Wednesday, August 3, 2016

How does Franklin consider itself?

The downtown traffic flow has been redesigned. Before we go and create another charter commission to review how we operate as a government, let's spend some time designing our flag. 

Yes, Franklin does not have a flag, or if we do, I have not seen it. We have a seal, which is prominently used where we could use the principles of design from a flag.

What are the design principles of a flag?


I am glad you asked, there are five:

  1. Keep It Simple (The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory)
  2. Use Meaningful Symbolism (The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes)
  3. Use 2 to 3 Basic Colors (Limit the number of colors on the flag to three, which contrast well and come from the standard color set)
  4. No Lettering or Seals (Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal)
  5. Be Distinctive or Be Related (Avoid duplicating other flags, but use similarities to show connections)

And from the TED Talk below:

"As we move more and more into cities, the city flag will become not just a symbol of that city as a place, but also it could become a symbol of how that city considers design itself, especially today, as the populace is becoming more design-aware. And I think design awareness is at an all-time high. A well-designed flag could be seen as an indicator of how a city considers all of its design systems: its public transit, its parks, its signage. It might seem frivolous, but it's not. 
16:08 - TK: Often when city leaders say, "We have more important things to do than worry about a city flag," my response is, "If you had a great city flag, you would have a banner for people to rally under to face those more important things."

Where did the flag idea come from? 
A relisten of this TED talk:
"Roman Mars is obsessed with flags — and after you watch this talk, you might be, too. These ubiquitous symbols of civic pride are often designed, well, pretty terribly. But they don't have to be. In this surprising and hilarious talk about vexillology — the study of flags — Mars reveals the five basic principles of flag design and shows why he believes they can be applied to just about anything."




Who is Roman Mars?  http://www.ted.com/speakers/roman_mars

more on flag design
more on flag design
For more on flag design
http://99percentinvisible.org/article/vexillology-revisited-fixing-worst-civic-flag-designs-america/


Concert on the Common: Leeds Band

6:00 pm – 6::30pm
Children's Program


  • Rob Peter's - Bubble Man


6:30pm – 8:30pm


  • The Leeds Band 
"The Leeds are a band that plays songs that evoke wonderful memories of the 60s, 70s, and 80s"

The Leeds Band
The Leeds Band

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA

Since 2010, The Hockomock Area YMCA has been facilitating the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program and they are pleased to announce new classes for Fall 2016.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week program designed for cancer survivors and their families seeking to regain health, build strength, and connect with other cancer survivors. Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance, and improve functional ability. Certified YMCA fitness instructors give personal individualized instruction and are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise, nutrition, and supportive cancer care. The program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, using traditional exercise methods to ease you back into fitness and help participants improve confidence and self-esteem.

New Classes Announced for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA at the Hockomock Y in September:

hockymca.org
hockymca.org


  • Bernon Family (Franklin) Branch

45 Forge Hill Road
Franklin, MA
Day & Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00am-12:30pm beginning on September 20th


  • Invensys Foxboro Branch

67 Mechanic Street
Foxboro, MA
Day & Time: Monday and Wednesday at 10:30am-12:00pm beginning September 12th


  • North Attleboro Branch

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA
Day & Time: Tuesday and Thursday 6:00pm-7:30pm beginning September 13th

Cancer survivors are encouraged to contact Jackie Robison, Program Coordinator at 508-772-1310 or JackieR@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll. For more information, visit, http://www.hockymca.org/foxboro/livestrong-at-the-ymca/

In 2010, the Hockomock Area YMCA was one of the first ten YMCAs in the country to launch this life changing initiative, partnering with the LIVESTRONG Foundation to help cancer survivors begin the journey toward recovery with the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. On average, 120 participants graduate from the program annually at the Hockomock Area YMCA. A recent survey at the Hockomock Area YMCA found that ninety-nine percent of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants said that the atmosphere of the Y supports them in their pursuit of health and well-being.

Part of the Hockomock Y’s commitment to strengthening community through healthy living, the program offers adults affected by cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person. The Hockomock Area YMCA is enrolling now for upcoming LIVESTRONG at the YMCA sessions at their branches in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro.

A survivor is defined from the point of cancer diagnosis through the balance of his/her life. Are you a cancer survivor or know someone who is? Please contact Jackie Robison, Program Coordinator at 508-772-1310 or JackieR@hockymca.org for more information and to enroll.to talk with your local Hockomock Area YMCA branch to get involved.


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

Franklin Library: Animal World Experience - Aug 5

Summer time we have lots of opportunity to be fit and healthy. How do animals do it? Find out Friday, Aug 5 at 1:00 PM at the Franklin Public Library.

Remember the Library is operating from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle for the next year while renovations on the Main St building are underway.

Animal World Experience - Aug 5
Animal World Experience - Aug 5
For additional information, check out the Library page n the official Town of Franklin website   http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_TownLibrary/index


In the News: parking bylaw vote next week, new law changes legal notice publication process

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

"A new set of parking rules will be up for final debate next week, and may be fully in place by the fall. 
The town has undertaken a revision of its parking bylaws as a project that reworks the downtown traffic flow enters its final stages. The Town Council is set to vote on the set of proposals at its meeting next week. 
The new regulations would remove parking meter language from the bylaws, and establish parking zones in which two-hour limits would be in place for certain parts of the day. The changes are intended to increase convenience for visitors to the area while discouraging commuters from tying up spaces all day."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160802/franklin-parking-bylaw-vote-ahead



"A new bill - filed by State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and signed into law last week - is set to change the way legal notices are published in the state. 
The new law has the notice not only appear in newspapers, but on the papers' websites and a new statewide website, maintained by the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association (MNPA)."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160802/franklin-new-bill-to-change-handling-of-public-notices

The press release from Representative Roy's office was published last week
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/new-law-requires-posting-of-legal.html

screen grab of a quick search for "Franklin" open meetings
screen grab of a quick search for "Franklin" open meetings


"Providing convenient access to quality healthcare"

From the Franklin radar:
"MedPost Urgent Care continues to broaden access to urgent care services -- it opened its first clinic in Massachusetts on July 1, 2016. Located next to Starbucks at 648 Old West Central Street in Suite C, this center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Locations in Wayland and Northborough are also available for same-day service. 
At MedPost, patients can be treated for both injuries and illnesses. The MedPost clinicians can treat a wide range of conditions from allergy complications to minor broken bones and burns. Additionally, centers offer annual checkups for preventative care, as well as vaccinations and in-house lab testing and diagnostics. If your child needs a school or sports physical, MedPost offers these services for $25 every day. 
Core service offerings include urgent care, wellness, seasonal care and occupational health. Beyond MedPost's core service offerings, patients of the new Franklin urgent care center will also have the option to access the broader physician resources of MetroWest Medical Center or St. Vincent's Hospital if required."

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3025186#ixzz4GCjYlTN6

MedPost Urgent Care is located in Franklin next to Starbucks
MedPost Urgent Care is located in Franklin next to Starbucks
For more about MedPost Franklin visit their webpage -->> 
https://medpost.com/urgent-care-clinics/franklin-ma

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

#shopFranklin - supporting small business: Elizabeth's Bagels

"#shopFranklin - supporting small business speaks with Jen Garcia of Elizabeth's Bagels in Franklin,MA. Elizabeth's Bagels preserved the age old art of perfectly kettle boiled bagels. This delicacy is then augmented with a great selection of in house blended cream cheese options, seasonal offerings, loose leaf teas and an assortment of coffee creations."





Elizabeth's Bagels
Elizabeth's Bagels
You can check the menu and find additional info on the webpage
http://www.elizabethsbagels.com/

Fall 2016 Continuing Education courses registration is now open

Registration is now open for the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District’s Fall 2016 Continuing Education courses.

Participants can choose from a variety of courses that focus on building career and life skills. New Culinary Arts offerings include “North End Night: Fresh Pasta and Cheese!” and “Sumptuous Sauces”. Both courses build off the popularity of past workshops which focused on Italian cuisine, such as the always popular “Pasta Workshop”.

For those who enjoy Tri-County’s knitting and crocheting courses, the Continuing Education Program is offering a course entitled “How to Spin Yarn,” during which students will receive hands-on experience in spinning yarn. Other leisure courses include Introduction to Chess, Archery, and Digital Photography.

Business owners and professionals will benefit from courses such as Facebook for Business and QuickBooks Training. Tri-County also offers industry certification courses in the areas of Electrical Apprentice Training, ServSafe, OSHA construction safety, and Welding. For those in the restaurant industry, Tri-County is now offering a French Wine Certification Program.

Tri-County’s Continuing Education courses are offered twice each school year. The fall semester begins in September and the spring semester begins in January. In addition to Continuing Education courses, Tri-County runs Postsecondary programs in Cosmetology and Nursing.
http://www.tri-county.us/
Tri-County

Course catalogs will be mailed out to area residents in August. Registration can be completed via telephone, mail, or online. While registrants are charged a $10 fee when registering via telephone or mail, the fee is waived for those who register online. Visit the Adult Education tab on www.tri-county.us to learn more and to register. All courses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis so early registration is encouraged.

Continuing Education and Postsecondary courses are offered by the Adult Education Office of the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District, located at 147 Pond Street, Franklin. By offering an array of courses, the school district is upholding its commitment to lifelong learning while giving local adults the opportunity for self-improvement.

Get your PMC2016 Confidence Beads



New things for the 2016 PMC!! 

We'll be only at Sturbridge this year, hope to see you there! This years' supply is limited. Please feel free to pre-order and use coupon code NOSHIPPMC to arrange pick-ups at Sturbridge.
PMC 2016 bead
on cable necklace

$55.00
Buy Now
All new PMC cuff bracelet
$30.00
Buy Now
PMC 2016 bead on bangle bracelet
$65.00
Buy Now
Check our Sneaker Tags, which can be made into bracelets including black braided leather, brown braided leather and charm bracelet chain!
Copyright © 2016 Beads for a Cause, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Beads for a Cause
PO box 246
Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp

"We're really looking good as far as donations go, but we could always use more"

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

"Several local groups have come together to run a drive to provide school supplies for needy area families. 
The Hockomock Area YMCA has partnered with the Franklin Elks and the Franklin School District to run the effort, aimed at assembling backpacks full of the supplies. 
Michelle Branche of the YMCA is coordinating the drive, which she said is in its second year. 
"Last year, we assembled 64 backpacks, but we had not partnered with the other groups," she said. "We have a scholarship program at the Y, and we reached out through that."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160801/franklin-backpack-drive-collects-supplies-for-needy-students

backpack drive
backpack drive

Additional info from the posting here during July
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/backpack-collection-underway.html

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

Monday, August 1, 2016

Teddy Bear Picnic - Town Common - Wednesday

The Franklin Library will hold a teddy bear picnic on the Franklin Town Common Wednesday from noon to 2:00 PM.

Kids are requested to bring their favorite teddy bear or stuffie, bagged lunch and blanket. The winner of the Gummi Bear guessing contest will be announced.

Teddy Bear Picnic - Town Common - Wednesday
Teddy Bear Picnic - Town Common - Wednesday

“We know that the arts bring economic prosperity”

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

"Roberta Trahan said she always has a song in her head as she makes her way through each day. 
On Saturday though, she said, that daily song was replaced with the music that was in the air at the Franklin Cultural Festival. 
“Today is all about whatever's on that stage,” said Trahan, a member of the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee. 
Both inside and outside The Black Box theater on West Central Street Saturday afternoon, musical acts traded off the spotlight as the festival came to a close after four days of theater, art and food."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160731/franklin-cultural-festival-showcases-music-art-and-more

A sampling of photos from Saturday:

check the marquee for future events
check the marquee for future events

Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli
Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli

Jamie Barrett
Jamie Barrett

Ferrara's Market was one of several offering a "Taste of Franklin"
Ferrara's Market was one of several offering a "Taste of Franklin" 

Susan Cattaneo, Jim Henry, Stephanie Marshall performing
Susan Cattaneo, Jim Henry, Stephanie Marshall performing

the Franklin Cultural Festival closed with a rocking performance by Victims of Gravity
the Franklin Cultural Festival closed with a rocking performance by Victims of Gravity
More photos and videos will be shared as they become available


Disclosure: I volunteer for the Cultural District Steering Committee that put together this Festival.

The PMC rides through Franklin on Saturday, Aug 6

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

"During its 36-year run, the Pan-Mass Challenge has raised more than a half-billion dollars to combat cancer - a feat likely far greater than Billy Starr, its founder and executive director, and dozens of friends would have expected when they started the annual bike ride in 1980. 
On Aug. 6 and 7, more than 200 locals from MetroWest are set to participate in the largest single athletic fundraiser in the country, according to PMC organizers. 
The two-day biking event raises money for adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. PMC is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor, raising more than 58 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160731/up-to-challenge


The Remington Jefferson School is a water stop for the 2-day riders. It has a reputation for being one of the better water stops on the route. The riders tend to arrive between 8:00 and 10:00 AM on Saturday morning, Aug 6

Screen grab of PMC water stop info for Franklin
Screen grab of PMC water stop info for Franklin


The PDF of the Sturbridge to Provincetown route can be found here
http://www.pmc.org/sites/pmc.org/files/cue-sheets/sturbridge-to-provincetown_0.pdf

PMC_entrance3
PMC riders arriving at Remington-Jefferson in 2013


Additional photos from the 2013 water stop can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157634927800798

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry's Social Media

Underscoring the importance of communicating directly with the citizens of Norfolk County, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded consumers about the various social media applications made available for their use through the Registry.

O'Donnell noted, "Our mission here at the Registry of Deeds is to make important information readily available on a 24/7 basis to all consumers. After all, just because our doors close at the end of the business day doesn't mean the Registry has to stop working. Our website www.norfolkdeeds.org is a valuable resource to review scanned images of up to 5 million land documents dating back to 1793, as well as to learn about the latest consumer protection programs. I am proud to report that we recently completed a redesign of our website which has made it more user friendly for those using smartphones and tablets."

For example, the register noted that residents can print out an application of the popular Homestead Act on its website, a law which provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence up to $500,000, or sign-up directly on-line for its Consumer Notification System. This program will alert a person anytime a land document has been recorded or amended against their name in Norfolk County.

Additionally noted Register O'Donnell, "There is valuable county real estate information that can be researched and tracked on the website based on the monthly and quarterly real estate statistical reports done by the Registry, such as the number of homes sold, average prices of property sold, mortgage discharges, homestead applications and much, much more."

Other forms of social media utilized by the Registry of Deeds include Facebook, facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds, Twitter, twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram, instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. "The Registry has had a robust presence on both Facebook and Twitter. We are very excited about joining Instagram which will capture the demographics of younger property owners and real estate professionals. We are really hopeful too that first-time homeowners will avail themselves of these social media platforms. They can learn more about home ownership, and consumer initiatives like protecting against Deed Scam rip-offs, along with other Registry outreach services," said O'Donnell.

The Registry has also filmed multiple public service announcements (PSA's) which are available on the Registry's website and YouTube. These PSA's have touched on a variety of issues such as assistance for residents who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Videos highlighting the Registry's various philanthropic initiatives, such as its Annual Holiday Food Drive or its Suits for Success program which helps people who are attempting to re-enter the workforce, can also be viewed.

Concluding, Register O'Donnell stated, "My office continues to focus on ways the Internet and social media can provide Registry access and services to Registry users. If you have questions related to real property, we urge you to take a look at our social media offerings."

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 and/or instagram.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

phone: 781-234-3336
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
https://twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds/status/759116602025664512
https://twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds/status/759116602025664512


Sunday, July 31, 2016

Economic Development Committee meeting 8/10/16

The next Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 10th at 5:30 PM in room 205. The meeting should complete before the Town Council meeting starts at 7:00 PM that night.

The agenda was published as follows:


1. Discussion

a. Rural Business Zoning
b. Residential Zoning – R5, R7
c. Sign Bylaw Corrections
d. Marketing Update
e. Discussion on Business Awards
f. Attracting more TIFS

The agenda was shared from the Official Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0246A548-000F8513

Franklin Municipal Building
Franklin Municipal Building