Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 10/14/16 - THU 10/20/16

FRIDAY 10/14/16
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library (all skill levels welcome)
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center
7:30pm   The East - original play @ Dean College

SATURDAY 10/15/16
8-10am   Clean Up at Franklin Dog Park
9am-2pm   Annual Rummage Sale @ Franklin Federated Church
9am-3pm   Library Book Sale - Buck a Book @ Franklin Public Library
9:30am   LadyBug 5K @ J F Kennedy School. Bib pick up starts at 8:30am. Kids Fun Run at 9:30am, 5K at 10am
2pm   The East - original play @ Dean College
4pm   The Fall Porketta @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
7pm   Fiddler on the Roof @ The Black Box
7:30pm   The East - original play @ Dean College
8pm   Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner @ FUSF

SUNDAY 10/16/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast returns to Franklin Rod and Gun Club - open to public
9am-12pm   Library Bag Sale - $5 a bag of books @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   Fiddler on the Roof @ The Black Box
2pm   The East - original play @ Dean College
3:30pm   LiveARTS String Quartet @ FUSF

MONDAY 10/17/16
4pm   Krafty Mondays (ages 6-12) @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   The Secret Life of Massachusetts Teenager Workshop @ Franklin High School (21+ only)
7pm   FEA hosted forum on Ballot Question 2

TUESDAY 10/18/16
6:30pm   Teen Advisory Board (MS and HS students) @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Organizing and De-Cluttering Workshop @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Hidden in Plain Site (21+ only presentation) @ Tri-County HS

WEDNESDAY 10/19/16
6:30pm   Doggie Tales - read to a service dog (grades 2 and up, registration required) @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 10/20/16
1-3pm   Free Flu Shot Clinic for Franklin Residents (6 months+) @ Franklin Senior Center
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones @ Franklin Senior Center (free event, registration required)
4pm   Lego Club (ages 3-12) @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Franklin SEPAC: No Sibling Left Behind Workshop @ The Town Hall

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

FPAC's presents Fiddler on the Roof - Oct 15, 16

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) proudly presents the musical theater masterpiece Fiddler on the Roof. The beloved classic opens FPAC’s 26th season. 

Performances are October 15 at 7:30 p.m., October 16 at 2:00, October 21 and October 22 at 7:30, and October 23 at 2:00. 

FPAC's Fiddler on the Roof

The production will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s home and performance venue, located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, the iconic musical is the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, and book writer Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, Fiddler on the Roof is a staple of the musical theatre canon. 

Set in the small village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and hold onto traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Tzarist Russia. 

Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition has won the hearts of audiences with its celebration of life and family. The musical features the cherished songs “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Miracle of Miracles,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” and “Matchmaker.”

Leading the cast are Nick Paone (Tevye) of Franklin and Kellie Stamp (Golde) of Westport. The production also features Jason Barney (Motel), Greg Dutton (Lazar Wolf), Aaron Frongillo (Perchik), Anna Grasso (Bielke), Shauna Martin (Yente), Debra Packard (Grandma Tzeitel), and Katharine Waples (Tzeitel) of Franklin; Colie Vancura (Hodel) of Medfield; Katie Gray (Fruma Sarah) of Milford; Griffin Wilkins (Fyedka) of Walpole; and Jenna McDermott (Chava) and Susauna Wickstrom (Shprintze) of Wrentham. Nick Paone directs FPAC’s production, assisted by Raye Lynn Mercer, with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell and choreography by Mercer and Kellie Stamp.

Tickets are $34. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com. Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

FHS field hockey tops Taunton, golf drops match to North Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Thursday, Oct 13


*** Field Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Taunton, 1 – Final

FHS Panthers

– Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh netted a hat trick to help the Panthers land a 5-1 victory. Junior Maddie Hinckley opened the scoring with junior Kate Morse and freshman Erin Walsh each chipping in with two assists. Sophomore Cassi Ronan also had a goal and an assist. Franklin senior Sam Hertzberg had six saves –including two scintillating stops — to get the win in the cage.

*** Golf = Franklin, 151 @ North Attleboro, 146 – Final


For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-101316/

"a direct prohibition would not be allowable"

"The Town Council may take a position against the legalization of recreation marijuana, a matter on the ballot in November. 

Council member Judith Pfeffer requested at the council's meeting last week that a resolution in opposition to ballot Question 4 be placed on the agenda for the group's next meeting. She also suggested, in the event the question does pass, that the town re-examine its zoning laws to ensure that the town has a say where facilities selling the drug are placed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161013/franklin-council-to-consider-anti-marijuana-resolution


It is worthy to note that the concerns of some of the councilors quoted in the article were refuted during the Town Council meeting by Franklin's attorney, Mark Cerel. The concern expressed was that the Ballot Question would override a town agreement. Unlike other MA communities, Franklin does not have an agreement with the current firm growing marijuana. The firm's operation is governed by a zoning bylaw which would not be overturned by the passage of the ballot question. Franklin officials did agree to relook at the bylaw to see what also would be needed (if anything) to address the sale of marijuana in the downtown area.

You can check my notes for the Closing of the meeting on Oct 5.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/live-reporting-legislation-through-to.html

For a more definitive replay we'll need to wait for the video of the meeting to be posted for replay by Franklin TV (as of Friday morning , Oct 14) it was not yet available. Meeting through Sep 27 are available for replay

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Webdocs/videoarchive


For more info on Ballot Question 4, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth page
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ele16/ballot_questions_16/quest_4.htm

• A YES VOTE would allow persons 21 and older to possess, use, and transfer marijuana and products containing marijuana concentrate (including edible products) and to cultivate marijuana, all in limited amounts, and would provide for the regulation and taxation of commercial sale of marijuana and marijuana products.
• A NO VOTE would make no change in current laws relative to marijuana.

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/IFV_2016.pdf

In the News: Rappa recognized, Ladybug 5K on Saturday

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

"Franklin resident Robert Rappa was recently voted chairman emeritus by the Tri-County Regional School Committee in recognition of his decades long commitment to the district. 

Rappa, a member of the committee since the building first opened in 1977, announced plans to step down from his post last spring after 40 years. He was also a member of the building committee prior to construction of the school. 

In a unanimous vote on Sept. 21, the school committee awarded Rappa the title of chairman emeritus."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161013/tri-county-regional-school-committee-honors-franklin-resident

"A 5-kilometer race in town this weekend will raise funds for enrichment activities for Kennedy Elementary School. 

The race - the Ladybug 5K and hosted by the school's Parent Communication Council (PCC) - is set to start from the school at 10 a.m. Saturday. 

Race director Stacey Federico said the PCC works to provide students with opportunities they might not otherwise have. 

"We're the parent group that fundraises for enrichment activities," she said. "(Without those funds), schools wouldn't be able to do things like field trips."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161013/franklin-ladybug-5k-set-for-saturday

The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015

In the News: blood drive at Charter School; rain helped drought conditions

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

"Boston Children’s Hospital will hold a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School, 201 Main St., Franklin.
A positive ID is required. 

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School, are coordinating regular blood drives in the Franklin community through Boston Children’s Hospital as part of their National Honor Society Service Project. 

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite have been regular blood donors at Boston Children’s Hospital since they turned 16, the legal age to donate. When one of the twins underwent major surgery and needed blood at the age of 12, the significance of blood donation hit home. 

To make an appointment, visit www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org, or call 508-541-1253."

Giovanna and Olivia Sabini-Leite, seniors at Franklin High School will conduct a blood drive at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School Nov 11

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161013/boston-childrens-to-hold-blood-drive

"For the first time in more than a month, the extreme drought conditions in the state have eased slightly, thanks to rainfall associated with Hurricane Matthew that mostly drenched the southeastern and central part of the state last weekend. 

The weekly report from the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that 37.83 percent of the state was still in extreme drought but that figure is a decrease from 52.13 percent - the figure that has held fast for the previous month. The monitor showed 83.7 percent of the state was still in severe drought. Last week, nearly 90 percent of the state was in severe drought."

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/mapsanddata/maparchive.aspx

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161013/drought-conditions-ease-slightly

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce‎ - Alive After Five - Oct 19

Come and join the United Regional Chamber of Commerce at Dean College in their Campus Center and meet your next client or referral.

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce‎ - Alive After Five - Oct 19

Check out the Facebook event   https://www.facebook.com/events/1607896079504347/

or contact the Chamber for additional information  https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRegional/

S.A.F.E. presents the COAAST production of "Four Legs to Stand On"

Franklin, Medway and surrounding Towns: The S.A.F.E. Coalition presents the COAAST production of “Four Legs To Stand On,” a tool to further stem drug abuse and understand its treatment. 

This production offers THEATER as a therapeutic tool to educate, understand, cope, advocate and heal our communities. The 35-minute play followed by a Q&A interchange occurs at two venues:

• Oct 27 (Thu) Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, 147 Pond St, Franklin @ 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm) 
• Oct 28 (Fri) The Black Box, 15 W Central St, Franklin @ 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm)

The actors confront the audience with questions rather than answers such as "Is addiction a disease or a moral weakness?" Upon reflection we can then shift the social underpinnings that stigmatize those who suffer from Substance Use Disorder and aid those suffering from disease with understanding, compassion, and support. The play challenges the audience and the community to change the status quo - and to reach out to those suffering from this disease as well as their friends and family.

“Audience members will learn about the disease, the danger of prescription drug abuse and its’ prevalence among teenagers. By reducing the stigma associated with this disease we open pathways for those that need treatment and allow families the opportunity to find the support that they so desperately need.” Jim Derick, President, S.A.F.E.

"I’ve seen a lot of plays about addiction but this one was profound and truthful.” Tom Coderre, Chief of Staff, SAMHSA

“This is my second time seeing this. I came to opening night. I actually found myself showing more empathy and care to my brother who is an addict, since then. I think that says a lot about the work.” -Audience member

• To register for free tickets please go to http://safecoalitionma.com/coaast2016/

the COAAST Organization production of “Four Legs to Stand On”

http://safecoalitionma.com/

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder. We do so by empowering those affected, including their families, with the tools necessary to succeed on their journey to recovery. We understand that while I can't, we can.

Stefilia's Stone at 2016 Franklin Cultural Festival (video)

Turning back time (or #TBT) to that Saturday in July when THE BLACK BOX had two stages going for a full day of musical performances.

Here is a sample of Stefilia's Stone's performance at THE BLACK BOX under the tent on the outdoor stage presented by the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse.




For more about Stefilia's Stone ==>> http://www.stefiliasstone.com/

Stefilia's Stone performing at THE BLACK BOX (photo by Jake Jacobson)

Reminder: Free Flu Shot Clinic - Oct 20 at the Senior Center

For all Franklin residents, age 6 months or older

At the Franklin Senior Center from 1 - 3:00 PM on Thursday, Oct 20, 2016






This was shared from the official Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024D127F-000F8513

Franklin Senior Center

Furry Friends of Franklin Dog Park Committee - Cleanup Saturday, Oct 15

Just a reminder, maintenance and cleanup on Saturday October 15, at 8am at the Franklin Dog Park. 

Refreshments for the people that help. 

We need wheelbarrows, shovels and rakes.

Franklin dog park at Dacey Field

Note this was rescheduled from earlier in the month due to the weather!

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/franklin-dog-park-clean-up-scheduled.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/dacey-dog-park-clean-up-has-been.html

Pumpkin Floral Class at Hillside Nurseries - October 18

STILL TIME TO REGISTER Pumpkin Autumn Floral Class              Hillside Nurseries       Tuesday, October 18            6:30 to 8:30 PM                     $55.00 Want to take a more natural approach with your pumpkin decorating? Well, you can skip the spider webs and jack-o-lanterns. At this class you will learn how simply carving a hole in a pumpkin and filling it up with your favorite fall blooms can create an exquisite centerpiece and decoration.                 REGISTER Franklin Public Schools                  Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning

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

In the News: superintendent search, 4 legs to stand on, Franklin motorcycle driver crashes

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

"The Franklin School District hopes to finish its search for a new superintendent early next year. 

The School Committee held its first work session Tuesday with the firm it has hired to conduct the process, and set a tentative schedule for its search. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley said he was pleased with the results of the initial session, but the district must move quickly. 

"We are competing for candidates with other school districts," he said. "We have to feel that pressure."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161012/schedule-set-for-franklin-superintendent-search

Franklin Municipal Building

"A local group dedicated to fighting the opioid abuse crisis will be taking an unusual tack of spreading its message: by putting on a show. 

The Support for Addicts and Families through Empowerment (SAFE) Coalition will be hosting a theater production of "Four Legs to Stand On," which dramatizes the struggles that the epidemic presents. The show will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School and at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Black Box theater."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161012/theater-production-in-franklin-to-address-addiction

"A 56-year-old Franklin man riding a motorcycle was taken to the hospital Tuesday night after a three-vehicle crash on a busy part of South Main Street.

The crash, reported at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, involved three vehicles – a 2008 Suzuki motorcycle, a 2004 Toyota Corolla and a 2002 Cadillac Seville.
One of the sedans was traveling north on the street and was attempting to take a left into McDonalds. The other sedan, traveling in the opposite direction, stopped to allow the opposing vehicle to turn, according to Police Chief Tom O’Loughlin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161012/milford-crash-sends-rider-to-hospital

School Committee workshop sets timelines for the Superintendent search

The School Committee met on Tuesday evening in a workshop format with the search consultants from ECRA Group which is part of HYA Executive Search (Hazard, Young, Attea and Assoc.). 

More about the search process can be found on the HYA webpage
https://ecragroup.com/leadership/

Consensus was reached on the following key points of the search (Please consider this a working draft. These are my notes from the summary of the meeting and I may have missed something.)

• The interview committee will be composed of 11 who are the 7 members of the School Committee, one representing the principals, one representing the teachers, one representing the parents and one representing the town community
• Individual focus groups for all the key stakeholders will be conducted on Oct 20, 21
• A community meeting will also be scheduled for the evening of Oct 20 (location TBD)
• A survey form will also be set up to allow for input via the internet and released as of Oct 24. The online survey will be available through Nov 10
• The same questions will be asked in all the focus groups, survey, and forum. The level of detailed conversation following up on the comments and input will vary by the size of the group participating in each
• The next workshop is scheduled for November 22. The workshop will focus on the superintendent profile which will summarize the feedback gathered from the survey, focus groups and forum.
• A placeholder was tentatively put on the agenda for the School Committee meeting of Dec 13. Primarily for an update on the overall candidate status (how many?). If not enough candidates had applied by this time, additional avenues to spread the word may be explored
• The deadline for candidate applications is targeted for Jan 6, 2017

https://ecragroup.com/leadership/

Note: I showed up at 6:45 for what I thought was a 7:00 PM meeting but one that had actually started at 6:00). The 'normal' meeting agenda and document package was not distributed in advance however I was not overly concerned as I knew it was going to be a workshop meeting. Given the holiday weekend and school schedule not getting the agenda had occurred before.

Pumpkins in the Park - October 29 - 6:00 to 8:00 PM

"Come join us in our Second Annual Pumpkins in the Park Saturday, October 29 from 6 - 8 PM. 

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 favorites via public voting 

Lights provided by the Franklin Art Center

Drop off times to be announced 

Dance performance by Inspire Dance Academy 

Trick or Treating with local merchants for children in costumes from 6 - 7 PM"

Pumpkins in the Park - Oct 29

Where:
The Franklin Sculpture Park on Panther Way (next to the Police Station)

This was shared from the Franklin Art Center Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1807538506141251/

Halloween Party - October 30, 3:00 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Police Dept will hold a Halloween Party for kids from pre-school to 5th grade. 

Sunday, October 30, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

This was shared from the Franklin Police Facebook event page
https://www.facebook.com/events/539366676256987/

In the News: Fund raising for fire family; youth baseball elections; YMCA spooky games

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

"An online fundraising campaign has been set up to assist a local family that was displaced by a fire in September. 

The campaign, hosted on the site GoFundMe, is in support of Brittany McKinnon, her son Braydyn Morris and her fiance Jason Morris, who were forced from their 73 Beaver St. home after a Sept. 16 blaze. 

"It happened right after our son got out of school," McKinnon said, adding that she was very grateful that no one was hurt. "We basically just had the clothes on our backs." 

Though the home does not look severely damaged from the outside, the interior is being gutted because of fire and water damage."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161011/fundraiser-looks-to-help-franklin-family-after-fire

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/jason-brittany-braydyns-fire-fund.html

"The Franklin Youth Baseball board of directors elections will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17. 

Election to the board of directors is determined by a vote of the general membership. All positions are open, and newcomers are welcome. 

Nominations to positions on the board of directors can be made by any member of the organization during nominations night, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161011/franklin-youth-baseball-to-hold-elections

"The Hockomock Area YMCA will hold free Spooky Games from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the YMCA Bernon Family Branch, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin. 

Participants are encouraged to dress in costume. The theme for the Franklin event is superheroes. 

Hockomock Area YMCA staff will provide face painting, crafts, games and a jumpy house. Pizza slices and water will be available for $1 each."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161011/hockomock-area-ymca-to-present-spooky-games

#shopFranklin: Karen Moriarty of Karen Moriarty Photography

#shopFranklin speaks with Karen Moriarty of Karen Moriarty Photography as we learn how she delved into photography and offers great advice on how to get great professional photos.

http://www.kemphoto.com/

For more about Karen and her photography   http://www.kemphoto.com/

or on Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Moriarty-Photography-Portrait-Artist-193735463971180/

http://www.shopfranklinma.com/

For more about Sarah and her efforts with #shopFranklin
http://www.shopfranklinma.com/

Franklin Federated - Giant Yard Sale - Saturday, Oct 15

"The Giant Yard Sale will include books, toys, clothes, household items, jewelry, electronics, sporting goods, antiques, small furniture items, and holiday décor. Items are priced to sell. 

• Sale starts at the Church at 9:00 AM
• Half price sale starts at 1 PM. Much of the sale is held indoors.

This fundraiser helps support the works of the church and a portion of the proceeds will go towards specific local charitable organizations. A collection will be held for toiletry items (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo) that will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry."

Franklin Federated - Giant Yard Sale - Saturday, Oct 15

This is just a fraction of "stuff" that we've gotten in. You have no idea! Car after car dropping off bags and boxes, etc. ...anyhow, here is a partial list: 

Books, 
purses, 

collectibles such as games, 
figurines, 
vintage dishes and sets, 

old woven back rocking chair, 

old pottery, 
lamps,

frames and framed pictures, 

linens, 
rugs, 
cloth napkins, 
table cloths

a very large collection of Stamp It Up stamps, 
children's toys and games, 
children's bikes,
large selection of puzzles

glassware

and that's just the tip of the iceberg ...an unbelievable amount of stuff at truly unheard of prices

• For more about this Giant Yard Sale visit the Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/events/175887846187836/

LiveARTS String Quartet, October 16, 2016

October 16, 2016 = LiveARTS String Quartet

• Ala Jojatu, violin
• Gregory Vitale, violin
• Donald Krishnaswami, viola
• Jan Müller-Szeraws, cello

Music by Beethoven, Revueltas and Smetana

LiveArts post card just received in mail

All Concerts on Sundays, 3:30 pm at the 
Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society, 
262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA
Doors open at 3 pm. 

Open Seating. Handicapped accessible


For more about LiveArts  http://www.liveartsma.org/

FHS field hockey and boys soccer drop close games on Columbus Day

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Monday, Oct 10

FHS Panthers

*** Field Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Chelmsford, 2 – Final 
– Franklin sophomore Cassi Ronan had the lone goal off a rebound for the Panthers.


*** Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 vs. Xaverian, 1 – Final


For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Columbus Day
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-101016/

In the News: EPA superfund site prep, plastic bag ban bylaw drafted for review

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

"The federal Environmental Protection Agency has begun seeking community input regarding a Superfund site in town - an early step in the cleanup process. 

EPA representatives were in Franklin on Thursday and Friday last week, looking for ways to better inform residents about the Fisher Street site and future efforts there. 

The agency placed the BJAT, LLC property at 300 Fisher St. on its National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2015. That land, according to officials, has been used for industrial purposes since the late 1800s, and was last used for rubber and plastic manufacture. The facility there has been inactive since 1985."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-epa-reaching-out-on-superfund-site

some of the FHS students making the plastic bag ban proposal to the Town Council Sep 21

"A group of Franklin High School students has asked the town to consider a ban on "single use" plastic shopping bags in an effort to make Franklin more environmentally friendly. 

The group - comprised of mostly seniors and some juniors - spoke before the Town Council in September, and a bylaw will be on a future meeting's agenda. 

Alycia Felli, one of the group's organizers, said this week that the impetus for the ban came from a class at the high school. 

"All of us are enrolled in an AP environmental science course, and our teacher really opened our eyes about tiny solutions that could ameliorate environmental degradation," Felli said, noting that the course brought up a bag ban. "I saw that and went, 'Oh my gosh, this is something I could even do.'"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-students-seek-bag-ban

• A copy of the proposed bylaw can be found here

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F3878-000F8513

• or here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczb0FXRTBuSUNBamc/view?usp=sharing

Early voting begins Oct 24

"Starting later this month, and for the first time in Massachusetts, all registered voters will be able to vote before Election Day.

With a historic presidential election weeks away, area town clerks are advising voters in their towns that early voting will begin on Oct. 24 and continue through Nov. 4.

Prior to the enactment of the new early voting law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or who have a disability or religious belief preventing them from going to the polls, will be legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is permitted for every registered voter.

A license or ID issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles is required to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the Nov. 8 election, participants must be registered by Oct. 19.

Early voting can be done in person or by mail."

-------------

FRANKLIN: Early voting can be done in person at the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 E. Central St. on the following dates:

• Oct. 24-25: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Oct. 26-27: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Oct. 28: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Nov. 2-3: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Nov. 4: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Franklin will also offer weekend hours from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Oct. 29.

Registered voters have the option to request an early voting ballot through the mail, Franklin Town Clerk's Office, 355 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038. The application can be found at sec.state.ma.us/ele; franklin.ma.us.

screen grab of Franklin Town Clerk webpage

For other community early voting times
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161009/early-voting-to-begin-oct-24

"How can the mountains of positive data be trusted when side-by-side comparisons aren’t based on the same factors?"

WGBH's Callie Crossley writes:

http://news.wgbh.org/

Meanwhile, I can’t figure out why the charter cap expansion has gotten so much big money from corporations both here and outside the state. WGBH News reporter Isaiah Thompson discovered that “no single ballot question has drawn as much in donations.” And I still wonder what was the incentive, last year, when three lawyers from three competing white-shoe law firms jointly filed a lawsuit claiming fewer charters denied minority students’ civil rights. Call me cynical but I don’t believe the high-priced lawyers' donated time, and the millions in contributions are about making sure all of Massachusetts’ students have a better education. I’m far from a mathematician, but something just doesn’t add up.

Read her full article online
http://news.wgbh.org/2016/10/07/local-news/question-2-lifting-charter-school-cap-doesnt-add

"consider more stringent regulations for the panels"

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

"The town may consider stricter zoning requirements for solar panels after a local resident brought his concerns to the Town Council. 

Resident Michael Swetz raised the matter during the public comment segment of a recent council meeting, saying he was motivated by a possible 40-panel solar installation on Prospect Street. 

According to Swetz, current laws regard the panels as benign, and do not impose much in the way of regulations on them. 

"Under the zoning ordinance, they're an auxiliary building," he said. "Right now, ground-based solar panels can be put in your backyard like a garden shed, with no screening requirements or safety requirements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-may-consider-harsher-solar-rules

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html

The statement by Michael Swetz during the Citizens Comment portion of the Town Council meeting on Oct 5 can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html