Reminder: Women's Success Network - Feb 3

Women’s Success Network (WSN) invites you to join us for an evening of networking and connecting on Wednesday, February 3 from 6 – 9PM at Lake Pearl in Wrentham. The program is conducted by WSN’s own members and it consists of Table Topics: a selection of topics of expertise based on the women who are speaking. Come learn about everything from Health and Wellness to Investments and Real Estate, and Legal, from Mediation to Social Media and Blogging and many other topics.

screen grab of Women's Success Network webpage

WSN is one of the oldest and largest women’s networking group in Massachusetts. WSN offers a supportive environment for women to grow their businesses and build strong and lasting relationships. The monthly meetings feature networking, dinner and speakers related to business or personal growth. WSN members are fun, supportive, and energetic. The evening is geared for women to network with one another and we welcome guests to join our monthly meetings.

Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. To register for the next meeting and find out more details please visit https://www.wsninc.org by Tuesday, January 26th, 2016.

Downtown Project Update #22

Released January 21, 2016

Verizon ground crew will be on site Tuesday (the 26th) or Wednesday (the 27th) to transfer the line on Main St. They are there now doing overheard work in preparation for that.

Jersey barriers on the railroad bridge

This update was shared from the official Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/022FBC5B-000F8513

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Promotes Campaign Against Real Estate Fraud

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Campaign Against Real Estate Fraud Continuing his efforts to protect homeowners against dishonest individuals, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminds residents about the availability of a free on-line Consumer Notification Service offered by the Registry to protect Norfolk County property owners against fraud. "The F.B.I. has reported that property and mortgage fraud is one of the fastest growing white collar crimes in the United States. Multiple jurisdictions across the country have reported individuals recording fraudulent documents and making it appear like they own another person's home or property. While we have been fortunate that this problem has not revealed itself here in Norfolk County, I want to make sure my office is proactively and vigorously protecting consumers," noted Register O'Donnell. Any owner of real property in the twenty-eight communities comprising Norfolk County can sign-up for the Consumer Notification Service free of charge by doing the following: Go to the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org, and click on the Consumer Notification Alerts button to complete the initial registration. From there, follow the remaining sign-up instructions. Once you have signed up for the service, each subscriber will be able to input two names, individual or business, and the corresponding city or town in Norfolk County for monitoring. They can monitor their real estate for such activities as changes in deeds, mortgages, non-mortgage liens, homesteads or other land documents that might be recorded against the property. If a document is recorded against one of the names inputted for monitoring, the subscriber will be alerted via email, usually within 24 hours. The person can check the Registry's on-line land research records at www.norfolkresearch.org as an option. If a subscriber believes a fraudulent land record has been recorded against their property, they should immediately contact the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The subscriber would also be given a list of public safety referrals by the Registry. Register O'Donnell concluded, "As your Norfolk County Register of Deeds, I take very seriously the Registry's responsibility to provide secure, accurate and accessible land records for all Norfolk County communities. I also want to be proactive in ensuring that there is no fraudulent activity related to land document recordings. By offering the Consumer Notification Service, we are able to provide a level of protection to the program's subscribers against unscrupulous individuals who would attempt to commit real estate fraud." 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

"most municipalities have seen savings of $100 per family"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The town is making progress in an initiative to lower electricity bills for local residents, officials reported at the most recent Town Council meeting. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said at the Jan. 20 council meeting that he had tasked new deputy town administrator Jamie Hellen with exploring municipal aggregation opportunities for the town. 

"He's been full steam ahead into that," Nutting said. "He'll probably be able to report back to you in 30 to 45 days, and we're looking forward to that."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160124/franklin-research-on-municipal-aggregation-progressing-officials-say

Alexis Frasca is recognized, the billboard proposal was a no-show, and Pond St generated a lot of feedback

The summary of the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, January 20.

Recognition

The Town Council recognized Alexis Frasca recently selected as Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2016. Alexis is a senior at FHS and captain of the cheerleading squad. She had just arrived from cheer practice to be recognized. Chair Matt Kelly read the proclamation.

Alexis Frasca listens to Chair Matt Kelly read the proclamation

Digital billboard

There was a brief discussion on the absence of those proposing a digital sign to be placed along i495. The presentation has been made to the Economic Development Committee meeting ans was scheduled to be picked up by the Town Council. Despite the no show, there will be a future meeting scheduled to review the proposal.

The proposal document as shared at the EDC meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/ion-ball-proposal-for-franklin-digital.html

Pond St

Much of the meeting centered on the discussion around the status and plans for the Pond St property. Jeff Nutting provided some background and an overview of the three options: (1) accept the current RFP response for some condos, (2) put a new RFP out for a hotel or ??? (3) do nothing.

Many of the community present for this discussion commented and or raised questions. The Town Council will take this information to a discussion at their next meeting to determine how they will proceed. The decision at that time will be around what resolution will need to be crafted for the official vote.

rendering of the condo current proposal

So while this will be resolved soon, the actual final decision could take time depending upon what the Council chooses to do. If they do nothing, that would be the quickest route to an ending. If they either accept the current RFP the discussion to fine tune the current proposal will commence. As Franklin owns the property, it can work with the purchaser to confirm the details (setbacks, access to MIne Brook, mix of 2 or 3 bedrooms, etc.) all the items as discussed, before getting an official deal which the Council would need to approve. Then the proposal would have to navigate the Planning Board and other zoning regulations before actually doing something.

If the Council chooses to go out for another RFP, we take several steps back in time to begin the process over again. Stay tuned.

• Live reporting: Action items to Closing
• Live reporting: Billboards and Pond St
• LIve reporting: Town Council - Jan 20, 2016

The agenda and documents released for the meeting

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-20.html

Franklin Garden Club to hear about multi-season shade gardens

The February meeting of the Franklin Garden Club will feature a program on creating multi-season shade gardens on Tuesday, February 2 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, located at 26 Daniel McCahill Street. The program is open to all residents.

Paul Steen, a certified master gardener, will discuss the variety of plants that can be used to create an interesting and diverse shade garden, as well as various garden designs. A retired physician, he has been gardening for more than 50 years and manages a one-acre shade garden. 

Steen has served as an instructor at Tower Hills Botanic Garden, where he has taught courses on shade gardening, home greenhouse management, and tropical plants. He is a member of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, where he is an Overseer and Past President of the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association.

Franklin Garden Club

The Franklin Garden Club was founded in 1987 and became a member of The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. in 2015. The Club sponsors a variety of educational programs. Members volunteer to plant and maintain the Veteran’s Memorial Garden at the Town Common, distribute pine tree seedlings to all first graders in Franklin schools, and provide a scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing an education in environmental or horticultural studies. Membership is open to all area residents. For further information, visit the Club website at: http://gcfm.org/franklingc/Home or email franklingardenclubma@gmail.com

MassBudget: A Preview of the FY 2017 Budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. A Preview of the FY 2017 Budget   Next week the Governor will file his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2017. Funding provided in our state budget can be how we improve the education we provide for our children, how we maintain our roads, bridges, subways and other critical infrastructure, and how we protect and strengthen the economic security of all of our people. But in recent years we have struggled to make these types of effective investments. A long-term pattern has plagued Massachusetts for more than a decade: deep cuts in recessions, barely balanced budgets in the best of times, and chronic structural budget gaps. Each of our last three Governors has taken office facing substantial budget gaps. And each has left office with substantial budget gaps. Why? The data provides a very clear answer: the state cut taxes by over $3 billion between 1998 and 2002 and has never been able fully to close the budget gap created by those tax cuts. The majority of the gap has been closed by annual budget cuts that have compounded over time: since FY 2001, unrestricted local aid has been cut by 43 percent, funding for higher education has been cut by 19 percent, support for environment and recreation accounts is down 28 percent, and there have been similar cuts throughout much of state government. MassBudget's A Preview of the FY 2017 Budget provides an overview of both the specific challenges facing the Commonwealth this year and troubling longer-term trends. We see that tax cuts that are reducing revenue by over $3 billion a year have undermined our capacity to make the investments in our people and communities that could make our economy more productive and our Commonwealth an even better place in which to live, work, and raise a family. To read the full Preview, click HERE. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab of MA Gov budget process webpage

For the complete step by step process of the MA budget
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/Process

FHS wrestling wins 2, loses one match on Saturday

The FHS wrestling team picked up two wins (Beverly and Salem) and lost to Central Catholic on Saturday, January 23. The weather caused the postponement of the hockey double header. The hockey games will be rescheduled but the date/time is not yet available. The results via Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers

Wrestling

• Franklin @ Beverly 

The Panthers beat host Beverly (49-18) and Salem (36-12) to pick up two wins but lost to Central Catholic (52-19).

Girls Hockey

• Franklin vs. Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake – Postponed to TBA

Boys Hockey

• Taunton @ Franklin – Postponed to TBA

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Sturday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-012316/

Valentine Chocolate and Wine Tasting - Feb 9

Just in time for Valentine's Day. Chocolates and wine pairings and bring your sweetheart, your BFF, your neighbor and join the good folks from the Sugar Shoppe and Franklin Liquors for an evening you won't soon forget!

Explore the world of decadent chocolate and a minimum of 6 fabulous wine pairings. There is simply nothing better. The Sugar Shoppe's Courtney Nappa and Franklin Liquor's Mark Lenzi will show you the way for this educational sit-down tasting.



And, a portion of your registration will go towards helping someone in need through the Sugar Shoppe, a local non-profit candy store working with local businesses to help raise money for homeless moms and kids in joint community efforts.

When:

Tuesday, February 9 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Sign up online at Franklin’s Lifelong Learning (link on our Facebook page)
http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/LSDOofferingsDetail.cfm?ID=1563&tbl=course

Tonight's Franklin v Taunton game has been postponed due to weather

Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) tweeted at 11:56 AM on Sat, Jan 23, 2016:

Tonight's Franklin v Taunton game has been postponed due to weather. @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey @In_The_Slot @MetroWestSports @RattleCity
(https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/690941078954967040?s=03)

Tonight's Franklin v Taunton game has been postponed due to weather. @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey @In_The_Slot @MetroWestSports @RattleCity

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) January 23, 2016

Franklin senior Jake Downie scored a pair of goals, including the game winner in the first period (Weds 1/20/16). (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

MBTA: Franklin Line notice - operating on a normal weekend schedule

The Commuter Rail is operating on a normal Saturday schedule today. For your safety, please allow additional time to traverse parking lots and platforms. 

Saturday 1/23 and Sunday 1/24, winter weather is forecasted for the Boston area. The commuter rail will be operating using the normal weekend schedule.  

Visit MBTA.com (http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/) or a Boston station for a copy of the schedule. 

Last updated: Jan 23 2016 11:53 AM

Franklin line train headed to Franklin/Dean and to Boston

FHS boys basketball tops Attleboro, FHS girls swim tops KP

In the winter sports action on Friday, the FHS boys basketball team topped Attleboro while the girls lost. The boys lost to KP in the swim meat while the girls won. All results via Hockomock Sports.

FHS Panthers

Boys Basketball

• Franklin, 63 @ Attleboro, 53

– Final – Franklin was led by freshman Jay Dieterle, who scored 16 points. Paul Mahon added 13 for the Panthers. Jake Dunkley had 17 points and five rebounds and Kyle Murphy added 13 points and 12 boards for the Bombardiers.

Girls Basketball

• Attleboro, 56 @ Franklin, 48 – Final

– Emily Houle led the Bombardiers on Friday with 22 points.

Swimming

• Franklin boys, 59 @ King Philip boys, 100 – Final
• Franklin girls, 100 @ King Philip girls, 68 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League on Friday, Jan 22
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-012216/

Franklin Public Schools: Update on Pattern of Unspecified Threats

A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good Morning-

If you have been watching the news you know that a pattern of unspecified threats have been directed at schools in Massachusetts. We can report that the Franklin Public Schools have not received any threats. However, we have taken precautions to assure the safety of our students and faculty.  

The Franklin Police have been in communication with us about these incidents and we have reviewed protocols with our School Resource Officers. Our district and building administrators have been directed to review safety protocols for threats with office personnel teachers and staff. In the event of a situation, we will follow our administrative protocols and will communicate to all stakeholders.  

We thank you for your support and understanding as we endeavor to maintain a safe learning environment for our students and personnel.

Respectfully,

Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent

Sally Winslow, Assistant Superintendent

FHS in the rain

Recent news

• The Boston Globe report on threats to MA schools

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/01/19/arlington-high-school-closing-early-after-threat-bombing-shooting-received/4dZJToXJ3R4BMH2N3NNOtK/story.html

• CBS Boston reports on 15 MA communities receiving threats this week

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/01/19/schools-closed-bomb-threats-massachusetts-recorded-messages/

• NH schools close in December

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/12/20/nashua-schools-closed-violent-threats/77676674/

• LA schools close in December

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/15/us/los-angeles-schools-closed-threat/

Franklin Library: Celebrating Ireland

Join us for a lively and authentic program embracing Irish history and culture in story and song. 

Irish story and song - Franklin Library - Jan 24

Three well-known musicians, Mary King, Phil Edmonds, and Dublin-bred Hughie Purcell bring Ireland to you! 

The Celtic soul is alive and well in the stories and songs you will hear, and your ears and eyes will smile. 

For more information, please visit www.celticharpri.com

Franklin Library - Music of Ireland - Jan 24 - 3 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/01/v-behaviorurldefaultvmlo.html

Franklin Public Schools - Summer Program - Registration is Open

Summer Program 2016 Registration is Open! Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute Summer Math Academy creations Welcome to Summer 2016! We are excited to offer creative, enriching, and academically supportive courses this summer and introduce new programs such as Code to the Future, TV Production, Chorus Camp, and Summer Musical Theater.  Classes are available for students entering Kindergarten to Grade 12.   Register on our website: www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com select Summer  Franklin Public Schools ~ Lifelong Learning Institute Summer Program 2016 lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us/508-553-4814 A lifetime of learning.

Forward this email FPS- Lifelong Learning | 355 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038