Pond St sold, lots of voting action, not all unanimous

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday, March 23 accomplished a number of items. All councilors were active for this meeting with Mercer participating via phone (which required all votes to be roll call). 

Pond St

• After several tries over many years, the Pond St property was finally approved for sale. The developer can build up to condominium 99 units, 60 x 2 bedroom and 30 x 3 bedroom. This was part of the contention on the vote that resulted in 6-3 for. At least one councilor was against the sale period, the other two seemed to be more concerned about the mix of units looking for less 3 bedroom units which should bring in less children. Pfeffer, Jones and Mercer voted 'no'.

Intermunicipal Support Agreement

• The Town Council approved setting up this agreement with the neighboring communities. This will further enable collaborative actions by the local police force when something occurs and the incident begins to cross the town boundaries. 

Zoning bylaw changes

• Two bylaws were approved at their second reading. One to enforce the snow storm parking restrictions on public lots. One to enable the DPW to gain access to a residence to change the water meters.
• The first reading on the bylaw to enforce alcohol training for all those who serve was also the subject of a contentious vote. The measure as discussed in the prior meeting was to have an effective date of 9/1/16 to allow for sufficient time to implement this without posing too much of a burden upon the establishments. Jones moved to amend to change the date to July 1. It was voted down 2-7. The bylaw was moved to second reading on a 9-0 vote.
• One bylaw was referred to the Planning Board for their action before it could come back to the Council for a public hearing, two readings, and a final vote. This was to rezone some parcels along West Central St to residential. This was moved on a 8-0 vote (Bissanti abstaining).
• Other recent bylaw changes also resulted in some relatively quick action to bring forward a proposal. No mention was made in this case as to who stands to benefit. It was not worthy that Councilor Bissanti recused himself from the discussion for this item.

Library temporary location announced

The other interesting update occurred during the Town Administrator's update when it was announced that the temporary location for the Library would be 25 Kenwood Circle. An agreement to obtain the space was to be signed on Thursday. The Library would close on Apr 8th to begin the move of the circulation items, books, etc. The Library would re-open in May and operate from this location until the construction/renovations completed some time in 2017.

Ben Franklin will still read outside the Library, but everyone else will need to get their books at a new location beginning in May, 2016 as the renovations close this building

The Town Council "actions taken" as published by Franklin:

Town Council meeting available for video replay
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=339

Franklin Matters live reported notes during the meeting:

• Live reporting: Closing
• LIve reporting: Legislation for Action
• Live reporting: Town Council - March 23, 2016

Hockomock All Stars: FHS Wrestling and Hockey

The official Hockomock League Wrestling and Hockey All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league, were published by Hockomock Sports. The Franklin athletes who were recognized are shown here.

Wrestling

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Jordan Carlucci, Franklin
• John Miller, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Mike Racca, Franklin

For the complete list of all the Hockomock teams
http://www.hockomocksports.com/2016-hockomock-wrestling-stars-hms/

FHS Panthers

Hockey

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Tyler Oakes, Franklin
• Nick Jasinski, Franklin
• Jake Downie, Franklin
• Jack Chaffee, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Jeremy Miller, Franklin

For the complete list of all the Hockomock teams
http://www.hockomocksports.com/2016-hockomock-hockey-stars-hms/

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing - Lauren Albee

Tri-County Regional senior Lauren Albee was recently named a 2016 Runner-Up for the National Center for Women and Information Technology Aspirations in Computing Award.

Albee, a Computer Information Systems student from Medway, received several prizes, including a laptop, a glass trophy, and a certificate of recognition. She was also awarded a $10,000 scholarship to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a $20,000 scholarship to the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing honors young women for their computing-related achievements and interests. Recipients are chosen for their technological aspirations, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.

Lauren says she was encouraged to apply for the award by her teacher, Kim Zogalis. Organizers took particular interest in Lauren's involvement with the school's First Robotics team. Lauren has been a member of Team 3236 for three years.

Tri-County Regional senior Lauren Albee

In addition to First Robotics, Lauren was captain of the Varsity Soccer team during her senior year, a member of the Student Council, and a student representative for Tri-County's Administration Council.

"All of us at TC are very proud of Lauren,” said Tri-County Principal Michael J. Procaccini. “She is one of our CIS leaders and has put together a long list of accomplishments this year. CIS is an exceptional program and Lauren is an exceptional young woman.”

Lauren plans to attend Johnson and Wales University in North Miami where she will major in Criminal Justice and continue her studies in the Information Technology field. She believes her background in technology will be valuable in her collegiate studies and her career due to the prevalence of Cybercrime.

In the News: students take initiative on depression, FPSA schedules ballet performances, Adult Ed plans an evening of the arts

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Three students in Tri-County Regional’s Medical Careers program are leading an effort to inform their peers about the signs and symptoms of depression and healthy strategies for coping with stress. 

Hollyann Edwards, a junior from Norfolk, and Ashley Barratt and Hannah Goudreau, both sophomores from North Attleborough, took on the initiative as part of their SkillsUSA Community Service Project, which will be presented at the State Leadership & Skills Conference in April. SkillsUSA is a national professional organization for career and technical students that provides leadership, citizenship and character development programs. 

The students are working alongside their classmates in the Students Against Distracted DrivingClub to educate their peers. They are also receiving assistance from Tri-County’s Guidance Department."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160325/tri-county-students-leading-depression-awareness-initiative

screen image from Tri-County webpage

"The Franklin School for the Performing Arts Ballet Conservatory will present three short ballets, "Class Concert," "Graduation Ball" and "Western Revelries," at 2 and 6 p.m. April 2 and the Black Box Theatre, 15 W. Central St., Franklin. 

The production features about 50 area dancers from FSPA’s Ballet Conservatory Division and is a mixed bill that highlights the dancers’ versatility and provides students with the opportunity to explore different facets of their technique."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160325/fspa-ballet-conservatory-to-present-three-ballets-in-franklin

"The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning will hold a Music and Art Appreciation Night at 7 p.m. April 14 in the Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak St. 

Entertainment will include the center’s adult chorus Franklin Forte, a student cello ensemble, guitar students and art on display. The presenters will be Matthew Macaulay, Jill Noddin, Brent Selby, Steven Sergi and Gail Eckberg. 

The event is free to attend."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160325/franklin-high-school-to-host-music-and-art-appreciation-night

Acevedo Public Lecture: Celebrating 150 Years of Poetry in America 1865-2015

Presented by: Marsha Nourse, Associate Professor of Literature and Inaugural Acevedo Literary Scholar-in-Residence

April 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in Atrium (inside Dean College Campus Center, 99 Main Street, Franklin)

Marsha Nourse

• FREE and Open to the Public

Which poets were the heartbeat and the spirit of contemporary America in the decades of Dean Academy, Dean Junior College and Dean College? In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of Dean College, a course was developed this Spring to celebrate 150 years of American poetry, studying one poet in each decade from 1865-2015. From the traditional American poets including Longfellow, Dickinson and Whitman, through the journey of the modernists including Carl Sandburg, Langston Hughes and Robert Frost, to the souls of contemporary poets Alan Ginsberg, Robert Bly, Jane Kenyon and others, students were immersed in the voices of American poets and their lives. The lecture will feature a multi-media presentation on the poets and poetry in the course, and an historical backdrop on and off the Dean campus.

MBTA seeking Commuter Rail T-Alert feedback with 'Satisfaction Survey'

Interested in giving us feedback on Commuter Rail T-Alerts and subscription options? 

Click here to tell us more! http://tinyurl.com/jxhpwks


Sent by the MBTA.

Franklin Line heading to Forge Park Station

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 3/25/16 - THU 3/31/16

FRIDAY 3/25/16
9am   Peter Cottontail’s Eggcellent Adventure 2016 at the FHS (register on Franklin Rec Dept. website, ages 1-9)
9:30pm   Kids Paint (Easter Bunny and Egg) at the Franklin Art Center

SATURDAY 3/26/16
12:30pm   FYHA: Try Hockey for Free - Girls only! (ages 7-12) at Pirelli Veterans Arena

TUESDAY 3/29/16
1:30pm   Knitting Circle at the Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Charles River Meadowlands Meeting at Franklin Fire Station on King Street.

THURSDAY 3/31/16
6:30pm   Genealogy Club Monthly Meeting at the 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

FHS Girls and Boys Swim Team Hockomock All Stars - 2016

The official Hockomock League Girls and Boys Swimming All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league, were published by Hockomock Sports. The Franklin athletes who were recognized are shown here.

FHS Panthers

GIRLS

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE MVP

• Leah Zogby, Franklin

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Ashley Loomis, Franklin
• Leah Zogby, Franklin
• Colleen Proulx, Franklin
• Jennifer Ayotte, Franklin
• Helen Huang, Franklin
• Molly Brown, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Megan Lazarek, Franklin

For the complete list of all the Hockomock teams
http://www.hockomocksports.com/2016-hockomock-girls-swimming-stars-hms/

BOYS

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL STARS

• Connor Bourgeois, Franklin

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Roy Wang, Franklin

For the complete list of all the Hockomock teams
http://www.hockomocksports.com/the-2016-hockomock-boys-swimming-all-stars-hms/

"we had to bring it up to code"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"New details as to how the $10.5 million Franklin Public Library renovation will take place were revealed this week. 

At Wednesday's Town Council meeting, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said a Kenwood Circle building would likely serve as a temporary location during the work, which will close the main building. 

The library, he said, will probably close around April 8, and the temporary location would open in early May."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160324/franklin-library-project-details-revealed

Ben Franklin statue at the Library

Marcov Sharp Gymnastics = The 2016 Massachusetts Xcel Platinum State Champions

Marcov Sharp Gymnastics in Bellingham has won the 2016 Massachusetts Xcel Platinum State Championship. The championship competition, hosted by USA Gymnastics, took place March 12 at Hanover High School. Fifty-seven teams and 300 girls competed throughout the day. 

The state champions started their winning ways in December. Taking home first place team awards across the state as well as in Florida at the Magical Classic. The girls had a dream season and ended it with the most important title State Champion. The girls are coached by Rodica, Nick and Paul Marcov. The team members are: seniors Amanda Rutkowski (Bellingham), Christina Goncalves (Hopkinton), Justine Sutherland (Medway), Mackenzie Gallant (Sherborn); Junior Megan Keith (Medfield); Sophomores Alexis Juszczyszyn (Franklin), Kyla Aldred (Franklin); Freshman Jessica Reno (Franklin); and 8th Grader Hannah Macomber (Franklin). 

The girls didn't stop with just the team title, many earned individual awards. Out of all 300 competitors, Christina Goncalves earned 1st place All Around and Jessica Reno was 3rd All Around. Both girls will represent Massachusetts at the USA Gymnastics Regional Championships in May. Only the top 7 seven gymnasts in the state earn the opportunity to be on the State Team. Megan Keith also qualified to compete at the Regional Championships in the All Star Division.

Placement continued for the team where they earned individual medals on the four events: Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor and trophies for All Around. Christina Goncalves (1st All Around, Vault, Bars, Floor); Jessica Reno (1st All Around, Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor), Megan Keith (3rd All Around; 1st Beam; 3rd Bars); Alexis Juszczyszyn (2nd All Around; 1st Vault, Floor; 4th Bars); Mackenzie Gallant (6th All Around; 4th Bars); Amanda Rutkowski (7th All Around; 4th Bars); Kyla Aldred ( 4th All Around; 1st Beam); and Hannah Macomber (4th Floor).

Marcov Sharp Gymnastics is a year round gymnastics school that has both competitive teams and recreational programs. They are located at 260 Maple Street in Bellingham and information can be obtained on their website marcovsharp.com or by calling 508-966-3808.

2016 Massachusetts Xcel Platinum State Champions

Fitness For Active Older Americans AND Meditation, Too

The Center for Adult Education  and Community Learning  at Franklin Presents Fitness For Active Older Adults AND Meditation, Too Fitness For Active Older Adults Beginning Tuesday, April 5 for 8 weeks     It's never too late to feel great! Our new Active Older Adult (AOA) class is for men and women in their 50's, 60's, and 70's! This exercise class is designed to help active older adults like you, not athletes, interested in improving their life through exercise. Class combines three key components of fitness: Strength Training, Flexibility, and Cardio Conditioning and is taught by a certified instructor. Each class is a full hour, held indoors once each week, given in a fun environment making it the fitness choice for Active Older Adults. Note: Bring your favorite free weights with you...2 lbs. to 8 lbs., your choice.  Register online now. Just click here                                           Meditation Workshop   A Sunday morning session at Tranquil Souls Yoga on May 1   Join us for a blissful 75 minutes of relaxation and mediation that will leave you refreshed and revitalized. We will start with a group discussion on mediation, then move though some relaxing yoga and breath work that will transition into a guided mediation and finally an optional individual mediation. You will leave feeling ready to start your own mediation practice at home or expand your existing practice. Returning students welcome. Register online now.Just click here Contact Contact: Brenda Reed, Director Adult Education & Community Learning 508-613-1480 reedb@franklin.k12.ma.us www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com Adult Education Register Today "Instruction ends in the school-room, but education ends only with life." - Frederick W. Robertson

FPS- Life Long Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Liquors shares their Easter Sale and Specials

Check out the Easter Newsletter from Franklin Liquors. It shares their food and wine guide with Special Selections and Easter Sale Items

Franklin Liquors will be open Easter Sunday 10AM-2PM

Happy Easter from Franklin Liquors

For more on Franklin Liquors visit them on the internet at  http://www.franklinliquors.com/

Hockomock Area YMCA Youth Sports Leagues Enrolling

The Hockomock Area YMCA is accepting registrations for sports leagues that support healthy lifestyles and instill a positive self-image in kids. During the season, which will run April 9 - May 28, kids will have a great time playing Soccer and T-ball with YMCA expert coaches and friends.

boy with soccer ball

Soccer players will develop and improve fundamentals like dribbling, passing and kicking. Those enrolled in T-ball will develop baseball skills that include catching, throwing and hitting. All leagues are run in a positive and structured environment to ensure every child has fun and thrives

Everyone plays and everyone is part of the team. Don’t wait, call today to save $15 through March 27. Options include:

• Soccer – coed teams will meet Saturdays at the Y as follows: Ages 3-4, 9:00-10:00 am; ages 5-6, 10:00–11:00 am; ages 7-10, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Cost is $84 for members or $126 for program members (through March 27) and includes a t-shirt.
• T-ball – coed teams will meet Saturdays at the Y as follows: Ages 3-4, 12:00-1:00 pm; ages 5-6, 1:00–2:00 pm. Cost is $84 for members or $126 for program members (through March 27) and includes a t-shirt and ball cap.

girl playing tball

The Hockomock Area YMCA will host an outside celebration for families on the last day of leagues. To register, please call or visit the Hockomock Area YMCA today. Financial assistance is available to those who could benefit and is provided from The YMCA Annual Campaign. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

Bernon Family Branch: 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin, 508-528-8708 | Sports Director: Jeff Moore 774-235-2720, jeffm@hockymca.org. Prices listed will increase by $15 each on March 28, 2016.


About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a notfor-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Petition to Governor Baker Opposing New Gas Pipelines

Dear pipeline fighters:

I am attaching a petition that is being circulated state wide, that calls on Governor Baker to drop his support for new fracked-gas pipelines in Massachusetts. We want the Governor to know that we don't believe we need new multi-billion-dollar pipeline projects like the Spectra Access Northeast and Kinder Morgan Northeast Energy Direct, and that we resent being forced to pay for them through a surcharge on our electricity bills (a "pipeline tax").

I ask as many of you as possible to do the following:

1. Print out the petition and sign it!
2. Gather as many signatures as you can!
3. Ask other people to also gather signatures, and give them copies of the petition!
4. Send the petitions with signatures to the address below. It's also at the bottom of each page of the petition.

Please don't feel you have to fill every page before sending it in. Once you have gathered the signatures you are going to gather, send them in.

These petitions will be delivered to Governor Baker by some time in late May. The exact date is not completely clear yet.

The address to send them to is:

No Fracked Gas In Mass
90 Trow Road
Cummington MA 01026

Thank you so much! Anything you can do will make a difference!

sign on Franklin lawn

4th Annual Elks Care Elks Share 5K - May 7

The 4th Annual Elks Care Elks Share 5K is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Registration is open and available online   http://franklinelks5k.com/

Elks Care Elks Share 5K - May 7, 9:00 AM