are fired up to play in the big game. Let’s get a big crowd to cheer them on!

Go Chargers !


This info was shared from
http://franklinchargers.org/2015/11/10/super-bowl-sunday-november-15th/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 12

The Town Council will meet for the first time since newly elected on Thursday, Nov 12 at 7:00PM. After swearing in, the first order of business will be to organize by electing a chair, vice-chair and clerk.

Town Council Agenda for Nov 12

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/11122015.pdf

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Annual Craft Fair - Saturday, Nov 14th

In it's 42nd year, the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Annual Craft Fair is coming up!! It's a perfect opportunity to shop for the upcoming Holidays, Birthdays or any Special Occasion . . . or just for yourself! 

We host 70+ crafters who make a wide range of items. The event is a fundraiser with money going back to our local community. Last year we gave $5,000 to eight local non-profit organizations.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends

We'll be collecting non-perishable food items for the Franklin Food Pantry too! Admission is $3 per person over 12 years old. 

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, November 14th. It will be located at Tri-Country Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond Street in Franklin. 

The event runs from 9 am to 3 pm. There will be a baked goods table, a 50/50 raffle, as well as a raffle for items donated by the crafters. Please join us!

Tri-County to host Annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale - Nov 23-24

Tri-County Regional's student-run restaurant, Gerry's Place, will host its annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale on Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Assorted pies will be on sale both days, with prices ranging from $9 to $11 per pie. In addition to pies, Gerry's Place will also offer 12-ounce containers of homemade turkey gravy at $4 each.  

Gerry's Place webpage image

Gerry's Place will not be open for dining during the sale. The restaurant will reopen on Tuesday, December 1. Normal restaurant operating hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Gerry's Place is closed on Mondays, half days, any day when school is not in session, and on days as announced. During operating hours, the Tri-County Pastry Display Case also offers a full assortment of seasonal and baked goods for sale. 

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

In the News: O'Malley, Douglas lead School Committee, HEMA gives appreciation brunch

The School Committee named a new chairman - Kevin O'Malley - in its first meeting since the Nov. 3 town election. 

The committee held a short reorganizational meeting Tuesday evening to name its new officers. 

The meeting was opened by Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski, and Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri swore in the newly elected members. 

Sabolinski then took nominations for a new committee chairman. Member Cynthia Douglas nominated O'Malley, who was approved unanimously. 

Douglas subsequently was nominated and was named the committee's vice-chairwoman.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151110/NEWS/151119066/1994/NEWS

Horace Mann Educational Associates, a human services provider that serves individuals with autism and other developmental disorders across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, recently held an appreciation brunch at the Milford DoubleTree Hotel to honor companies that employ individuals with disabilities supported by HMEA. 

The month of October marked the 70th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In recognition of these two observances, HMEA welcomed over 50 Massachusetts employers to the brunch.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151111/NEWS/151119695/1994/NEWS

Run Now Gobble Later at the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run

Run Now Gobble Later at the Franklin Turkey Trot 5K Family Run on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 AM. 

Online registration is open at www.feedtheneed.org. 

There will be free t-shirts to the first 100 people to pick-up their race packets. Along with free breakfast items and raffle at the end of the race.

Last year we raised $6175.00 and 1800 pounds of food at the race for the Franklin Food Pantry, let's keep the tradition going

Yes, it had snowed overnight before the race on Thanksgiving morning. Will it do so again?

Downtown Partnership, Garden Club to Decorate for Holidays - Sunday Nov 22nd

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will team up with the Franklin Garden Club to decorate the downtown on Sunday, November 22. Volunteers and helpers are welcome to help install wreaths, bows and greenery.

Holiday wreath from December 2014

Interested volunteers will meet Beautification Chairperson Eileen Mason at 9 a.m. on the center island. Community service hours are available for students; groups and teams are encouraged to participate. Help is also needed on Saturday, November 21, at Hillside Nurseries to sort greens.

 

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to this event can contact Mason at emason4234@gmail.com. Sponsorship information is also available on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

UNITE to Face Addiction: Important November Dates

Tuesday, November 10th, Dr. Mehmet Oz will once again shine a spotlight on the addiction crisis sweeping the country. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and actress Mackenzie Phillips will join the nationally syndicated show. Tuesday's Dr. Oz show will describe a project, in conjunction with Facing Addiction (FacingAddiction.org) and Drugs Over Dinner (DrugsOverDinner.org) to hold a National Night of Conversation on Thursday, November 19th. On this night, we are asking folks to have a conversation about addiction with the people around their dinner tables. The Dr. Oz Show team developed a parental discussion guide to help with the conversation. It can be found at DoctorOz.com. The guide was created with assistance from Facing Addiction, SAMHSA, NIDA, and the National Council on Behavioral Health. Please post a picture of an empty dinner plate or the below graphic on social media starting today. The plate symbolizes support for this national turning point in our willingness to face addiction and indicates that this particular meal is not about the food. It's about the conversation. Whether or not you plan to host a dinner, please post the plate graphic so that others can see it and take action. Please use #nightofconversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Here are sample posts to circulate over the next 10 days (and please include the plate graphic): We're proud to partner with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Facing Addiction and Drugs Over Dinner in a campaign called #nightofconversation, a national project to get families talking about drugs. Learn more on tomorrow's Dr. Oz show and host a dinner on November 19! More info at DoctorOz.com. See this empty plate? On Nov. 19, fill it with conversation with your family about drugs. #nightofconversation Watch the @DrOz show tomorrow to learn about #nightofconversation, a time for a family talk about drugs. Join @FacingAddiction @DrOz @DrugsOverDinner 11/19 for a #nightofconversation among families about drugs. Thank you for taking part in this life-saving initiative. Sincerely, The Facing Addiction Team         Unite To Face Addiction · The UNITE to Face Addiction rally is being organized by Facing Addiction Inc., a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis, as well as an independent coalition of national, state, and local non-profit organizations.

In the News: Open space plan, softball registration, partial prescriptions

Selections from Today's Milford Daily News that would be of interest to Franklin

Franklin is in the process of updating its 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan and invites residents to be a part. 

The purpose of the OSRP is to create a document through a public input process that will guide Franklin in its efforts to maintain and enhance the community’s open space and recreation resources. Officials hope to have a new plan in place for 2016. 

In order to complete a plan that represents the opinions, desires and needs of the community, the Department of Planning and Community Development is attempting to gather information in a variety of different ways

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151109/NEWS/151106272/1994/NEWS

Franklin Girls Softball spring registration is open for all players ages 4-16 years old, and will close Feb. 1, 2016. 

Pitching and catching clinics will begin in January. Spaces are limited and fill fast.
For information on registration, clinics and leagues, visit fgsafastpitch.org.

The article was shared from the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151109/NEWS/151106240/1994/NEWS

U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark and other members of the Massachusetts delegation are hoping to remove one barrier that is keeping pharmacists in their home state from taking a simple action to reduce the amount of prescription pain killers that can end up in the wrong hands. 

The lawmakers, along with 38 colleagues from other states, are asking the Drug Enforcement Administration to clarify existing regulations to permit the partial filling of opioid prescriptions. The Massachusetts legislature is considering legislation to allow for partial filling but that would not overcome the current DEA prohibition.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151109/NEWS/151106211/1994/NEWS

Happy Anniversary!

Some things change, some things don't.

Eight years ago the Senior Center was celebrating its opening.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/11/senior-center-entrance-area.html

The common room was filled for the Senior Center open house on Sunday, Nov 11, 2007

There is a Building Committee working on completing the interior 2nd floor and expanding the parking to accommodate the increased usage.

Eight years ago, the Center Commons was still getting the exterior brickwork completed.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2007/11/franklin-center-commons-building.html

brick work underway in Nov 2007 at what is now the entrance to The Cake Bar

A couple of months ago, Dean College completed the purchase of the building to add to their dormitory options.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/dean-college-buys-franklin-center.html

FranklinMAtters.org began publishing regularly becoming the citizen powered journalism site that it is today. Readership has continued to grow. 

Franklin Matters readership growth from November 2007 to November  2015

How can you help?

• If you like this, please tell a neighbor. 
• If you don't like this, please tell me.

Through this feedback loop, I can continue to provide good information for you.


If you want to stay informed on what matters in Franklin, you can subscribe to receive a daily dose of what matters via email (yes, only one email daily. It should arrive in your Inbox just after 9:00 AM each day.)

Subscribe by following this link http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Thank you!

Franklin Federated Church launching $500,000 restoration campaign

Historic buildings to get needed repairs, better accessibility

The Franklin Federated Church will launch a $500,000 capital campaign in November aimed at funding substantial repairs and updates to the church's historic buildings.

The campaign: Restoring our Church, Building our Future, will officially kick off with a celebration event at the church at 171 Main St. on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 10 AM. A festive worship service will be followed by activities throughout the church building, including a family photo booth with props, tours of the church, a variety of food and more. Anyone in the community is warmly invited to attend.

The 300-member Franklin Federated Church has an active worship life and Christian Education program and its members and friends participate in a variety of small groups – from movie, book and art groups to a youth group and two women's groups. The congregation is a Welcoming and Affirming congregation, meaning that all people are invited to be a part of the mission and ministry of the church.

The congregation supports organizations locally and around the world, such as the Franklin Food Pantry, the Santa Foundation, New Hope, the Boston Grow Clinic and Church World Service. The church also hosts a variety of organizations in its building: Meals on Wheels uses the kitchen, Temple Etz Chaim uses the sanctuary for high holidays, and the Girl Scouts and other organizations meet within its walls. The congregation also mentors a student pastor from Andover Newton Theological School each year.

The Franklin Federated Church became "federated" in 1941 when the First Congregational Church and the First Baptist Church came together as one. The two congregations began worshiping together after the hurricane of 1938 destroyed the First Baptist Church's building on School Street.

The First Congregational Church's history is entwined with the town's founding. The church was formed in 1738, when it broke off from the Congregational Church of Wrentham. This effectively marked the beginning of the Town of Franklin, which had previously been considered the West Precinct of Wrentham.

The current church building, constructed in 1895, features a sanctuary with a high vaulted ceiling, exposed wooden beams and large stained glass windows. The church building needs substantial work to repair damage from age and the elements, and to improve the accessibility and functionality of the space.  Some necessary improvements include replacement of the heating system, work to both roof and foundation to stop the incursion of water, and the installation of upgraded fire safety and electrical systems. The parsonage, which sits next to the church and which was built in 1868, is also in need of new heating and drainage systems. The parsonage houses the pastor, Rev. Charley Eastman, and his family.

 "Our spiritual home represents more than a Christian church structure.  It is a tangible symbol of Franklin's history; a place to find fellowship and God waiting for our hopes, celebrations, concerns and cares," said Tom Pfeifle, a member of the church and co-chair of the campaign.

Franklin Federated Church

The church voted unanimously on Sept. 27 to undertake the campaign, after a feasibility study projected that the church can raise $500,000 over the next three years. Each person pledging to the campaign will also be invited to dedicate a portion of that pledge to the RESEPCT program of New Hope, whose mission is to end domestic violence in 54 communities, including Franklin. The RESPECT program works to hold individuals accountable for their abusive behaviors and to help them learn non-violent communication skills.

"As we restore our home, we will also help to restore families through the New Hope RESPECT program," Pfeifle said.

Franklin Federated Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the American Baptist Churches, USA.

For more information, contact the campaign co-chairs: Allen Sawyer, allen.sawyer@comcast.net or 508-346-3120; and Tom Pfeifle, nashpfeifle@gmail.com or 857 362 2935.

FHS field hockey wins 3-1 to move on, girls soccer drops out by 1-0

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of the FHS field hockey team beating Dennis-Yarmouth 3-1 to advance in the playoffs. The FHS girls soccer allowed only the second goal all season (to the same player who had the 1st) and lost to North Attleboro 1-0.

Field Hockey - D1 South

#4 Franklin, 3 vs. #5 Dennis-Yarmouth, 1 – Final 

– Caroline Lounsbury scored off a rebound with 59 seconds left in the first half to give the Panthers a boost going into the halftime break. Franklin carried that momentum into the second half as Diana Griffin doubled the lead just 30 seconds into the second frame. 

Head coach Lisa Cropper said freshman Annie Walsh scored a “beautiful top shelf” goal off a “sweet” pass from classmate Cassi Ronan to make it 3-0. Sam Jones made six saves, including two “incredibly athletic” diving saves with three minutes left to keep the lead.

FHS celebrates the win topping DY by a 3-1 score

Franklin moves on to play against Mansfield (at Mansfield) on Nov 11 at 2:00 PM

Girls Soccer - D1 South

#11 North Attleboro, 1 @ #3 Franklin, 0 – Final

Hana Caster was the only player to score a goal against the Franklin defense during the regular season. On Sunday afternoon at Pisini Field, Caster also became the only player to score against the Panthers in the postseason and in the process knocked Franklin out of the tournament in the Div. 1 South quarterfinal. 

Caster scored just nine minutes into the game to give North Attleboro a lead that it would never relinquish. The 1-0 victory advances the Rocketeers into the semifinal and ends Franklin’s streak of sectional final appearance at three (and four of the last five). 

If there were any nerves going against the league champions, North Attleboro certainly hid them well. The Rocketeers, coming off a 3-2 win against Davenport champion Oliver Ames, started well with pressure in the midfield and quick transitions to the front two of Haley Guertin and Caster.

FHS plays a corner kick in the 1st half of the game on Sunday

Continue reading the article online here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/rocketeers-continue-upset-run-with-win-at-franklin/


For the remainder of the fall playoff action around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-110815/

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: October 2015 Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on October 2015 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Latest real estate figures for Norfolk County still show a favorable real estate market, but one with concerns nevertheless as noted by Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. "Overall real estate activity for October 2015 continued to be strong with the number of deeds being recorded increasing 6%, with 1,587 being transacted as compared to 1,502 in October 2014. The total volume of commercial and residential sales also increased by 6%," noted Register O'Donnell. "However, what we need to watch closely though is the average sale price of commercial and residential property which for October was $596,261, a 6% reduction compared to the October 2014 figure. Last August, we saw a 2% reduction in the average sale price so we need to figure out whether this is a market aberration or not," stated the Register. The mortgage market continues to be red hot in Norfolk County. The number of mortgages recorded for the month of October was 2,541, an 11% increase from the previous year. Dollar wise, total mortgage borrowing increased by a whopping 182% to $3.4 billion. This number, however, was greatly impacted by an $811 million mortgage taken out against a property in Braintree and Quincy. Another piece of good news was a 53% reduction in the number of foreclosure deeds recorded, with only 14 filings taking place in October as compared to 30 in October 2014. However, that news was tempered by an increase in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgages recorded. A total of 101 Notices to Foreclose Mortgage were recorded last month versus 71 in October 2014. "Notice to Foreclose Mortgage is the first step in the foreclosure process. This increase is a clear indication that the economic expansion we have seen in eastern Massachusetts has not lifted all boats. Some of our neighbors are still hurting," stated Register O'Donnell. "My office," noted the Register, "is committed to partnering with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to ensure homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender are getting the help they need. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333." On another consumer front, Homestead recordings increased 9% in October compared to one year ago. Homestead recordings provide limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Norfolk County continues to experience a thriving real estate market. However, there are still some questions to grapple with: Will the average real estate price continue to fall slightly or has the market correction concluded? Will low inventory adversely impact the market? Will a rumored Federal Reserve rate increase cause a slowdown? As a newscaster might say, stay tuned for further details." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at 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 Deeds webpage

In the News: Franklin Ford, downtown marketing

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest to Franklin

The state of Massachusetts, Franklin Ford and Ford Motor Company have joined forces to raise funds for the transportation of veterans to VA medical facilities in Massachusetts. 

On Sunday, Nov. 15, from 12 to 5 p.m. All are invited to take a test drive at Franklin Ford, 175 East Central St., Franklin and Ford Motor Company will donate $20 for each participant to the DAV. 

Along with this promotion, there is special pricing for DAV members and all veterans. 

This program will help pay for 5 new vehicles to be distributed to Massachusetts medical facilities.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151108/NEWS/151106452/1994/NEWS

Members of the Franklin Downtown Partnership heard at the group's meeting last week about efforts to market the downtown area. 

Town Planning Director Bryan Taberner and partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana spoke on the matter at the Nov. 5 partnership meeting. 

"We've been meeting with a Dean College marketing class and working on branding," said Taberner. "It's closely related to work being done by the Cultural Steering Committee."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151108/NEWS/151106526/1994/NEWS

#StateWithoutStigMA campaign launched! (video)

A short video of Governor Baker announcing the #StateWithoutStigMA campaign to mark addiction as a disease. The announcement was made on Nov 4th.

screen grab of State Without StigMA webpage

For additional information on #StateWithoutStigMA visit the webpage here
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/stop-addiction/state-without-stigma/


Franklin has been officially reported as having 1 death in 2012, 2 in 2013, and 3 in 2014. By an unofficial count from the social media channels, I think we have already doubled the 3 for this year to reach at least 6 for 2015 (thus far). 6 is far too many.

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/quality/drugcontrol/county-level-pmp/overdose-deaths-city-town-october-2015.pdf