“This could potentially create havoc with budget cuts.’’

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on changing the regulations to manage storm water for several years. The regulations are now about to be released, finally.

"Nearly every summer over the past decade, toxic algae blooms, fueled by warm weather and contaminated runoff, have coated parts of the Charles River. Now the federal government is poised to issue sweeping regulations ordering a cleanup, a move expected to cost some river municipalities tens of millions of dollars. 

The regulations, which federal officials say will be issued next month and take effect later this year, have sparked a range of concerns in cities and towns near the river. In Franklin, for example, where the river runs for several miles, local officials estimated the regulations would cost residents an average of $300 a month, and at least $62 million over 20 years, to do things like capture and treat more water. 

Environmental Protection Agency officials said federal dollars will help pay some of the costs."

- See more at: http://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/article_popover.aspx?guid=54c5b29f-ed89-4132-b7f3-21010c61c105#sthash.ICNM1Q3j.dpuf

catch basins at Sculpture Park were put in with an EPA grant

• EPA grants awarded

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/10/in-news-epa-grant-for-franklin-downtown.html

• In Nov 2013, no word on when the EPA storm water fees would be real

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/11/live-reporting-finance-committee-nov-12.html

• In June 2010, calls for the EPA to come up with the money

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/06/epa-should-come-up-with-money.html

• Notification of the meetings in May 2010

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/05/downtown-revitalization-project-and-epa.html

Franklin Fire and Police - St Patrick's 5K - March 19

The Franklin Police Patrolman Association and The Franklin Permanent Firefighters Association Local 2637 are teaming up to bring a 5K road race to Franklin. 

The race is scheduled for the Saturday after St Patrick's Day, March 19, 2016. It is a fundraising event for the two Associations with proceeds going back in to the Community. 

In the past we have donated to charities such as, Franklin Youth Sports, the Random Smiles Project, Special Olympics and many other great organizations. 

Please show your IRISH on race day!

Franklin Police and Fire St Patrick's 5K - price increase set for Feb 27

Event details and schedule

Parking at the EMC parking lots Constitution Blvd, Franklin

• Elite runners check in will be 9:00am
• Elite runners start time - 10:00am

• Non Elite check in 9:30
• Non Elite runners- 10:30am

There will be a 50/50 Raffle.

Come join us post race with friends and family at Coles Tavern. They have generously donated the downstairs function hall. We will draw the 50/50 raffle here. There will be a cash bar and chips and salsa will also be provided.

Franklin Fire and Police - St Patrick's 5K - March 19

Register online

http://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/franklin-police-and-fire-st-patrick-s-day-5k-2016

Facebook event page

https://www.facebook.com/events/977580025634012/

New Mountain Bike League Forming in Massachusetts

Good Afternoon, 

My name is Rob Rood. I am writing to you because there is a new racing league forming in MA/RI/NH. 

I am the head coach of the team that will cover Bellingham/Franklin. The goal of the league is simple, to grow interest in mountain biking in New England among kids, grades 5-12. The racing is just to add an element of fun into the whole endeavor! 

We are having an info night about the team and the league at the Bellingham Town Library on March 1st @ 5:30pm. Attached is the flyer. (see below)

Would it be possible for you to post the flyer on your site? 

Some more info on the league can be found here http://www.nehsca.com (New England High School Cycling Association) 

We'll be showing a movie called SingleTrack High to the kids and parents https://vimeo.com/95958080

screen grab of  NEHSCA webpage

FHS boys basketball ties for league title with win over North Attleboro

Boys Basketball

• Franklin, 77 @ North Attleboro, 39 – Final 

– Freshman Jay Dieterle dropped in a team-high 19 points as the Panthers claimed their first league title since 2012. With the win, Franklin won a share of the Kelley-Rex title with Mansfield. Sophomore Connor Peterson had 12 points and senior Tim Prunier added 10 points.

FHS Panthers

Girls Basketball

• North Attleboro, 45 @ Franklin, 54 – Final

See all the results around the Hockomock League on Monday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-022216/

Indoor Track 

• State meet results featuring Hockomock League athletes

http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-indoor-track-results-from-miaa-indoor-track-all-state-meet/

Boys Swim

• MIAA Division meet results

http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-swim-results-from-miaa-division-meets/

Message from FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

FHS Community,

Franklin High School will open as scheduled on Monday 2/22.

Last Monday night, the Main Office area of the high school experienced considerable flooding due to broken pipes above the Principal's Office as a result of the extreme cold and subsequent warm weather. Work is underway and will continue over the coming weeks to repair damage to the main office. Town and school officials are working with the architect and original contractor to resolve this issue as soon as possible.

We expect preparation work in the main office to be complete tonight and we will work to restore files and technology during the day tomorrow. Please understand that the main office may be delayed in responding throughout the day tomorrow as we work to bring the office area back to capacity. I encourage you to contact house offices, guidance or athletics directly with questions so that we can serve families efficiently.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Peter Light
Principal

FHS in the rain

Franklin DPW: Memorandum of Agreement 2015-2018

Side Letter - Attachment B

Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance at the Franklin High and Horace Mann Middle Schools

Not withstanding the settlement of the parties' 2015 to 2018 collective bargaining agreement, the parties shall have continuing discussions about the impacts of the Franklin High School outside grounds, court yard and new athletic playing fields.

The expected impacts and costs to maintain these new areas with current staffing levels of DPW personal are unknown. ·

Specifically, the costs associated with the man power, equipment and materials needed to maintain the school grounds can only be estimated. It is anticipated with the burden of maintaining these new areas at the High School, man power and resources will be drained from other areas of the DPW. The current overall "high maintenance level" at the Town and School departments will suffer not only at the High School, but at other Town and School facilities.

From July 1, 2015 through November 2018 the Town will have the right to outsource the following work to determine the cost of labor and resources at the High School and Horace Mann Middle School:

• Mowing and trimming of all "passive grass areas" i.e.: lawns around school buildings, lawns around parking areas, islands in parking areas, MS4·green spaces, and any area that is not used for athletics.
• Providing and installing Mulch to all planting beds.
• The picking up of litter in all passive grass areas mulched planting beds.
• Spring and Fall clean-ups, which may include mowing, weeding, leaf pick-ups for all "passive grass areas" outlined above and planting beds.

Due to the skill set of present DPW personnel and equipment already owned by DPW, DPW will continue to maintain all "active grass areas" i.e. sports fields at the High School and Horace Mann Middle School, which will include mowing and trimming of grass areas, litter pick up, and emptying of all trash containers. It also may include limited fertilization and line painting as determined by Director.

The Town has the right to outsource such work, subject to three conditions:

1. No member of the bargaining unit will be laid off solely as a result of such outsourcing.
2. The Town will bargain with the union about any demonstrable impacts on conditions of employment.
3. The Town will provide a copy of the bid documents for the out sourcing of said work, all costs associated with said work for future discussions.

This was part of the set of documents released for the Town Council agenda 2/24/16 (page 43 of 45)

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/02242016.pdf

Or a copy of the single page here:

one of the new ball fields at Franklin High School

FHS boys hockey tops Taunton 7-0

Boys Hockey

• Taunton @ Franklin, 7 – Final 

– Alec Gilliatt and Luke Downie each scored a pair of goals for the Panthers, who clinched the Kelley-Rex division title outright with the win.

http://www.hockomocksports.com/sundays-schedule-scoreboard-022116/

FHS Panthers

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is providing a friendly reminder to consumers that you don't have to spend time and money to drive to the Registry to view land records since they are available online via the Registry's internet-based document research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "Consumers can see up to 5,000,000 scanned land document images dating back to the founding of Norfolk County in 1793. These documents are available via our internet-based document research system. "Providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information, coupled with our on-site customer service center, is critical to our success at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," said Register O'Donnell. Elaborating on the Registry's research capabilities, O'Donnell said, "Land record information can be researched by multiple options, including the name of the property owner and property address. Consumers can access our internet-based document research system for many endeavors, to determine property ownership, to research land titles, to review land plans (not plot plans which are not recorded at the Registry) and finally to confirm that documents affecting a person's property - such as mortgage discharges - have been duly recorded." The Registry's website also provides information on how to obtain copies of land documents. The Registry copy charges are $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for cost of postage. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry. Norfolk County residents and businesses deserve a Registry of Deeds that provides them with access to land record information in an easily accessible and consumer friendly manner. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org can do just that." 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

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Feb 24, 2016

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– January 20, 2016, February 3, 2016

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
– Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

E. APPOINTMENTS

• Disability Commission
• Election Workers
• Council on Aging

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

1. Spectra Energy 

2. Conservation Commission

- Delcarte Property 

- Wetland Bylaw

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 
– Community Liaison Update

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 16-08: Appropriation: Facilities Van
2. Resolution 16-09: Rescind Borrowing Authority (Resolution 15-15, Purchase and Renovation of Improved Property for Franklin Recreation Department) Fund Through Appropriation
3. Resolution 16-10: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Department of Public Works, ASFME – Local 1298, Council 93 and the Town of Franklin

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- Pending or threatened litigation

1. Proposed Excelon expansion of Medway electric generating facility pending before Energy Facilities Siting Board.

P. ADJOURN

The documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/02242016.pdf

DelCarte in fall color

Rotary offers fantastic Youth Leadership Conference opportunity for High School Sophomores

The Rotary Club of Franklin is actively searching for qualified candidates to attend this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference! To be held from June 24 - June 26, 2016 at Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA, the 24th Annual RYLA Conference will offer outstanding high school sophomores an opportunity to live, work and interact together in an atmosphere of friendly competition. 

It will be a program designed to challenge the participants to utilize and improve their skills and accept the responsibilities of leadership. Best of all, there is no charge to the students for the program! The Rotary Club of Franklin will sponsor 5 participants at this year’s conference. 

• The applications are due March 1, 2016. 

Julie Rougeau, local Committee Chairperson, said that participants would be selected from young women and men who have exhibited leadership abilities and who will be entering their Junior year of high school in the fall. The Rotary Club of Franklin has contacted local high school guidance counselors (Bellingham, Franklin, King Phillip, Medway and Tri-County Vocational), youth organizations and other sources for nominations of conference participants. 

Aimed at developing the leadership potential of young men and women, the conference will feature many thoughtprovoking events including interactive Leadership Labs, exciting guest speakers, and challenging mental and physical activities that will provide the participants with a chance to excel amongst and with their peers. Topics will include decision-making, critical thinking, communicating effectively, ethics, and public service. 

Anyone interested in obtaining further information should visit http://www.ryla7910.org/ or contact: Julie Rougeau at jrougeau@comcast.net or 508-541-4424 or any other member of the Franklin Rotary Club.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

FHS wrestling team finishes 8th at MIAA State D1 meet

The FHS wrestling team competed at the MIAA State meet on Saturday and finished 8th in Division 1. Thanks to Hockomock Sports for posting the results to share.

FHS Panthers

DIVISION 1

Teams
1. Chelmsford – 161
8. Franklin – 67
41. Mansfield – 6
45. Taunton – 1

PLACEMENTS (weight class then finish position)

• 106 = 6. Jordan Carlucci, Franklin
• 113 = 3. Mike Racca, Franklin
• 138 = 7. Dylan Maclean, Franklin
• 220 = 3. John Miller, Franklin

For all the Hockomock wrestling results (Div 2 and Div 3)
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hockomock-wrestling-results-from-miaa-wrestling-state-meets/

In the News: Learn to skate, homeless resources challenged, Light up the Sky for Change

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

It was Learn to Skate Day at the Franklin arena, but it wasn't just any skate session. Members of the Boston Bruins organization and Blades, the big, brown Bruins mascot, mingled with the kids, handing out tips, high-fives and a hand after a spill. 

The Bruins organization stopped by the rink as part of Hockey Weekend Across America - a set of nationwide outreach programs to get children more interested in, and dedicated to, the sport. 

"Honestly, it takes me back. I remember when I was a kid, I did this in Medford. It's awesome to come out here with Blades and some of the Ice Girls," said Andrew Veneziano, the Boston Bruins youth hockey coordinator. 

"It gets kids on the ice, helps build a love for the sport."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/youth-skate-day-gets-kids-ont-ice-with-bruins-mascot-in-franklin

Advocates for the homeless are calling for additional resources to help people break a cycle of poverty. 

“I often feel like I’m offering people a treadmill to nowhere because it’s so difficult to help get them to a better place,” said Jim Stewart, director of First Church Shelter in Cambridge. 

The high cost of housing, access to regular medical care and discrimination are among the challenges the homeless face in Massachusetts.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/homeless-advocates-call-for-change

As the last glimmers of sunset faded into night, people trickled on to Fino Field Saturday, all with the same idea in mind: honor those who've lost battles to addiction. The intent was to launch Chinese lanterns, but the windy night quashed that idea. Instead, they gathered in a circle with candles and said the name of a loved one lost to addiction. 

Matt. Jimmy. Kelly. Ken. Gabe. Meghan. Rachel. Scott. Jenn. Amy... 

More than 100 people attended the Missin' Matt Foundation's Light Up The Sky for Change event. After a moment of silence, event organizers were able to light off three lanterns as the crowd watched on from the Fino Field parking lot.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160220/big-turnout-at-milford-event-to-honor-lives-lost-to-addiction

REALLY URGENT: Towns can apply for Intervenor Status for Eversource's petition to DPU (15-181) for pipeline tax!

Dear Greater Franklin Node members and friends,

If you want your town to apply for intervenor status and make comments in DPU's consideration of Eversource's application of a "pipeline tax," you need to urge your town officials to submit written comments by this Thursday, February 25. 

FORWARD THIS WHOLE EMAIL TO YOUR TOWN OFFICIALS RIGHT AWAY. 

Carolyn Barthel

Greater Franklin Node, 350 Mass

*************************

Below is a letter from Karina Wilkinson of Food and Water Watch in Massachusetts:

Do Weymouth or any of the other towns on the Access Northeast route want to try to intervene in Eversource's petition to the DPU? Do any of your groups want to ask for an extension to the February 25th deadline to give more groups and towns time to consider it?  You can send comments to the docket until February 25th at this point. See the link below.

It would be very helpful if municipalities on the Access Northeast project line would intervene in Eversource's petition to the DPU to be allowed to contract for the gas with Spectra/Algonquin and to impose a tariff on ratepayers to pay for the project.  Intervene and oppose it. 

The Notice from the DPU is here and it includes information on how to comment or intervene.  The deadline is very close, Feb. 25th, though there will be a second hearing in Walpole on May 23rd.
http://web1.env.state.ma.us/DPU/FileRoomAPI/api/Attachments/Get/?path=15-181/Notice_of_Filing.pdf

Karina Wilkinson

Food and Water Watch Local Coordinator MA

No Spectra Pipeline sign on Franklin lawn

Senior Center: A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Mar16connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center in winter rain

Catholic Memorial tops FHS boys basketball team 87-64

Boys Basketball

• Franklin, 64 @ Catholic Memorial, 87 – Final 

– Senior Tim Prunier and freshman Jay Dieterle each had nine points for the Panthers.

http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-021916/

FHS Panthers

ESPN provides the detailed write up on this game

"With a full arsenal of offensive weapons and the ability to implement their patented defensive pressure all over the court, the Catholic Memorial Knights had no issues enacting some revenge on the visiting Franklin Panthers. 

The Knights suffered their first loss of the season when they fell at Franklin, 92-87, last December and Friday’s rematch with the Panthers started in troublesome fashion, as Franklin jumped out to a 9-4 lead in the opening minutes. 

Yet the defending Division 1 State Champions were able to respond with a quick 8-0 run, cement their lead with a 14-0 run to make it 44-22 in the middle of the second quarter, and squash any hope for the opposition by opening up a 41-point lead towards the end of the third quarter. 

Despite a late run from Franklin’s reserves in the fourth quarter, Catholic Memorial (17-2) coasted to an 87-64 win, which marks their 31st consecutive victory at the school’s Ronald Perry Gymnasium."

Continue reading the article online
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/high-school/post/_/id/40835/boys-hoop-recap-no-1-catholic-memorial-87-no-20-franklin-64

Franklin Federated Church reaches $500,000 Restoration Campaign Goal

Franklin Federated Church is pleased to announce that it has successfully met its goal of raising $500,000 in donations and pledges to fund substantial repairs and updates to its historic buildings, and to support an area nonprofit dedicated to healing domestic violence.

A total of 95 families and individuals pledged $500,815 to the campaign. Nearly $172,000 has been received, and the rest is pledged to be donated over the next three years.

"The success of the Restoration Campaign will ensure that Franklin Federated will be able to continue to support not only the Town of Franklin, but the community at large for many years to come," said campaign co-chair Allen Sawyer. "The members of the congregation and surrounding community never cease to amaze me with their hard work, dedication and generosity."

The funds are already being put to use to address issues with the structural integrity, safety and heating systems of the buildings. New gutters, downspouts and ice melt cables have been installed on the historic 1895 church building, and grading work is being done at the foundation level to stop the incursion of water which was damaging ceiling and walls inside. Electrical panels have been upgraded in the church, new heaters have been installed in the nursery and classrooms, and the concrete front walkways have been replaced. Work is about to begin to eliminate mold and drainage issues in the basement of the parsonage, which is next door to the church and houses the pastor and his family.

Future work that is in the planning stages will include replacement of the church and parsonage boilers, improvements to the church's fire safety system and accessibility, and restoration of the stained glass windows.

In keeping with the Franklin Federated Church's mission to give back to the community, $17,000 of the funds being raised will be donated to the New Hope RESPECT programs. The RESPECT program reaches out to, and helps restore, families in Franklin and neighboring communities that are broken down by violence.

Franklin Federated Church 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 Meals on Wheels, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, the Franklin Food Pantry, the Santa Foundation, New Hope, the Boston Grow Clinic and Church World Service.

Franklin Federated Church

The church's history is entwined with the town's founding. The First Congregational 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 First Congregational Church joined with the First Baptist Church in 1941, forming the Federated Church. The two congregations had begun worshiping together after the hurricane of 1938 destroyed the First Baptist Church's building on School Street.

For more information or to contribute to the restoration project, visit ffcrestoration.weebly.com.

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

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 2/19/16 - THU 2/25/16

FRIDAY 2/19/16
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at the Franklin Art Center

SATURDAY 2/20/16
9am-4pm  Book Sale at the Franklin Public Library with live entertainment by Betty Kushner (9-10am)
1:30-2:20pm   Try hockey for FREE! at Pirelli Veteran’s Arena
7pm  Light up the sky for change at Fino Field in Milford

SUNDAY 2/21/16
9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library (fill up a paper bag with books for only $5)
3:30pm   LiveARTS presents: Cynthia Raim, piano - at FUSF.

TUESDAY 2/23/16
1:30-3pm   Knitting Circle at the Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board Meeting at the Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 2/25/16
6-8pm   Sip and Save with Statera Financial and Ladimer Law at Pour Richard's
6:30pm   Genealogy Club Meeting at the Franklin Public Library
7pm   Franklin Wine Club: Girl Scout Cookies and Wine Tasting at Franklin Liquors
7pm   Franklin SEPAC Workshop: Medication and Your Child presented by Dr. Lum, Pediatric Neuropsychologist

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

FHS boys hockey lose in OT, girls hockey score 4 in 3rd period to win

FHS Panthers

Boys Hockey

• Franklin, 2 vs. Marshfield, 3 – Final (OT) 

– The game counts as a tie for MIAA purposes.

Girls Hockey

• Franklin, 4 vs. Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake, 2 – Final 

– Franklin scored four goals in the third period to rally for a win.

For the other results around the Hockomock League on Thursday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-021816/

Tri-County Student Council Hosts Collection Drive for Homeless Veterans

The Student Council at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School recently hosted a collection drive for homeless veterans.

During the event, the students collected clothing and toiletries from members of the Tri-County community. On Friday, February 12, Student Council members Damaris Carter, of Medway, Hannah Galante, of Franklin, and Ashley O’Handley, of Plainville, turned in six boxes full of toothpaste, deodorant, winter jackets, and other essentials to representatives from the VA Medical Center in West Roxbury.

The idea for the collection drive began as a suggestion from freshman Adrianna Celeste, of North Attleborough. Celeste was inspired by the work of her grandmother, Fran Costa, who collects items to make care packages for homeless veterans.

The Student Council at Tri-County consists of four students from each grade who were elected by their peers to serve as the overall student governing body. In addition to their regular Student Government duties, this group is responsible for planning and coordinating civic, social, fundraising, and community service activities.

Fran Costa meets with Tri-County students Ashley O’Handley, Hannah Galante, and Damaris Carter, to organize items donated by the Tri-County community for homeless veterans

In the News: DelCarte playground closed again, try hockey for free

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The playground at the DelCarte Conservation Area - which was closed for much of last summer - is once again facing problems, town officials said. 

The Pleasant Street playground - notable for its slide that resembles a tree - first opened in fall 2014, but was shut down for some time last year. 

"Last winter or early spring, we discovered the playground had structural issues," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. "It was closed off for many, many months."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160218/franklin-problems-recur-at-delcarte-playground

DelCarte playground as closed in May 2015

The Franklin Youth Hockey Association will hold a Try Hockey for Free event from 1:30 to 2:20 p.m. Feb. 20 at Veteran’s Arena, 910 Panther Way. The event will provide ages 4-9 a free experience to try youth hockey. 

A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow, and children do not need any previous skating or hockey experience.The event is sponsored by USA Hockey and will be supported by the Boston Bruins. 

The Bruins will send their youth hockey coaches, street team and mascot, Blades. 

To register, visit tryhockeyforfree.com/register.php?e=6315.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160218/franklin-youth-hockey-to-hold-try-hockey-for-free-event