Friday, April 8, 2016

Buck a Book - Book Sale at the Library on Saturday!

Help the Library minimize the number of books they'll move by taking out as many as you want (return in four weeks) or go to the Book Sale on Saturday and get books for $1 each.

Buck a book - book sale - Apr 9
Buck a book - book sale - Apr 9

This was shared from the Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/04/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

If you missed hearing about the pending renovations at the Library, that it will relocate to 25 Kenwood Circle for about one year while the work is being done, then you can catch up here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/multiple-updates-on-franklin-library.html

In the News: "Bible doesn't say that", Elks Care 5K, Sheriff speaks to Town Council

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Bible doesn't say that
The Bible doesn't say that
The author of “The Bible Doesn’t Say That!” will speak in Franklin on Monday, April 11, starting at 7 p.m., at the Franklin Federated Church,171 Main St., Franklin. 
An internationally acclaimed teacher, author and translator, Dr. Joel M. Hoffman brings “fresh insights and interpretations about religious life in the 21st century.” Well known for engaging both academic and popular audiences alike, Hoffman looks back through 2000 years of revisionism to the text as it originally was.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/franklin-houses-of-worship-to-host-the-bible-doesnt-say-that-author



"The Franklin Elks will hold its fourth annual Elks Care Elks Share 5K Road Race Walk and Run at 9 a.m. May 7 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 
The event will feature a 5K road race and walk through the neighborhood with trophies for the top three finishers in various age categories. Refreshments will be provided and T-shirts will be supplied to all who register online by May 1"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/franklin-elks-to-hold-5k-road-race-walk


"Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti spoke before the Town Council this week about strategies to prevent recidivism among area offenders. 
Bellotti, speaking at the council's Wednesday night meeting, said it is important to connect offenders with services before their sentences are up. 
"We hear time and time again - up to 90 percent of (offenders) have alcohol or drug issues," he said, adding that other problems - like a lack of housing or vocational skills - contribute to offending or re-offending. "What we try to do is assess where their deficits are."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160407/sheriff-speaks-to-franklin-town-council

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Earth Day trails project at the DelCarte Recreation area - Apr 23

Dear Franklin residents: 
We are writing to invite you to participate in an Earth Day trails project at the DelCarte Recreation area on Pleasant Street in Franklin. 
DelCarte is a 136 acre conservation area, managed by the Conservation Commission. This unique property offers multiple recreation opportunities for our Town residents including picnicking, birding, fishing, canoeing/kayaking or hiking along the dam, meandering past wetlands and through wooded upland trails. 
With spring’s arrival, it is a perfect time to refresh the trails and picnic areas, pruning back fallen branches, raking leaves, making sure trail markers are in place and low lying trails are passable. 
On Saturday, April 23rd , the Commission will be hosting a 1st annual clean-up of DelCarte, from 8am – 11am. The morning will include projects led by Conservation Commissioners familiar with the trails, light snacks, and an informative talk on our local wildlife led by Mass Audubon Sanctuary Director, Doug Williams. 
For more information call Conservation Commission at 508-520-4929 
Thanks so much for your participation. 
Sincerely, 
George Russell, AICP
Town of Franklin Conservation Agent
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
conservation@franklin.ma.us

an early morning view from the MBTA Franklin train to Boston
an early morning view from the MBTA Franklin train to Boston

  • Video from Dec 2012
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/12/delcarte-property-video.html
  • Video from Oct 2013
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/10/delcarte-property-video.html
  • Video from Mar 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/delcarte-property-winter-wonderland.html


This notification was shared from the official Town of Franklin page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02390411-000F8513

HMEA'S 15th Annual Fundraiser Of The Year Has A New Name And Look!


HMEA's incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun
will celebrate the ABLE in all of us!

HMEA's 15th annual fundraiser of the year has a new name and look!


HMEA's incredABLE Day
HMEA's incredABLE Day

HMEA's incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun raises funds to
help those with
Autism and other developmental disabilities
live up to their potential and reach for independence.

Sunday, May 22, 2016
8:00 am to 3 pm
EMC2 Corporation
Franklin, Massachusetts




HMEA's incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun includes a 5K walk, a kids' fun run and a 5K run that is registered and USATF Certified. Music, food and activities for the entire family await at the finish line. Thousands will attend. Thousands more will benefit from the services HMEA provides.

The incredABLE Walk, Run and All-Day Family Fun will be hosted by Gene Lavanchy from Fox 25 News and Steve Nelson, the all-time great New England Patriots' linebacker.  The event is generously sponsored by EMC2, Rockland Trust and Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

  • New incredABLE brand draws attention to what people with disabilities are ABLE to accomplish!


In celebration of the event's 15th year, HMEA rebranded the event to draw attention to the abilities — and not the disabilities — of the over 4,000 people in 110 Massachusetts communities it serves.

According to Doug McPherson, the event used to be called the Independence Run and Walk. "HMEA has been successful in helping people with Autism and other development disabilities become ABLE to live an independent life," he said. "We wanted to remind the general public that the people we serve are ABLE to contribute to their communities in profound ways."

The event also celebrates the families, care workers, educators and support staff who support HMEA's clients. "When a child or young adult is diagnosed with Autism or other developmental disabilities the entire family is affected. HMEA also helps families, school systems and medical personnel understand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities."

HMEA's incredABLE Day
HMEA's incredABLE Day

For more information on this incredABLE event visit www.hmea.org/incredable


About HMEA

HMEA was founded in 1961 on the basic principle that people diagnosed with Autism or other developmental disabilities have dreams for their lives. Our mission is to help them live that dream and our 700+ caring, committed and competent staff are dedicated to achieving that. We treat each person diagnosed with Autism or a developmental disability as an individual, with talents, abilities and challenges. And our care spans his or her lifetime — from the first few months of life through adulthood.      HMEA serves over 4,000 people who have Autism and other developmental disabilities throughout 110 communities in Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.hmea.org


1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - April 27

The Franklin Food Pantry and the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club have joined forces to co-host the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on Wednesday, April 27 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Franklin High School cafeteria. The event, which includes a simple meal of soup and bread, is meant to remind guests of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger.

Attendees will choose a hand-painted, ceramic bowl to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.” A silent auction will feature select pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club, and local youth, adult and corporate groups. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

“The Empty Bowls Dinner will bring together members of our community who are working together to fight hunger,” says Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “We hope it will be a powerful reminder of the many people who struggle to put enough food on the table. We are thrilled to partner with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club to address the vital issue of hunger. We look forward to attracting all ages at this family-friendly event.”

Students in the Empty Bowls Club have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year to be used at the dinner. “Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and instructor for the Empty Bowls Club. “It is rewarding for them to use their creativity to contribute to such a worthy cause. The true impact of their hard work will be felt on the night of our big event.”

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased at the Franklin Food Pantry. Seating is limited so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students. Payment must be made in cash or checks payable to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

The Pantry will hold “Box Office Hours” to sell tickets at its 43 W. Central Street location (on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station) during the following times:
  • April 7, 5 – 7 pm
  • April 11, 11 am – 1 pm
  • April 12, 4 – 6 pm
  • April 14, 5 – 7 pm
  • April 19, 4 – 6 pm
  • April 21, 5 – 7 pm
These ceramic bowls, made by students in the Empty Bowls Club at Franklin High School, will be given to guests at the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on April 27 at Franklin High School.
These ceramic bowls, made by students in the Empty Bowls Club at Franklin High School, will be given to guests at the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on April 27 at Franklin High School. 


Empty Bowls is an international grass roots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. The ceramic bowls are created throughout the year by the Empty Bowls Club and various corporate and community groups organized by the Pantry through its Empty Bowls Project. For more information on the dinner, or to arrange for your group to hold an Empty Bowls Project, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

FHS boys and girls lacrosse top Attleboro

Boys Lacrosse


  • Franklin, 13 @ Attleboro, 0 – Final

Girls Lacrosse


  • Attleboro, 3 @ Franklin, 16 – Final 

– Caroline Lounsbury netted a hat trick and Halle Atkinson and Lauren DeStefano each scored their first varsity goals. Head coach Kristin Igoe said Grace McDermott played well on defense, causing two turnovers.


http://www.hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-040616/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Tickets for shows this Fall now on sale!



Fall show tickets are now on sale.
Don't forget Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser on April 9th.
View this email in your browser

Tickets to fall shows are now on sale.

http://www.circlefolk.org/schedule.html

April 9    Billy Novick and Guy Van Duser
April 23  Forever Young - Neil Young Tribute Band
May 7    DALA with The Young Novelists
May 14  Jim Kweskin and Samoa Wilson

Sep 10   Garnet Rogers with Shawna Caspi
Sep 24   An Evening with Tom Rush
Oct 15   Jim Henry and Abby Gardner (Red Molly)
 
Copyright © 2016 Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Circle of Friends Coffeehouse
First Universalist Society
262 Chestnut St
Franklin, MA 02038

Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp

April is Autism Awareness month

April is Autism Awareness month.  In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month:
The Franklin Police Department has posted a new form on its website.  The form is for first responders and is designed to assist them in a search or interaction with a person who is on the Autism Spectrum.   
It has space for a description, emergency contact information, other characteristics and a photo can be attached.  If you have an Autistic Child or adult that you care for and would like to submit a form for us to have on file should we need to assist your loved one the link is attached.   
Paper copies are available at Franklin Police Dispatch also.   
All information will be kept strictly confidential.


The form

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/forms/Autism%20Elopement%20Alert%20Form%20Fillable.pdf

Franklin Police - 911 Panther Way
Franklin Police - 911 Panther Way


In the News: Council approves sidewalk project, Red Cross blood drive, Temple schedules seder, FHS SADD schedules walk

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Residents attending the Town Council meeting Wednesday night applauded after the council approved a $1.8 million sidewalk project. 
The council unanimously approved the work, which would install new sidewalks and repair existing sidewalks along Pleasant and Chestnut streets. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the matter came before the council last year, with the body voting to devote $50,000 for the design of the sidewalk. The town had subsequently gone out to bid on the project, with the total cost coming to about $1.8 million."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/franklin-council-approves-sidewalk-project


"The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 2 to 7 p.m. April 21 at the Franklin Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St. 
Eligible donors can give red blood cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. During a double red cell donation, two units of red blood cells are collected while most of the plasma and platelets are returned to the donor. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/american-red-cross-to-hold-franklin-blood-drive


"Temple Etz Chaim will host its annual Second Night of Passover Community Seder at 6 p.m. April 23 at the Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St. 
The event will include Four Questions, matzo ball soup, chopped liver, brisket and traditional Passover desserts. A vegan option will be available. 
Tickets will be discounted prior to April 18. 
For information and payment arrangements: 508-528-5337; temple-etzchaim.org."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/temple-etz-chaim-to-host-community-seder-for-passover


"The annual Students Against Drunk Driving Walk of Tears, in memory of Maura Howard, a graduate of King Philip Regional High School and Amy Callaghan, of Franklin High School, both victims of drunken-driving accidents, will take place at 11 a.m. May 1 at Franklin High School, 218 Oak St. 
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by the ceremony; the walk will begin at 11 a.m. The walk is approximately 3 miles, and refreshments and water will be available."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160406/franklin-high-school-to-hold-sadd-walk-of-tears


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Live reporting: to Closing


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Nutting
downtown project underway again

Hellen
The town is now on YouTube, go visit
the town signed a new contract to convert the website


L. OLD BUSINESS

Bissanti -
farm retail stand, draft due in two weeks
alcohol - notifications coming

Pellegri - is there a way to deal with problems with the builder
a private proprty matter, town has no legal jurisdiction
it is a fight between the condo association and the builder
we legally have no standing in their issue

Padula -
how is the playground coming along?
need to pour the concrete
still expected to be out at end of April to finish the work


M.NEW BUSINESS
Pellegri
a proclamation for people celebrating those turning 100 years old

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Jones - reads the Chief's announcement on autism awareness (to be posted to FM on Thursday)
did meet with Hellen and Sherlock on communications for Franklin
Jamie has been doing some excellent things

Dellorco
shout out for District Attorney to get 5 of us down to Atlanta for the drug summit
there is heavier stuff coming, it is already down south

1st drop in center at St Johns on Pleasent St

Bissanti
a great night to be a councilor, the sidewalks and recreation
I think the people are seeing and noticing that
Eagle scouts program at Methodist church coming

Pfeffer
lottery held for two affordable houses
seven candidates, 2 Franklin residents chosen
signed the P&S today

Library party on Friday, it closes this Friday
need some lights on Kenwood Circle, bids opening tomorrow

Pellegri
thanks to Roger for taking care of 150 Emmons
thanks to Steve Sherlock for the pictures taking all around town
May and June will be really started
statue making progress also


O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
not needed

P. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, passed 8-0


Live reporting: Legislation for Action

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

EDC meeting did discuss the blight bylaw
does the current bylaw have enough teeth in it?
yes, with the help of our building inspector, the attorney general's office is involved and working well
I think it is working, used with four properties are in the process

as far as commercial goes, looking for grant funds along the Downtown Partnership


  • Links for the associated documents can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-april-6.html


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 16-17: Ratification of AFSCME Local 1298, Public Telecommunications

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

8th contract agreed to this year, inline with other contracts

2. Resolution 16-18: Appropriation: Elections Expenses
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
the long election this fall has created the shortfall

3. Resolution 16-19: Appropriation: Veteran’s Benefits
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
75% of the veterans benefits are reimbursed, there is additional demands due to the only going and growing needs

4. Resolution 16-20: Appropriate and Authorize the Borrowing of Funds to Pay Costs of the Purchase of Sidewalks and Related Work – 2/3 Vote

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via role call)
estimate came in with bids less than forecasted, could get started this year and possible get most if not all this year, finish next year

down Pleasant to Griffin, then up Chestnut to RT 140

Padula - clarification, answered by Nutting

Max Morrengello
thanks for taking on this issue, great for property values and safety

Bill Leonard
thank you to Jeff for his ease of communication, the roads are a raceway
from a quality of life perspective, it is a going to be a good thing
thanks for being forward thinking an appropriating the funds for this

Christy
part of the Master Plan committee
am very much in favor of this
I want to remind you of the Master Plan goal to make this more walkable and bikeable
make DelCarte more accessible and to the other resources
a worthwhile investment

Donna Grant
long fellow drive, 
little fellows here went door to door to get notices out
they are my grandchildren and I applaud your good wisdom

Joanne Philip
our sons are about to be able to walk to school up the street
thanks for making this a safer place to race our kids

Jim Hill
30 years ago we lived on Pleasant St
26 years ago we moved away from the lack of safety issues
a car had crashed into the pole in front of our house
I commend the Council for this issue

5. Proposed FY 16 Capital Plan - Memo
no action required (action covered in Resolution 16-23)
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/FY%2016%20Capital%20Plan.pdf

6. Resolution 16-21: Appropriation: Fire Truck Stabilization Fund
Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via role)

part of the plan for paying for the trucks on a regular basis, put money aside
money to stabilization funds require a 2/3rd vote

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolution%20stabfd%2016-21%20firetruck.pdf

read in for the record the listing of the 16-23 items before taking the vote on 16-21 (which did pass)

7. Resolution 16-22: Appropriation: Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0 (via role)
Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolutionstabfd%2016-22%20athleticfields.pdf

similar to the fire truck process, saving money to replace the turf fields eventually, need a bid process, will also plan to resolve the infill to be used before the fields are replaced
need to keep the community informed on the infill material prior to any decision

Jones - I am glad this is starting to be addressed
Kelly - I am aware of a number of meetings on this


8. Resolution 16-23: Appropriation: Capital, FY 16

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve $1,938,607.09
see listing of items in agenda documents
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolution%20capital%2016-23%20FY16.pdf

plan presented an reviewed by FinCom and Council subcommittee, free cash down from last year, so choices had to be made

Fire Station #2 roof is about 15 years old and needs to be replaced due to water issues from leaks in 'old' roof


9. Resolution 16-24: Appropriation: Water Enterprise Capital FY 16
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolution%20wtr%20Enterprise%20capital%2016-24.pdf

study on wells 3 and 6

water and sewer on enterprise accounts supported by the rates paid by the users
the 'excess' money in the accounts is planned for usage for the capital accounts and other sundry expenses


10. Resolution 16-25: Appropriation: Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 16
  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/resolution%20swr%20Enterprise%20capital%2016-25.pdf

haven't upgraded the doors in a number of years, difficult to get in with multiple keys, replacing doors and key systems


11. Resolution 16-26: Appropriation: Recreation Improvements

  • motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Finance Committee vote unanimous to approve

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/Agenda/16-26%20Recreation%20improvements.pdf

Jones - anything we can do to support the children in athletics should be done

Nutting - hats off to Carlos and his folks for doing the good work

Bissanti - It almost makes me want to be a kid again in this town


12. Bylaw Amendment 16-757: Amending the Code of the Town of Franklin by Adding a New Chapter to Require That Property Owners Provide Notification to Public Safety Officials of the Existence of Certain Structures And/Or Uses – 1st Reading

motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-0

Chief McCarragher
1st to alert firefighters about the solar panels on roofs, can be an electrical hazard
can be more easily seen on pitched roofs, hard to see on flat roofs
signage requested for front of building
also on file with fire dept so they can have record of it
if you have had solar put on in the last few years, this does not apply


also needing info on hazardous materials
health hazards have a rating system to indicate the nature of the hazards contained within the buildings
help to save the firefighters from exposure
as the industrial parks emptied out, it was less of an issue
as the economy is picking up, the occupancy is growing, this adds a redundant layer of info

Jones - police and fire may shut off power at the house, solar is usually constantly live however, so this can be a help

Pfeffer - we have a major marijuana growing facility, what notifications do they have

McCarragher - I'd defer to the police chief, I do have a story on the permitting process that they went through, those plant growing facilities do consume a lot of electricity

Pellegri - question on a new chapter?
Cerel - it is really focused on property owners and made sense to make it separate from the hazardous material bylaw

Pellegri - we have so many permits required, who is doing that? 13 permits is too many, we should review that
McCarragher - we do have a couple of people who do this in their down time

Live reporting: Town Council - April 6, 2015

Present: Pellegri, Padula, Vallee, Kelly, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco, Jones
Absent: Mercer


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
– March 9, 2016, March 23, 2016
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0

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
none

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.

  • Jim Hill

regarding pipeline forum being put together by Sharon
all the communities that would be involved with the pipeline
what the impact is for each community
long list of special guest scheduled to speak at the forum (see listing) hoping to encourage some of the Council and administration take part to learn about the Spectra Energy project.
 
Being put on by citizens of Sharon


E. APPOINTMENTS
none

F. HEARINGS
none

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Michael G. Bellotti, Sheriff, Norfolk County

an overview of the Sheriff's office
sheriffs are all elected officials
avg detention is about 39 months
decreased from 380 to 320 employees over the past several years
90% of the budget is care and custody of those being held
half of the officers are sworn as deputy sheriffs
love working on K9 or other mutual aid arrangements
offenders coming in, up to 90% alcohol and substance issues
lack of vocational skills
assessment of the offender, where are their deficits
try to match them with a program either within the facility or outside organizations
manage some recovery home beds within Norfolk County
Northeastern Univ has been doing an ongoing study with the County
2 of 3 offenders do go through an enhanced program
they do get good time for doing the program
1 of 3 are recidivists, national average is about 65% so 33% is pretty good
what we are finding is that the offenders are much younger
no longer just an urban thing, heroin is evolving
investing in those stakeholders and making sure those limited resources are being spent on keeping people from coming back;
transition from incarceration to medium security to bracelet on a campus, earning their freedoms along the way
mandatory sentences hinder the step down process

it refreshing to see some many folks here some who have committed for years and others are new folks; thanks to the police chief for working with us in the community in a law enforcement role

would love to locate a youth academy in the area, a ropes course, or something of that nature
do have a model in Braintree that works

Dellorco - opened a drop in center in Milford last night, will open in Franklin next week
if they need help, we will get them help



4th Annual Elks Care Elks Share 5K - Saturday, 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
Elks Care Elks Share 5K - May 7, 9:00 AM

Reminder: FHS presents Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"

The Franklin High School Music Department proudly presents



Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.

The musical will be on Friday, April 8th and Saturday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m.
in the Franklin High School auditorium.

Tickets are $10.00 and will be available at the door.

FHS presents 'Beauty and the Beast'

Hockomock Sports Preview for FHS Girls Softball and Lacrosse

Girls Softball


FRANKLIN

  • 2015 Record: 14-10
  • 2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South first round
  • Coach: Kate Fallon


For the past few seasons, Franklin has been solidly entrenched as the third best team in the Kelley-Rex division, behind KP and Taunton, and also a team with the potential to make a run in the tournament. This spring, the Panthers will look to sustain that success with a number of new faces.

Senior Maddie Connelly returns as one of the team’s leading hitters and is a strong defensive outfielder. She will be joined by classmate Julia Arms and by Olivia Haba, as the Panthers look to fill the void left by Erin Hanley’s graduation. Seniors Caroline D’Aprile and Emily Sawyer will take over in the circle and try to replace Sabrina LoMonaco. In the infield, Olivia Di Giacomo returns at third base and classmate Alyssa DaSilva is back as well.

While there are question marks coming into the season, Franklin coach Kate Fallon is still expecting a strong year. She said, “We have some holes to plug from last years graduates, but we have a very hungry group!”



http://www.hockomocksports.com/softball-kelley-rex-division-preview-2016/


Girls Lacrosse


FRANKLIN

  • 2015 Record: 15-5
  • 2015 Finish: Reached Div. 1 East semifinal
  • Coach: Kristin Igoe Guarino


Franklin enters this season as it does just about every season, as the heavy favorite to win another Kelley-Rex division title. The Panthers will need to replace the scoring and all-around game of Emily Jeffries, but have plenty of players that can step in to fill that production.

Senior midfielders Kenzie Pleshaw and Emily Spath will continue Franklin’s strength in the middle of the field and Sam Jones will be back to lead the defense. University of New Haven-commit Julia Jette will spearhead the attack along with junior Kendall Reardon, last year’s Underclassman of the Year.

Freshmen Annie Walsh and Halle Atkinson will also step into the lineup and show the future remains bright for the league’s top program.

Head coach Kristin Igoe, who has loaded the schedule this year with six of the top seven teams in the state, said, “We have a lot of talent, and when we put all the little pieces together, it is fun to watch. Our goal is to win the Hock and make it back to the sectional final.”


http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-lacrosse-kelley-rex-division-preview-2016/

  Franklin is once again the favorite in the Kelley-Rex with senior midfielder Emily Spath one of the key returning players. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Franklin is once again the favorite in the Kelley-Rex with senior midfielder Emily Spath one of the key returning players. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

"We are providing a budget that is inadequate to the needs of a first-rate school system"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin
"The School Committee will likely discuss - and possibly adopt - a $58.3 million fiscal year 2017 budget proposal at its meeting next week. 
The proposal, if approved, would represent a 2.28 percent increase over the $57 million fiscal year 2016 budget. District Business Administrator Miriam Goodman said the committee has taken the proposal under advisement. 
"The School Committee has all of the information we've provided," she said, adding that the budget could possibly be adopted at that meeting."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160405/franklin-school-committee-considering-budget

decrease of 7 teachers and 3 FTE educational assistants for FY 2017 budget (2016-2017 school year)
decrease of 7 teachers and 3 FTE educational assistants for FY 2017 budget (2016-2017 school year)


  • The budget presentation from the March 22 School Committee meeting can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/fy-2017-school-budget-proposal.html


  • The video replay of the School Committee meeting is available here

http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=338


  • Franklin Matters's summary of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/this-budget-should-be-alarm-to-community.html

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

The Bible Doesn't Say That! - Acclaimed author to speak April 11 in Franklin

Spend an evening with Dr. Joel M. Hoffman as he presents a talk titled The Bible Doesn't Say That! on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main Street.

What does the Bible really say about violence? About marriage? About men and women? The Bible has been reinterpreted and misinterpreted almost from the day it was written, so most people reading the Bible now have very little sense of the original text. Come listen and learn as Dr. Hoffman peels back 2,000 years of revisionism to take a look at the Bible as it was originally composed.

A popular and engaging speaker, Dr. Hoffman focuses on bringing the Bible to life and is known for his "fresh insights and interpretations about religious life in the 21st century." An internationally acclaimed teacher, author and translator, he presents to churches, synagogues, community groups, and university audiences across the world. He holds a Ph.D. in linguistics and has served on the faculties of Brandeis University and Hebrew Union College.

The Bible Doesn't Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions, and Other Misunderstandings
The Bible Doesn't Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions, and Other Misunderstandings
Hoffman is the author of the popular books "And God Said: How Translations Conceal the Bible's Original Meaning" and "The Bible's Cutting Room Floor: The Holy Scriptures Missing From Your Bible." Writing under the pen-name "J.M. Hoffman," he has also authored the thriller series "The Warwick Files." His latest book, "The Bible Doesn't Say That: 40 Biblical Mistranslations, Misconceptions, and Other Misunderstandings" hit the bookshelves on February 16, 2016.

The event is sponsored jointly by Temple Etz Chaim, Franklin Federated Church, The Parish of St. Mary (Roman Catholic), St. John's Episcopal Church, Franklin United Methodist Church and The First Universalist Society of Franklin.

Admission is free, although donations are welcome.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Apr 20, 2016


Please note that the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is changing the date of our April meeting. Due to a conflict on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, we're meeting on Wednesday, April 20th

3 restaurant
3 restaurant
Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club
Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club
Please join us at 7:30 at '3' Restaurant. Our speaker will be Jeff Nutting, Franklin Town Administrator. He will be updating us regarding current events happening in Franklin. 

Light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.




Economic Development Committee - Apr 6 - 6:00 PM


"The Economic Development Committee will be meeting Wednesday evening at 6pm at the town hall room 205 to discuss our current Blight Bylaw for vacant properties with discussion to include residential and commercial property open to public."


---------
Via the Facebook post by Andrew Bissanti

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building


  • The Blight Bylaw referenced can be found here

http://ecode360.com/14718968?highlight=blight#14718968



Note: The last official agenda posted to the Franklin website was either in 2014 or 2015 depending upon which page you reference.


  • 2015

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/subcommitteeminutes/Economic%20Development%20Committee%20Minutes/EDC%20Minutes%20and%20Agendas


  • 2014

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Economic/2014EDCMeetingMinutesandagendas/