Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Jane's Frames: A quick note from us



For the busy Holiday Season  we have extended the hours at  Jane's Frames
We are now Open:
Monday from 12:00 Noon-5:00 p.m.
Tuesday,  and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m-6:00 p.m.
Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 pm
Friday from 9:30 a.m-6:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:0 0 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hopefully this will make it easier for you to take advantage of our many services, such as:
Custom Picture Framing
Photo Restoration
Custom Mirrors
High Quality Photo Printing
Unique Original Art 
Antique Map Reproductions
Tabletop Photo Frames
Handmade Artisan Crafts
(Handmade cards, Unique Jewelry, Handmade Ceramic items,
Holiday Home Decorations, Handmade Quilts and More)

We thank you for your continued Business!

Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

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Jane Curran at Jane's Frames, website photo
Jane Curran at Jane's Frames, website photo


Monday, December 5, 2016

Public Hearing: EPA Brownfields Grant - Dec 6 - 5:00 PM

The Department of Planning and Community Development will be a holding Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 6th at 5:00PM for an EPA Brownfields Grant in regards to the former Nu-Style site at 87 Grove Street. 

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall.

Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St
Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St


Related posts on the NuStyle property



  • A similar hearing was held almost one year ago

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/public-hearing-notice-for-87-grove-st.html



  • From the 2015 Annual Report:

"Also during 2015 DPCD continued to work with other Town staff, consultants, and the EPA to move forward redevelopment of the Town’s “Nu-Style” Property. The Nu-Style Property at 87 Grove Street consists of two parcels totaling 1.2 acres. The property is contaminated with a variety of hazardous materials. Demolition of the main NuStyle building was completed within FY13; demolition was required in order to access and analyze soil and water under the building to assure that the full extent of soil and water contamination is known.  

Preparing the site for redevelopment is expensive, and DPCD has sought funding and technical assistance from a variety of sources in recent years. DPCD secured EPA technical assistance to assess the quality of ground water at the Nu-Style site; several monitoring wells were drilled and two rounds of water samples were analyzed. In addition, the EPA performed indoor air quality assessment activities in an adjacent privately held building to assure contaminated soil and ground water on the Nu-Style property is not negatively impacting adjacent properties. Building II, a smaller dilapidated mill building on the back of the Nu-Style property became the focus of DPCD efforts during the second half of FY15."

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/annual-report-2015-department-of.html



Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 6, 2016

The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Dec 6 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The full agenda document is attached below with the key items highlighted here:

  • Technology – E Permitting Purchase
  • Technology – Google Applications Purchase
  • Turf Field Design and Development

Items for Discussion:

Town Administrator Updates 
  • FY 17 Capital/FY 18 Budget, 
  • Multi-units development in Town

the new artificial turf field at FHS has good softness with its new infill although it is  crumb rubber and is controversial
the new artificial turf field at FHS has good softness with its new infill although it is 
crumb rubber and is controversial


Worthy of note is the balance of the budgetary savings accounts. These accounts are used to plan for actual or emergency expenses.

The "Rec Fields Stab" is money set aside to replace the FHS and Beaver St artificial turf fields. Coincidentally, one of the action items on this agenda is to use some money from the "Free Cash" to fund the design for those fields. The design is needed to put the work out to bid with an expectation to have the fields replaced during the period June-July 2017.


Balances update 09/30/16


  • Gen Stab 4,987,740
  • PW Stab -0- 
  • Rec Fields Stab 870,105
  • Traffic Stab 4,611 
  • Fire Truck Stab 486,407
  • Property Acquis Stab 255,527 
  • Open Space 1,085,668
  • Budget Stab 1,345,759 
  • OPEB Trust 2,262,251
  • Free Cash 3,516,586


OPEB Obligation: Pay as you go 93,975,598 as of 6/30/15



S.A.F.E. Coalition Members presents Certificate of Appreciation to Franklin Resident Sam Pfeiffer for his Fundraising Efforts

Sam Pfeiffer, an 8th grade student at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (BFCCPS), raised $280 for the S.A.F.E. Coalition as part of his Capstone project. The project aimed to help educate middle school students at his school about the ongoing opioid crisis, and raise funds to support those affected by Substance Use Disorder in the greater Franklin area. 

Sam raised the money by organizing two separate events: a popsicle sale at BFCCPS in the spring and a lemonade stand sale at the school's annual back-to-school picnic, during which he handed out brochures and other supporting information provided by the S.A.F.E. Coalition to help increase awareness in the community.

The presentation was made November 22, 2016 during the S.A.F.E. Coalition Meeting at the Franklin Municipal Building. 

Shown in the picture are S.A.F.E. Board of Directors members Megan Lazarek (Member), Jennifer Knight (Vice President), Jim Derick (President), Sam Pfeiffer, Jordan Warnick (Secretary) and Steve Spiewakowski (Member)
Shown in the picture are S.A.F.E. Board of Directors members Megan Lazarek (Member), Jennifer Knight (Vice President), Jim Derick (President), Sam Pfeiffer, Jordan Warnick (Secretary) and Steve Spiewakowski (Member)

In acknowledging the enormous action on Sam's part Jim Derick (President) said: 
  • 'If there were more Sam's involved, we would be able to bring the crisis under control…’ and … 'it brings in a new generation into the fight [sic against Substance Use Disorder].'
  • 'It [sic, these funds alone] will support S.A.F.E. phone services for more than a year.’
Sam also received a letter of congratulations from Rep. Jeff Roy, who could not be present.

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.

For further information about the S.A.F.E. Coalition of MA please visit us on the Web (http://safecoalitionma.com) of on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/)

Did you hear about photos with Santa?

Did you hear about photos with Santa?
"Come and have your picture taken with Santa!
Santa Claus himself will be here at the Police Department from 9am-1pm. 
We will be collecting toys for our annual toy drive, so please bring in a new unwrapped gift. Thank you!"

You can follow the event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/858818804253532/


Franklin Police Dept event photo on Facebook
Franklin Police Dept event photo on Facebook
Franklin Police Station - post Halloween
Franklin Police Station - post Halloween

Boston school starting times

In the Saturday edition of the Boston Globe:
"Boston school officials have decided against changing the start times for elementary, middle, and K-8 schools for next fall, saying they need more time to conduct an analysis and consult with the community, officials announced Friday night. 
“There are no plans at this time to make changes to start and end times for the upcoming school year as it’s important that we take the time to work with the entire school community through this process,” the School Department said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/02/boston-puts-brakes-changing-school-start-times-least-for-now/DFxNyhH5zCj3n27a4Xv1ZO/story.html

This is a follow up to an earlier story
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/01/boston-considers-changing-school-start-times-save-busing-costs/hkB7hYljDz8eh561bGzuYO/story.html


Boston has three times for bus routes; 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30. They were looking to save money by switch some of the school star times so that more busses could run the three time slots. More planning and communication is needed before making any change.


Percent Franklin Voter Turnout 2003 - 2016 (updated with official results from Nov 8, 2016)

The "official" results from the November 8th were posted to the Town of Franklin webpage and as I updated my chart with the final numbers, I also realized that i had left out a key election in the last chart. I'll attribute that to a version control issue, I had updated an earlier version rather than the proper version. 

Here is the most recent chart with the percent Franklin voter turnout for elections from 2003 - 2016.

percent Franklin voter turnout for elections from 2003 - 2016
percent Franklin voter turnout for elections from 2003 - 2016 (color coded by election)

  • The official results from Nov 8 were posted to the Town of Franklin page here
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/copy_of_official_results_state_election_nov_8_2016.pdf


  • The prior posting in November can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/franklin-voter-turnout-from-2003-2016.html



Registration is now open for the 2017 Winter Session

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Registration is now open for the 2017 winter session at The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning, 9 E. Central St., 218 Oak St, Franklin. 
This winter participants can exercise, dance and paint, or play sports — badminton, basketball and volleyball. They can also enjoy food and wine demonstrations and tastings and explore the Italian language. 
Classes in digital photography and financial planning will be offered. 
The Kids’ Corner program will also expand. This program is a unique collection of afterschool activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children’s creativity. Children can explore art, cooking, science and yoga."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161204/registration-open-for-adult-ed-classes


  • To view the catalog online 

http://cms5.revize.com/revize/franklinlifelong/Winter%20for%20print%20brochure%2011%2015%20final%20no%20links.pdf

Community Entrance at Franklin High School, also to the Lifelong Learning offices
Community Entrance at Franklin High School, also to the Lifelong Learning offices


Sunday, December 4, 2016

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 7, 2016

The agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 7, 2016. This was shared from the Town of Franklin website. The links in most cases go directly to the supporting documents. 

Agenda ItemSummary


A. Approval of MinutesA. November 16, 2016 Minutes
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Town Council Announcements
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Swearing in of Police Officers
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.
E. APPOINTMENTS(No appointments listed)
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing - 7:10 pm
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Public Hearing - 7:10 pm
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Franklin Advisory Committee
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS(made during the meeting)
1. Resolution 16-58: Request for Legislation
Exempting all positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Law
2. Resolution 16-67: Classification Tax Allocation - Residential Factor
3. Resolution 16-68: Classification Tax Allocation - Open Space Exemption
4. Resolution 16-69: Classification Tax Allocation - Small Business Exemption
5. Resolution 16-70: Classification Tax Allocation - Residential Property Exemption
6. Resolution 16-71: 2017 Schedule of Town Council Meetings
7. Resolution 16-72: Legal Notices
8. Resolution 16-73: Acceptance of Grant of Utility (Drainage) Easement on Property at 9 Macintosh Street
9. Resolution 16-74: Declaration as surplus and available for Disposition (Ground Leasing) and Authorization Therefor of a Portion of Town-owned land off Forge Hill
10. Memo to Capital Budget Subcommittee
10.1 Resolution 16-76: Appropriation - Technology - Google Applications
11. Resolution 16-77: Appropriation - Turf Field Design and Development
12. Resolution 16-78: Appropriation - Technology - E Permitting
13. Resolution 16-79: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging
14. Bylaw Amendment 16-778: Chapter 160, Taxpayers, Delinquent - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 16-778 to a 2nd Reading (majority))
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT(made during the meeting)
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS(made during the meeting)
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS(made during the meeting)
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION(placeholder - may not be required)
O. Adjourn
meeting adjourns



Franklin's Town Common
Franklin's Town Common



Hand-grown/Hand-made Craft Fair - December 10

"There will be a hand-grown/hand-made craft fair with all local farmers and vendors from Franklin and a few surrounding towns. 

It will be held on the second story of An Unlikely Story Bookstore in Plainville next Saturday, December 10 from 10am to 3pm."


Hand-grown/Hand-made Craft Fair - December 10
Hand-grown/Hand-made Craft Fair - December 10

Note: organized by a Franklin couple who submitted this for posting

A Celtic Christmas with Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy Dec 10



View this email in your browser
A Celtic Christmas Celebration featuring
Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy

Dec 10th 8PM $25

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse presents a Celtic Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 10th at 8PM featuring Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy. Together they create a delightful musical tapestry to celebrate the season.  The music has a distinct Celtic flavor and extends from the little known Kilmore carols of Wexford to the Irish-American vaudeville stage. They explore both the Christian and Pagan traditions surrounding the Winter Solstice in a mixture of songs and instrumental pieces that create a delightful musical tapestry to celebrate the season.

Robbie O'Connell was born in Waterford, Ireland and grew up in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. A nephew of the Clancy Brothers, he began touring with his uncles in 1977 and recorded 3 albums with them. In 1979 he moved to Franklin, Massachusetts. He has also toured extensively with Mick Moloney and Jimmy Keane, and also with Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan in the Green Fields of America.  In 1992 he appeared at Carnegie Hall with the Clancy Brothers and was also seen by an estimated 500 million people worldwide on the telecast of a live tribute to Bob Dylan at Madison Square Garden, a performance which Rolling Stone magazine described as "breathtaking". http://www.robbieoconnell.com/

Fiddler Rose Clancy was born in New York into a musical family hailing from County Armagh, Ireland, an area immersed in traditional Irish music. Rose's musical career began at an early age performing with her family's musical group, The Clancy Tradition. Rose learned traditional music from her father, Eugene Clancy of the Irish Ramblers, in the "at my father's knee" tradition.


The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Tickets for these shows are $25.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.
Upcoming Shows
Jan 7        Christine Lavin and Don White
Jan 28      Peter Mulvey
Feb 11     Joe Crookston







Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

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In the News: Rotaract Club chartered at Dean College

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Franklin Rotary Club has chartered a Rotaract club at Dean College. The 19 charter members, all Dean students, attended a recent Rotary Club meeting where they were formally inducted into Rotaract by Rotary District Gov. Steve Sager, from the Westborough Rotary Club; Franklin Rotary President Theodore Katsaros; and Carlos Aguilera, Franklin rotarian and the Rotaract Club adviser. 
The students already have a list of projects they intend to do to help out in the Franklin community."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161203/franklin-rotary-club-charters-dean-college-rotaract-club

Rotaract Club established at Dean College
Rotaract Club established at Dean College
Photo was taken during the induction of individual members by Mr Sager.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/rotaract-club-established-at-dean.html