Concerts on the Common: Sharon Concert Band

• Sharon Concert Band
• Elaine Kessler Story Teller - Children's Program

concerts on the common - Wednesday at 6:00 PM

Income Growth and Gateway Cities

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. New study shows incomes of typical households in Gateway Cities haven't grown with the economy Since 1979 incomes of typical households in Gateway Cities have barely grown, while our overall state economy has grown significantly. This is part of a broader pattern we have seen in the national economy over the past four decades: economic growth isn't translating into strong income growth for most households. In the decades after World War the incomes of low, middle, and high-income households grew at roughly the same rate. But not in recent decades. While economic growth has led to average income growing 69 percent in Massachusetts since 1979, that average hides what has been happening for most families: median income (the income of the household at the midpoint of the income distribution) rose less than one percent a year while incomes for the highest income one percent of households increased almost seven times as rapidly, rising 4.5 percent a year. MassBudget's new report "Income Growth and Gateway Cities: What Happened, and Is there a Path Back to Broadly Shared Prosperity?" shows how this pattern played out in Gateway Cities where median incomes grew even less than in the rest of the state - and in some cases declined (adjusting for inflation).  The report also looks at policies that contributed to creating an economy where wages are no longer growing with productivity and at some strategies that could push back against that trend. Commonwealth magazine is running a version of the paper as an article in their new summer issue. Read the new MassBudget study (HERE) You can also read MassBudget's recent factsheet on "The Effects of Skewed Growth on Household Incomes" (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

Leadership Changes at Franklin Art Association

This is my last President’s letter! Soon the new board will take on the responsibilities of running the FAA. I have been privileged to be a part of this group, and have really enjoyed working with our previous board (Kathe, Tina, Paul and Hannah)! They were always available for board meetings, and helped to keep the FAA on course. Hannah will stay on as Corresponding Secretary, thankfully, and will help steer the new board when questions arise. Thank you Hannah!

The new board:

• President: Diane Padula-O’Neill
• Vice President: Joanne Willoughby
• Treasurer: Peg Munson
• Secretary: Bob Kalinosky

Franklin Art Association

We had a great end of year picnic in Susan Plume’s beautiful back yard. Great food, good conversation, and terrific weather helped to make it a banner day. The group made a video to send along to Daydre Hamilton to raise her spirits during her recent illness. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Looking forward to a great year ahead! Our first meeting of the fall will be September 7th.

Hope to see you at the Franklin Cultural Festival on July 27 - 30. Check out the website at www.franklinsculturalfestival.org, and the
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/franklinculturalfestival.

Sue Sheridan


For the complete newsletter check here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd1hFZGdxN1NXTjZIR3NFVHNfTkNab2NycjMw/view?usp=sharing

For more information please visit the FAA web site at www.franklinart.org or Facebook page www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

You can make TWO CALLS about Energy Omnibus Bill

Dear intrepid, hardworking pipeline fighters!

We are so close to something truly historic!  Over a week ago, the Senate passed S2400, its version of the energy omnibus bill, setting the stage for conference committee negotiations with the House to send a final bill to the governor.  Though the House Bill, H4385, was a solid starting point, the Senate bill significantly improves the House's version in a few key ways:

1. It increases the amount of offshore wind energy that utility companies must purchase from 1200 megawatts to 2000 megawatts.

2.  It doubles the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), the rate at which utility companies MUST increasingly buy from renewable energy sources.

3.  It outright BANS the pipeline tax from being used against ratepayers by the Department of Public Utilities in the future.

4.  It provides for the decommissioning of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant.

We need these provisions.  They are absolutely essential to securing the clean energy future for which we have been fighting for so long.  We can't stop now!

The House and Senate have named Senator Ben Downing, Senator Marc Pacheco, Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Brian Dempsey, Representative Tom Golden and Representative Brad Jones to a conference committee which will negotiate the two bills.

Call your representative and ask them to speak to Speaker DeLeo and the conferees about standing up for these priorities, especially if your representative signed the Kulik letter (see the highlighted column in the attached document below).  This was the letter in which nearly 100 state reps said they were against the pipeline and pipeline tax. This is their last chance to push their leadership and stand up for what they believe in.

While our House delegation needs pushing, our Senate leaders also need support to remain strong in negotiations. Call your senator and ask them to speak with Senator Downing about standing firm on the Senate's hard-won priorities.

Please contact legislative leadership to ask them to include these policies in the final bill.  If speaking to a House rep, ask them to speak to Speaker Deleo in particular.  If talking to a Senator, ask them to speak with Senator Downing.

House Switchboard: (617) 722-2000
Senate Switchboard: (617) 722-1276

Look up your state representative or senator here.
Additional phone extension information can be found here.

As I said, we are so close to something truly historic! But we need every last bit of effort we can muster to win. Now is the time to stand up and make your voice heard. PLEASE MAKE THE TWO CALLS! 

I know so many of us are deeply focused on the People over Pipelines March, but please find a few moments to call--the timing is truly critical--and please let me know when you have! 

This where the rubber meets the road, folks--the last PUSH WHICH COULD KILL THE PIPELINE!! 

Gratefully,
Carolyn

USE THIS CALL SCRIPT:

Dear Representative/Senator:

Thank you for working to advance comprehensive energy legislation, H4377 and S2400.  I am calling to ask you to push for a strong final clean energy bill.  Here are my priorities regarding the legislation:

1.  I oppose the "pipeline tax," and urge you to protect ratepayers and our environment by prohibiting subsidies for new gas pipelines, as the Senate has done.

2. I support procurement of 2000 megawatts of offshore wind. I am pleased both chambers have chosen to support offshore wind, and urge you to go big so we can have economies of scale!

3. I support doubling the Renewable Portfolio Standard to 2%, which will increase the amount of electricity utility companies have to purchase from renewable sources.

4. I support provisions within the House energy bill which would require the repair of all gas leaks during road projects (including "grade 3" or non-hazardous leaks), and support provisions within the Senate energy bill related to collective bargaining for these repairs.

5. I support decommissioning planning and financing for Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.

Franklin residents honored at YMCA Annual neeting

At Lake Pearl in Wrentham on May 18th, volunteers, members, and community leaders of the Hockomock Area YMCA came together to celebrate the Annual Meeting. At this meeting, many outstanding members and partners of the Y accepted awards honoring their commitment and service to the YMCA and the community.

Brian Earley, chairman of the Y’s Board of Directors presented the Chairman’s Award to the Robbins Family of Franklin. The Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and passion working with the Hockomock Area YMCA to improve the quality of life in our community. As Brian Earley mentioned in his presentation of the Chairman’s Award, “Terry and her family have been instrumental in helping us impact children and families in our Bernon Family Branch.” 

The Robbins Family has long been a partner of the Y, even in 2003 when Terry Robbins joined the steering committee for the “Shaping Our Futures Together” capital campaign. This campaign transformed into the Bernon Family Branch. From there, the Lee W. Robbins Gymnasium was dedicated in 2004 in memory of Terry’s late husband, and Terry and her sons, Jason and Robbie, have been active in philanthropic work through the Robbins Family Charitable Fund. 

Additionally, in January of this year the Robbins Family dedicated the Robbins Family Kids Gym at the Franklin Y. On accepting the Chairman’s Award, Robbie Robbins expressed gratitude on behalf of his family, saying “Thank you once again for recognizing our family. We’re all part of this team, the local community, and we thank you, everyone in the YMCA for your continued service going forward.”

Annual Red Triangle Awards were presented, recognizing individuals or organizations for their partnership with and support of the Hockomock Area YMCA and their help in meeting the changing needs of the community. On behalf of the Bernon Family Branch, a Red Triangle Award was presented to State Representative Jeff Roy of the 10th Norfolk District of Massachusetts. Representative Roy was fundamental in the creation of the S.A.F.E. Coalition, a group that aims to assist those who struggle with substance abuse. The coalition comes together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms, according to the group’s mission statement. 

On receiving the award, Representative Roy remarked, “They [The Hockomock Area YMCA] reach out, it goes under the radar, nobody knows that they’re reaching out and helping these people and they’ve done it time after time and I’m so grateful to have developed a relationship to be a part of this YMCA team.”

Youth of the Year Awards were also presented at the Annual Meeting. Youth of the Year Awards recognize youth members of the YMCA who positively affect the Y and the community. One honoree was Samantha Bellavance, of the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin, who has been a member of the Y almost her entire life. Active in the Y’s Leaders Club, Samantha has spent an astonishing 2,000 hours performing community service. 

She is also active in the School’s Out program, where she is a group leader for the before and after school child care at the Y. According to Nate Packert of the Bernon Family Branch, “Throughout her Senior Leaders journey, she has shown what it means to be a leader among leaders through hard work and dedication to the club.” Samantha is headed to the University of New England for ocean studies and marine affairs, but not until after she works as a YMCA camp counselor this summer.

• About the 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.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

“CA Robbins Family, Ed Hurley, Brian Earley”:  The Robbins Family received the YMCA’s prestigious Chairman’s Award.  Pictured in the back row are (from left to right) Hockomock Area YMCA President Ed Hurley, Robbie Robbins, Terry Robbins, Donna Robbins, Jason Robbins and Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Brian Earley.  James Robbins (left) and Mary Jane Robbins are in the front row

“RTA Jeff Roy, Hurley, Ross, Earley, Poirier, Barrows”:  Pictured with State Representative and Franklin YMCA Red Triangle Award winner Jeff Roy (left center) are (from left to right) Hockomock Area YMCA President Ed Hurley, State Senator Richard Ross, Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Brian Earley, and State Representatives Betty Poirier and Jay Barrows.

“YotY Sam Bellavance, mother, sister”:  Pictured with the Franklin Y’s Youth of the Year Samantha Bellavance (center) are Sam’s mother, Anne Marie Bellavance (left), and sister, Emily Bellavance

Chess Group - July 16 - 2:00 PM

Chess Group will meet again at the Franklin Library on Saturday, July 16

The library is operating in its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while renovations are underway 

Backpack collection underway

Help us collect backpacks and supplies!

Suggested Supplies:

*Spiral Notebooks *Pencils *Erasers *Calculators *Crayons *Markers *Pocket Folders *Pencil Bag *Rulers *Highlighters *Scissors *Binders *Colored Markers *Glue Sticks *Pens *Loose Leaf Paper

• Backpack Drive July 11-August 21, 2016

Made possible by the Bernon Family YMCA, Franklin Elk’s Lodge and the Franklin Public School District. We will be collecting supplies and backpacks through the month of July and August at the participating locations listed below. We are looking for the suggested school supplies as well as backpacks.

Supply Drop off locations:

• Bernon Family YMCA
• Franklin Municipal Building
• Remington Middle School
• Franklin Elks Lodge
• Jefferson Elementary School

Are you or someone you know in need of a backpack? Please contact Michelle Branche at 774-235-2766 or michellebr@hockymca.org to request your backpack today!

backpack drive

In the News: police recognition, zoning bylaw changes

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"While most departments received hand-made drawings from kids or coffee from friendly visitors, law enforcement officials in Franklin were given some rather unique gifts, according to Deputy Chief James Mill. 

One resident dropped off a stained glass police badge with a blue line across it, Mill said, and another presented officers with a crucifix said to be blessed by a pope. 

“It was quite overwhelming. ... We’ve always had great support in the community,” Mill said. “We consider ourselves fortunate.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160711/communities-rally-behind-area-police-following-attack-in-dallas

"If all goes well, the town may implement new "limited site plan" rules by the end of summer. 

The change, which was first brought up to the Town Council in June, would allow additions, alterations and improvements to existing structures with less information than would be needed in a full site plan. 

Two local boards are scheduled to take up the matter this week. The Planning Board had the change up for a public hearing on its Monday night agenda, while the Town Council will discuss it at its Wednesday meeting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160712/franklin-zoning-change-for-site-plans-in-works

While the new location for Aubuchon Hardware is used as an example of the benefit, the construction on the plaza across the street where Ficco's and the former Kegan auto dealership is located is waiting on this change according to word on the street.

Aubuchon Hardware relocated from two locations in Franklin to this one location in Horace Mann Plaza

2016 Whatever Theater Festival

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the 2016 Whatever Theater Festival, running from Wednesday, July 27 to Saturday, July 30. The 9th annual festival features a production of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors and a presentation of One Acts, an eclectic series of one-act plays. 

One Acts will be performed on July 27 at 8:30 p.m. and again on July 30 at 7:30 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Comedy of Errors will be staged on July 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. on Franklin Town Common. All performances are free of charge, with donations to FPAC gratefully accepted.

One of William Shakespeare’s earliest plays, the Bard’s famously farcical Comedy of Errors entertains with a tale of two sets of twins accidentally separated at birth. When twin masters Antipholus of Ephasus and Antipholus of Syracuse, with their twin servants Dromio of Ephasus and Dromio of Syracuse, cross paths in the same town, double trouble and madcap mistaken identity ensue. FPAC’s 90-minute adaptation features the beloved slapstick comedy, funny antics, and witty word play that are hallmarks of this enduring classic.

Conceived and directed by Nick Paone, FPAC’s Whatever Theater Festival brings together professional artists, FPAC alumni, students and community performers in a collaborative theatrical experience that showcases an exciting range of dramatic and comedic works. This year’s Whatever Theater Festival will be part of the second annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. 

The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place July 27-30 at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District. FPAC’s 2016 Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from the Franklin, North Attleborough and Wrentham Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

2nd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival - July 27  to 30

Madalene Village - proposal revised

The proposal for Madalene Village has been modified and is scheduled for the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Thursday, July 14.

The updated diagram showing the revised proposal can be viewed here
(shared by members of the Facebook group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/savesprucepondbrook/)

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting agenda for July 14
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_ZBAAgendas/Agendas%202016/07-14-16%20ZBA%20Meeting.pdf

sign from one of the neighbors

In the News: March against the pipeline; most state candidates unopposed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The effort is dubbed the “People over Pipelines” (POP) march, Anderson said, and is led by the Cambridge-based BFP, which works to advocate for renewable energy policies at the state level. 

“This is one of our top priorities,” Anderson said, “this pipeline.” 

The march kicks off in Medway at the middle school on Holliston Street on Thursday and continues until July 18 as protesters walk through and stop in several other towns on their way to the Statehouse in Boston, where they hope to catch the attention of Gov. Charlie Baker, Anderson said. 

As of Friday, there were 350 registered marchers for the entire route, Anderson said, including 100 registered in Medway."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/pipeline-opponents-gearing-up-for-march-through-medway

lawn sign in Franklin against the Spectra Pipeline

"Nearly two-thirds of candidates running for a seat in the state Legislature will face no competition this fall. 

The number of unopposed candidates, which is fairly typical in the state, points to the challenges political newcomers often face trying to break into the House or Senate, some political analysts say. 

“It’s very difficult to mount a challenge to an incumbent legislator,” said Peter Ubertaccio, director of the Joseph Martin Institute at Stonehill College. “They’re rarely defeated. It takes a lot of planning and time and recruitment. I also don’t think the two parties in the state are very good at all at recruiting candidates.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/most-candidates-in-massachusetts-are-unopposed

In the News: downtown parking on Town Council agenda

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The council is scheduled at its meeting Wednesday night to take up substantial revisions to its parking bylaws. The changes will, among other things, implement two-hour parking at certain times along several downtown streets. 

One amendment proposes using a color-coded map to delineate parking zones in the town's bylaws, instead of using wording like "from a point 25 feet north of East Central Street to East Central Street." 

It also calls for different limits for different zones. Much of the parking areas on East Central and Main Street, for example, are colored purple, indicating two-hour parking from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and no restriction at other times. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting had raised the matter at an earlier meeting, noting that there is a need for more permanent parking regulations as the two-year downtown streetscape project draws to a close."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160710/franklin-council-to-take-up-downtown-parking

the simple and decorative holiday decorations for 'free parking' won't be needed if the parking bylaws are approved as there would be parking enforcement but not via meters

Additional items on the Town Council agenda can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-13.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 13, 2016

For the only scheduled meeting in the month of July, the Town Council agenda for Wednesday's meeting is chock full. Bylaw amendments on the site plan and design review process, facility preventive maintenance program, and a memo on the charter review process are among the many items on the agenda.

The liquor license application for the new Irish pub, Teddy Gallagher's is also on the agenda.

The full agenda is found below. The PDF document has live links to the supporting documents.

The agenda can also be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024507A7-000F8513

The liquor license application for the new Irish pub, Teddy Gallagher's is  on the Town Council agenda for approval

Franklin Public Library: Greg and Axel - dog and magic show

The Greg and Axel show is a totally unique entertainment experience that provides magic, comedy, audience participation and one hilarious dog. You will fall in love with Axel as he helps Greg the Magician amaze the audience...he might even cause a little bit of trouble! This performance is free and open to the public.

• At the Franklin Public Library Monday, July 11, 10:30 a.m.

the temporary location is open at 25 Kenwood Circle

What's in the budget approved by the Legislature?

Note: the news media did report that Governor Baker did sign the budget on Friday and in so doing vetoed a bunch of line items. MA.gov has been updated to reflect the vetoes. All the details can be found here:

http://www.mass.gov/anf/budget-taxes-and-procurement/state-budget/fy17-budget-info/governors-fy17-vetoes/

How was the budget balanced in the face of a sudden $750 million shortfall?

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. What is (and isn't) in the Budget Approved by the Legislature How did the Legislature balance the budget in the face of a sudden $750 million shortfall?MassBudget's new Budget Monitor explains and offers an analysis of each major section of the state budget with comparisons to current and historic funding levels.  The Legislature enacted the FY 2017 budget in particularly challenging circumstances. Towards the end of the process, the goalposts moved when new projections indicated that there would be $750 million less in tax revenue than had been assumed. The final budget includes some cuts below the levels that had been recommended by either the House or Senate, as well as a number of strategies that provide only temporary solutions by pushing costs into future years and underfunding accounts that will eventually need to be funded. The Legislature managed to provide modest funding increases in a few priority areas, including local aid which receives a 4.3 percent increase, Chapter 70 education aid which is increased by 2.6 percent, and a number of initiatives to address opioid addiction including $8.3 million in increased funding for substance abuse services in the Department of Public Health. The budget also cuts funding in a number of areas: the $18.6 million kindergarten expansion grant program is eliminated; funding for the Department of Revenue is reduced by $15.9 million, potentially weakening the capacity to combat tax evasion and ensure the integrity of our tax system; and the budget imposes a 13 percent cut in YouthWorks which provides funding for summer jobs. The revenue decline did not all translate into budget cuts. The Legislature projects that $206 million of the decline was capital gains taxes that would have been deposited into the rainy day fund, so the shortfall will lead to less money for the rainy day fund rather than for the budget. The tax cut that had been expected to be triggered by revenue growth likely won't be, saving $79 million in FY 2017. School buildings and the MBTA won't see $62 million in sales tax receipts because of the lower sales tax projections. The state's Medicaid plan will postpone paying some bills. The state will also likely need to provide mid-year funding in several accounts. The conference committee also reduced spending levels for a number of programs below the levels recommended by the House or Senate - and in some cases below both. The Legislative Budget Monitor describes both where lawmakers were able to preserve or build upon programs, and where programs were cut or eliminated. Click (HERE) to read the new Budget Monitor. 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 FY 2017 webpage