Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell partners with newlife Home Refurnishing

Norfolk County Register of Deeds partners with newlife Home Refurnishing

Saying that there's no better time of year to help out others, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell says that his agency will continue its collections of household items for a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people establish a new home.    The charity, known as newlife Home Refurnishing located in Walpole, opened its warehouse doors in November of 2013, providing such free household items to its clients as furniture, linens, mattresses, dishes, pots and pans and more. "The agency serves a wide variety of people including those affected by disasters (such as fires and floods), as well as veterans and others who are trying to get back on their feet," noted O'Donnell.    In their nearly 3 years of operation, newlife Home Refurnishing has served more than 740 households, 1300 individuals and nearly 100 veterans. Furthermore, approximately 90 social agencies have sent clients to the organization. Just recently the organization got involved in an initiative dealing with chronic homelessness with the City of Boston.    "We are truly excited to be involved," said Register O'Donnell, "but the Registry, because of space limitations can only collect certain types of new and gently used household items (no furniture), but we would love to receive donations such as linens, sheets, comforters and blankets (no king size). Other items they are looking for include pots, pans, kitchen and cooking utensils (no dishes), silverware, towels and face cloths, (no beach towels)," noted O'Donnell.    Those interested in making a donation, can call Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or email her at agardner@norfolkdeeds.org. The Registry requests that if you are looking for a receipt, please bring a list of the items that you are donating. You can also directly donate to newlife  Home Refurnishing. They are located at 102 Elm Street, Walpole. Donations are accepted on Saturday mornings between the hours of 9:00-11:00 or by appointment. Check their website at www.newlifehr.org for further details.    To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., 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. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Partners with newlife Home Refurnishing Register of Deeds Bill O'Donnell dropping off household items to Barbara Yates of newlife Home Refurnishing Register Bill O'Donnell and Barbara Yates of newlife Home Refurnishing email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-461-6116 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

REMINDER: Winter Sports Classes Begin January 9

Still Time To Register

DON'T FORGET Winter Sports Classes begin January 9! Advanced Volleyball Badminton, Basketball Intermediate Volleyball   REGISTER TODAY The Center for Adult Education  Community Learning 218 Oak Street Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 (508) 613-1480 Franklin Public Schools                  Lifelong Learning Institute The Center for Adult Education  Community Learning

Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Annual Report 2016: Town Attorney

"The Town has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration offices and works three days a week.

In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an asneeded basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input.

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiations. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town's zoning and general bylaws.

An in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town’s legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from filing frivolous lawsuits.

The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrator’s prior approval is obtained."


Respectfully submitted,

Mark Cerel
Town Attorney

Franklin Municipal Building

Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016

http://franklinma.gov/administrator/files/franklin-2016-town-report

Prior year annual reports can be found

http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports

Planet Fitness Kick Starts the New Year With Special Offer

Planet Fitness is kick starting the New Year with a sale from January 1 through January 11, by offering new memberships for a $1 enrollment fee and then $10 a month with no commitment. Known for its Judgement Free Zone®, Planet Fitness wants to help first time gym-goers meet their New Year's health and fitness goals by offering a non-intimidating gym experience at an affordable price. Anyone can take advantage of this great deal in the United States or Canada. To find a club, visit PlanetFitness.com/local-clubs.

"New Year's resolutions such as getting fit or joining a gym are top of mind, and we know many people may feel intimidated or unsure of where to start with their fitness goals," said Chris Rondeau, Planet Fitness Chief Executive Officer. "Working out should be fun and done at your own pace, and at Planet Fitness we're here for everyone regardless of their fitness level."

Brian Zehetner, Planet Fitness' Director of Health and Fitness and co-author of the book Working Out Sucks! (And Why It Doesn't Have To), offers advice to help keep a New Year's resolution from turning into a "stress-olution":

1. Set realistic goals. It's important to set realistic goals and celebrate achievements along the way, both big and small, which will help keep you motivated! It doesn't matter if your goal is to walk your first mile on a treadmill, or train for a 10K, just know it takes time to form a new habit.

2. Be accountable to someone. Let a close friend or relative know what your plans are for the New Year. They may be interested in joining you on your journey, and if so, the PF Black Card® for only $19.99 a month is a great option. You can work out with a buddy every day for no additional fee.

3. Enjoy what you love, in moderation. Working out and nutrition go hand in hand, but you don't have to forgo all your favorite foods entirely. So, if you're trying to eat healthier in the New Year, it's okay to enjoy that slice of pizza every once in a while too. Especially if you're getting in a good workout!

Planet Fitness has revolutionized the fitness industry with extremely low prices (memberships for just $10 or $19.99 a month*) and offers a variety of benefits including a hassle-free environment called the Judgement Free Zone®, brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions, unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer through the pe@pf® program, and much more.

Planet Fitness also provides members with an opportunity to connect and support each other with "Planet of Triumphs," an online community that celebrates all accomplishments and inspirational stories of Planet Fitness members. Planet of Triumphs provides an online platform for members to recognize their triumphs (big or small), share their stories and encourage others, reinforcing the Company's belief that 'everyone belongs'. Check out real Planet Fitness member stories and accomplishments at PlanetofTriumphs.com.

For more information or to join online, please visit www.PlanetFitness.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PlanetFitness), Instagram (www.instagram.com/planetfitness/) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/PlanetFitness).

*participating locations

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of September 30, 2016, Planet Fitness had more than 8.7 million members and more than 1,200 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

Happy New Year !!!

Welcome to 2017

This will be the only post today. 

Take the time to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. 

If you need something to read, there are plenty of posts in the archives going back to November 2007 and there are photos taken in and around Franklin in the Flickr tab.

sun and clouds reflecting upon the lower pond at DelCarte

If you are not already subscribing via email, I would heartily recommend it. The daily email is the best way to keep current with all that matters in Franklin.

To successfully subscribe is a two-step process.

1 - You enter your email on the form.   http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html  

2 - The service sends you an email to confirm your subscription to which you must reply.

Once you reply, your email is confirmed, and then you will begin to receive the daily newsletter between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. You will only receive one email per day.

FHS boys basketball and hockey teams posts wins

Via Hockomock Sports

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 76 vs. East Boston, 35 – Final
– Junior Paul Mahon scored a team-high 17 points as the Panthers cruised in their final game of the calendar year. James Hanlon added 11 points while sophomore Jalen Samuels recorded 10 points.

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 5 vs. La Salle Academy 1 – Final

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-123016/

FHS Panthers

Via the Twitterverse

FHS Boys and Girls Basketball Coaches vs. Cancer event 1/6. Boys Frosh 3:45, Girls Varsity 6:00, Boys Varsity 7:30. Wear your pink!!! 🎀🏀

— Karen (@karenmahon73) December 30, 2016

The boys pick up a 5-1 win over La Salle. Hard hat goes to @ginleyowen #Ashee pic.twitter.com/5R0X4jCypr

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) December 30, 2016

Hi All!!! Coach Bain is officially taking over the @FHSStrength twitter acct as the strength coach. Follow me @lianeblyn. Miss you all!

— FHS strength & condo (@FHSStrength) December 30, 2016

Final: Franklin BB 76-35 over East Boston @HockomockSports @FHSSports

— Tim Rodgers (@timrodg) December 30, 2016

Franklin BB up 58-26 on East Boston end of 3rd @HockomockSports @FHSSports

— Tim Rodgers (@timrodg) December 30, 2016

Franklin BB up 39-20 against East Boston at the half @HockomockSports @FHSSports

— Tim Rodgers (@timrodg) December 30, 2016

I don't like wishing time away but .... Spring can't come fast enough! Exciting time to be a panther. https://t.co/0TuhG3nad5

— FHS Baseball (@FHSCoachZBrown) December 30, 2016

The new https://t.co/5zxVBVUEQZ website is up and running. We can now add 2017 to our schedule!!! pic.twitter.com/lPCuOcOvx7

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) December 30, 2016

MBTA: Commuter Rail service for New Year's Eve

The Commuter Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule for New Year's Eve, with extra late night service.

All Commuter Rail trains will be free after 8 pm on New Year's Eve.

Bikes are not allowed on all inbound trains between 10 am and 6 pm and on all outbound trains from 4 pm until the end of service.

The Franklin Line operating at Franklin Dean Station

Last updated: Dec 30 2016 10:55 AM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events

Annual Report 2016: Franklin TV

Franklin TV is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. We operate the local access TV studios for Franklin. We produce local TV programs on three channels:

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26).
• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28).
• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29).

We are Franklin’s local TV channels on Comcast and Verizon, but we do not provide cable TV service. 

Background
The Town of Franklin is the Local Franchise Authority (LFA) that maintains agreements with Comcast and Verizon cable TV providers.

Franklin TV’s funding comes from a 4.8% access fee on cable service that cable subscribers pay via these agreements.

Franklin TV does not rely on government taxes. Franklin TV pays a PILOT fee (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) to the Town of Franklin by agreement. We are the first nonprofit organization that pays for town services.

As an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization we also may receive grants and donations from contributors. 

Local Programming Produced in 2015

During our 2015 operating year we generated:

• 217 Public Access Programs
• 95 School/Sports Programs
• 19 School/Civic Events Programs
• 96 Government Meetings
• 427 Locally Produced Programs

All of these programs were produced, recorded and edited by our staff on behalf of Franklin residents, organizations, agencies and local government. Our extensive production support reaches beyond the customary charter of other public access studios to lend equipment and provide technical training. This additional commitment of professional support enables us to provide a broader range of programs

In addition to programming, Franklin TV offers free community announcements on our Bulletin Board for all three P/E/G channels. Nonprofit organizations who wish to promote their meetings, special events and activities are welcome to contact us.

Our Studios and Offices
We have five thousand square feet that houses two video studios (a large drive-in access studio and an interview studio), two audio recording rooms, four digital video editing/effects systems, and our offices. 

We also have general purpose Community Meeting Space available – free to qualified nonprofit groups and service organizations for occasional meetings. Our facility accommodates up to 30 people.

After some years of effort, we finally succeeded in arranging for Comcast to upgrade our PEG channels connection to digital fiber. We are now connected by our own private fiber directly to the Comcast Milford Network Operations Center (NOC). This noise and distortion free connection was installed in April at a cost to us of $30,000. This digital upgrade retires the obsolete Comcast analog RF iNet link that experienced regular signal outages and interference.

Our Interview Studio
Franklin TV has two studios. Our smaller studio is an excellent facility for staging and recording interview and discussion programs. In 2015 this room was transformed with five all-digital displays that provide fully animated backgrounds. This novel approach enables us to stage more programs very efficiently, with each enjoying customized graphic set design.

Scholarships
In June, as part of our continuing commitment to Franklin students, Franklin TV awarded two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors:

• Tatyana Youssef of Franklin High
• Emily Scannell of Tri-County High

Our congratulations and best wishes go out to them in their academic endeavors.


A Broadcasting Opportunity, WFPR-FM
In February of 2014, Franklin TV was awarded a construction permit by the FCC for a 100 Watt, noncommercial educational FM radio station. WFPR, (Franklin Public Radio) broadcasting on 102.9 FM. The FCC received 3,000 applications. Franklin.TV was among 81 Massachusetts applicants. 

Of these, 19 permits were granted, with 8 going to P/E/G studios like Franklin TV. WFPR will be an extension of Franklin TV’s services to the community and surrounding towns. Our construction permit runs to February, 2017 to allow sufficient time to properly site and construct a broadcast antenna.

FPR will also provide opportunities for local citizens to have a voice by producing their own programs or participating as volunteers to make our radio station successful as a local community resource.

Our Charter Operations
We continue to see increasing requests from various town agencies and civic organizations to provide TV coverage for local events. We cover Franklin events that are cultural or institutional in nature and of general interest.

We are always interested in training volunteers who would like to learn the craft of video production. Trained volunteers and interns work alongside our roster of free-lance and staff professionals to shoot and edit the institutional programs that we cover.

Citizen Access
Residents who produce their own access programs are the owners of these programs. As such, these producers hold their own copyright and may copy and distribute these programs freely, provided that the programs are cablecast on the Franklin system. 

Per our Public Access charter, we do not provide equipment for covering private or personal events or for purposes other than generating Access Programs to be shown over the Franklin cable system Information about our weekly programming can be found on our web site: www.franklin.tv. 

While visiting our website, also read our informative F.A.Q. on P/E/G TV studios, their operation, history and charter. We also recommend browsing our past newsletter archives to learn more about Franklin TV, our growth and development, and the civic events that we cover throughout the year.

Finally, in closing, “Thanks for watching!”


Respectfully submitted,

Franklin TV’s Board of Directors

Ken Norman, President
Jay Horrigan, Vice President
Wesley Rea, Treasurer
John Milot, Clerk
Anne Bergen, Nick Remissong, Rose Turco
Peter Fasciano, Executive Director

Franklin Public Access Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street

Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016

http://franklinma.gov/administrator/files/franklin-2016-town-report

Prior year annual reports can be found

http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Christine Lavin and Don White - January 7

Peter Mulvey January 28th View this email in your browser Christine Lavin and Don White Jan 7th 8PM $25 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is starting the year off right with two hilarious musicians, Christine Lavin and Don White on Saturday January 7th at 8PM. Christine's smart and funny songs nail our lives and foibles on the head! She is a comedienne whose delightfully skewed songs cover a lot of territory including relationships, politics, and life's injustices.  http://www.christinelavin.com/  Don White is a Circle of Friends regular whose songs and stories about raising teenagers always have our crowds rolling in the aisles. Together they are a fabulously hilarious duo of comedy and song. This will be a night to remember.  http://www.donwhite.net/ "...Christine Lavin and Don White, perhaps the two funniest performers on the folk circuit today." - Scott Alarik, The Boston Globe http://www.donwhite.net/don-christine/ Check out their video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLwRwZ7j3C4 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 this shows are $25.  Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information. Upcoming Shows Jan 28       Peter Mulvey Feb 11      Joe Crookston Mar 4        Celtic Band RUNA Mar 18      The Boxcar Lilies

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

Annual Report 2016: Building Inspection

The Building Inspection Department is a multifunction office responsible for the construction, demolition, alteration, repair and occupancy of all residential, commercial, business and industrial uses for both existing and new construction in accordance with the Massachusetts Building Code. 

The department is responsible for the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the following codes:

• Massachusetts State Building Code - 780  CMR
• Town of Franklin Code - Zoning – CH 185
• Mass. Electrical Code – 527 CMR
• Mass. Plumbing and Gas Code – 248 CMR
• National Fuel Gas Code – NFPA 54-2002
• Sealer of Weights and Measure – G.L. CH 98
• Architectural Access Board – 521 CMR

Hours of Operation
The Building Inspection Department’s hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Wednesday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m. and Friday 8:00a.m.-
1:00p.m.

For your convenience, you may visit our website at www.franklin.ma.us/inspections. This site contains a series of forms easily accessible and available to download. The website provides permit applications, sample plot plans, sign regulations, swimming pool instruction manuals. Shed/barn instruction manuals, zoning criteria and other information necessary to process a permit or to simply provide information to the public.

Building Department Staff
Building Commissioner/Zoning Officer:
Lloyd Brown

Inspectors:
Inspector of Wires: Bernard Mullaney
Asst Wiring Inspector: James Laughlin
Plumbing/Gas Inspector: Richard Cornetta
Asst Plumb/Gas Inspector: Richard McCormick
Local Building Inspector: Stephen O’Neill
Sealer of Weights & Measurers
Comm. of Mass. /Div. of Standards

Staff Assistants
Barbara J. Curran
Nancy Danello/Zoning
Judy Demers

Lloyd Brown, Commissioner of Buildings, is responsible for all construction trade inspectors,municipal maintenance and supervision of all construction, zoning interpretation and determination,pre-planning and review of all subdivisions and proposed construction and improvements and general input for all other municipal departments and construction-related inquiries.

I would like to thank Nancy Danello our ZBA and Permit Clerk. Nancy accepted the position of Assistant Town Clerk in January of this year. Nancy will shine in this new position, be assured of that. Casey Thayer was hired to fill that vacant position. Casey has shown that she has what it takes to run all aspects of the Building and ZBA Clerk duties.

Building Permits
This year the Building Department issued a total of 1670 building permits and the revenues collected totaled $699,133.00

The following is a breakdown of the past years building permit activity:

• Single Family Residence 40
• Attached Senior Units 0
• Commercial Building 4
• Solar Panels 165
• Accessory Dwelling Units 5
• Addition(s) 32
• Alteration(s) 1090
• Amended Permit(s) 0
• Deck 80
• Swimming Pool(s) 29
• Garage(s) 14
• Shed(s) 4
• Foundation(s) Only 0
• Demolition(s) 9
• Tent(s) 12
• Sign(s) 53
• Woodstove(s) 22
• Carnival(s) 2
• Fence 0
• Earth Removal 0
• Repair(s) Rehab 11
• Sheet Metal 87

Certificates of Inspection
Inspection and certification of specified use groups shall be inspected annually in accordance with Table 110 of the Massachusetts State Building Code. This year the staff issued 137 certificates of inspection and the fees collected for the certifications amounted to $25,880.00. Certificates are issued for all public and private schools, churches, day care centers, nursing homes, funeral homes, bleachers, restaurants, alcoholic beverage establishments, multifamily dwellings (3or more units), movie theaters and other places of assembly. The Fire Department has assisted our department in assuring compliance with the Fire Prevention Code. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the public safety and well being of the general public.

Certificates of Occupancy
The Building Inspection Department issues a certificate of occupancy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building Code. All buildings/structures shall not be used or occupied in whole or part until a certificate of occupancy is issued. This department has issued a total of 86 certificates of occupancy and the total fees collected amounted to $5,850.00

Electrical Permits
The total number of electrical permits issued was 1276, the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $124,635.00.

Plumbing Permits
The total number of plumbing permits issued was 661, the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $65,986.00.

Gas Permits
The total number of gas permits issued was 830 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $47,171.00

Vacant Property Registration
The State of Massachusetts has created the Abandoned Housing Initiative, this program has helped by using measures to appoint receivers to repair and then auction the vacant properties. The Town of Franklin still requires the registration of vacant properties. The total number of permits issued was 38 and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $1520.00

Division of Weights and Standards
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, Division of Standards provides this service on behalf of the Town of Franklin. The Department of Weights and Measures is responsible for providing the services of testing, adjusting, sealing and handling all complaints regarding commercial weighing and measuring devices within the Town of Franklin. The department investigates consumer complaints regarding unit pricing laws; spot-checking prepackaged items for compliance with all weights and measures laws. Inspections were conducted by the State and the total fees collected and deposited amounted to $9,433.00

Total Revenues Collected: $979,608.00

Respectfully submitted,

Lloyd Brown
Commissioner of Buildings

Horace Mann Square - under construction on Emmons St

Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016

http://franklinma.gov/administrator/files/franklin-2016-town-report

Prior year annual reports can be found

http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports

3Q tax bills mailed - Due Feb 1, 2017

3rd Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Bills will be mailed out on Friday, December 30th. The due date for these bill is February 1, 2017.

You can pay online at http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments.

If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.

expanded parking lot at the Senior Center

"return the river to a more natural, free-flowing state"

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

"The town started removing the Pearl Street Mill dam this month - an effort that advocates claim will improve the health of the Charles River. 

State officials and river advocates believe that the project marks the first time an undamaged dam has been removed along the river's span. 

Alex Hackman, of the Division of Ecological Restoration, said the state office is supporting Bellingham in the project. Dams hurt a river's health by creating stagnant, warmer water, he said. 

"With most dams, you see consistent symptoms," he said. "They back up the water, creating an artificial pond, and tend to settle out sediment. Over time, the sediment causes the water to get shallower, warming the water."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161230/setting-free-charles-river-in-bellingham