Please take the Library survey!

The Franklin Library has released a survey to seek your input on the services they offer and what they could offer.

Follow the link to open up the survey and provide your input

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOQlprFQmSzCEp-xuooxEl6JvEHMme2cKNT6XyAUgMhGw4Dw/viewform

exterior construction for the new wing has changed very little since winter started

Storm Prep: Commuter Rail notice, No School in Franklin, Trash/Recycling Delayed one day

The Commuter Rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule for Thursday, 2/9. Please be on platforms 5-10 min early to ensure timely boarding.

Passengers are reminded to allow additional time while travelling to their local stations. Please use caution traversing platforms and parking lots. For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @MBTA_CR, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Last updated: Feb 08 2017 04:15 PM

Click here for more information: https://www.mbta.com/winter

Franklin/Dean Station in light snow

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Franklin Public Schools closed Thursday/ No evening activities

Stay safe -

FHS after a prior winter snow storm

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Trash and Recycling will be delayed one day. Thursday pickup will be Friday, friday pickup will be Saturday...

The Franklin Public Schools are closed on Thursday, February 9th.

Note the Winter Parking Ban is in effect as of 1:00AM Thursday February 9th. NO PARKING on streets in downtown or you will be towed. remove all vehicles form the streets in town to allow DPW trucks to effectively remove the snow.

Municipal Offices are to be determined in the morning by 6:00 AM. Please check back in by 6:00AM for Municipal Offices.

Emergency Information can be foudn on our website here on the link on the homepage at http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/emergency-management-information

Call 911 if you there is an emergency!

Town Common covered in snow

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/february-9th-snowstorm-information

Franklin Cultural Council Announces Logo Contest

The Franklin Cultural Council has announced a design contest for a new logo. Open to anyone, the contest encourages local talent to create a new, color logo for the Council that embodies its mission of supporting the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences through grant funding to local projects and programs. 

The contest will be open until March 12, 2017. The winner will be awarded a $50 cash prize and be recognized in a reception on March 23. 

Details, including contest rules and submission guidelines, can be found on the Cultural Council's website at www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council under the "Forms and Downloads" tab.

The mission of the Franklin Cultural Council (FCC) is to encourage participation and enhance opportunities for enrichment in the cultural arts and sciences throughout our community. 

Comprised of committed residents, the FCC meets monthly with the purpose of supporting events and programs through grants from the Town of Franklin, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

the current logo for the Franklin Cultural Council

Franklin Almanac - Episode 2

Polikseni Manxhari covers four stories in the new episode of Franklin Almanac now available from Franklin TV. Broadcast on Franklin cable channel at noon and 7:00 PM. You can also view the show via YouTube.

• Make Change for Change - addressing homelessness http://www.makechangeforchange.org/
• The 40% Club at Franklin High School
• Milford new radio station MyFM 101.3
• The story behind the new video for Jamie Barrett's song "The City called the Town of Franklin" produced by Chris Flynn

The full Franklin TV schedule can be found at http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin TV studios at 23 Hutchinson St

In the News: superintendent search starts over; Downtown Partnership considering goals for 2017

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

"The School Committee will once again seek candidates for its superintendent position. 

The committee voted unanimously Tuesday night to reopen its search, opting not to select either remaining finalist as its preferred candidate. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley opened the meeting by giving a history of the search process. He said two candidates, Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka and Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, remained. A third finalist, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch, had announced her intention to remain in her current position. 

O'Malley said the committee had options: it could choose either of the two candidates, or re-open the search. He suggested it opt for the latter choice."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170207/franklin-schools-re-open-superintendent-search

My notes and the audio recording of the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/school-superintendent-search-starts.html

"Members of the Franklin Downtown Partnership pondered several priorities for 2017 - including the best way to notify businesses of available commercial space. 

Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana said at the Feb. 2 meeting that there are numerous upcoming events over the first half of the year - among them a beautification day in May and the annual Strawberry Stroll in June. 

Piana said that since it was the group's first meeting of the year, it also made sense to consider the partnership's goals for 2017. She suggested that because the partnership receives many calls inquiring about available commercial space in town, it place an inventory of such locations on its website."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170207/franklin-downtown-partnership-considers-2017-priorities

The Town of Franklin page focused on sharing business development info about the community

In the News: Senior Center open house; police association fund raising

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

"An open house is planned at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St., Franklin, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in celebration of the completion of the second floor or the facility. 

The open house will also highlight improvements completed on the first floor of the senior center, as well as new programs and activities, and will include refreshments and giveaways, as well as Charlie Cards provided by the center's outreach staff. 

For questions, call 508-520-4945."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170207/open-house-set-at-franklin-senior-center

The back side of the Senior Center shows the rise in the roof where the elevator shaft is located

"The Franklin Police Superior Officers Association is currently holding a fundraising drive to benefit the association's community-based programs. 

The association is also publishing an official 2017 business directory and safety book with various business advertisements and safety tips. 

For contributors, the association is offering free tickets to a comedy show it is hosting on Friday, March 10, 7:30 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 1077 Pond St., Franklin. For more information, contact Association President Sgt. Chris Spillane at 508-440-2723."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170207/franklin-police-sergeants-union-holding-fundraiser

School Superintendent Search starts again

This special School Committee meeting was called to cover the discussion and decision on the School Superintendent search process. The Committee voted 7-0 to re-open the process as the two final candidates were not a 'good fit'.

Randy from HYA talks with the School Committee

My notes during the meeting were posted via Twitter and recaptured here

Town of Franklin: Police Dept - Use of Force Data

"The Franklin Police Department believes in transparency and open information. To this extent the website will also provide information on documented use of force incidents within the agency. The Franklin Police Department has a Use of Force Policy, and a separate but equally important policy on specific incidents that require an officer to file a report when force was used. Both of these policies are available for viewing. These policies conform with State and Federal guidelines, and are reviewed annually during weapons training. They are also reviewed or revised when there is a significant Court decision that has direct bearing on the policy.

Franklin Police Use of Force Policy

Franklin Police Use of Force Reporting Policy

We will also be publishing information on our own Use of Force data. We pride ourselves on having a group of talented and professional officers. No police department can realistically expect to operate without having to ever use any amount of force. To this extent, based on the number of daily police interactions, calls for service, and custodies, we process every year, we believe these numbers reflect the strong training, and verbal control tactics employed by our officers."

This was shared from the Town of Franklin Police Dept webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/use-force-data

The Franklin Police headquarters i  located at 911 Panther Way

Both FHS basketball teams and the girls hockey team posts wins on Monday

Girls Basketball = Franklin, 49 @ Taunton, 29 – Final
– Bea Bondhus had a team-high 14 points for Franklin and freshman Ali Brigham added 11 as the Panthers made it three straight wins and seven wins in the last nine games.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 7 @ Dover-Sherborn/Hopkinton, 0 – Final

Boys basketball = Taunton, 36 @ Franklin, 78 – Final

"Before Franklin hosts Mansfield this coming Friday in a game that will likely decide the Kelley-Rex title, the Panthers had a big test against a visiting Taunton squad on Monday night. 

The Panthers passed with flying colors. 

Franklin took a two-point lead at the end of the first quarter and blew the game wide open with dominant second quarter, eventually walking away with a 78-36 win over Taunton. 

While Franklin got nearly everything it wanted inside in the first quarter (7/9 from 2PT) and put up 16 points, Taunton freshman Dante Law had 10 points to help the Tigers keep pace."

Continue reading Editor in Chief Ryan Lannigans recap of the boys basketball game
https://hockomocksports.com/macchi-franklin-boys-basketball-land-big-win-over-visiting-taunton/

For all of Monday's results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-020617/

Franklin’s Connor Peterson goes for a layup in the first half against Taunton. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Via the Twitterverse

Panthers beat Taunton 49-29 on the road. On to Mansfield! #RightHereRightNow

— Franklin Girls Bball (@fhsgvbasketball) February 7, 2017

Final: Franklin 78, Taunton 36. Connor Peterson with 20 points, Josh Macchi with 17 pts, 12 reb. Law had 12 for Taunton. #hockomock

— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) February 7, 2017

Half: Franklin 43, Taunton 18. Panthers dominated the boards and broke this thing wide open. Josh Macchi with 13 pts, 12 reb. #hockomock

— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) February 7, 2017

7-0 win over DS. Goals by Trask, Landry (2), Dwyer (2), Paterson (2). First shutout of the season for Pokorny!

— FHS Girls Hockey (@fhsvgockey) February 6, 2017

In Franklin tonight as the Panthers host Taunton. Big Kelley-Rex showdown on deck, Panthers won first meeting 55-42. #hockomock pic.twitter.com/tOnab5Lm0l

— Ryan Lanigan (@R_Lanigan) February 6, 2017

JV beat Taunton 63-55. Great win!

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) February 6, 2017

Freshmen beat Taunton 53-44. Great job boys!

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) February 6, 2017

"the prohibition of placing snow in any public street is still in effect"

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

"The Town Council has done away with a bylaw that required businesses to clear nearby sidewalks of snow. 

The matter was decided at the body's Feb. 1 meeting, during which councilors voted unanimously to strike the 1975 bylaw. Town officials first brought the subject to the council's attention in January, stating that its provisions - among which, that businesses clear snow within 12 hours of a storm - had perhaps outlived their usefulness. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting has said that the law was passed at a time when business was concentrated in the downtown area. 

"In 40 years, the town has expanded dramatically up and down Rte. 140 and in the industrial parks," he said, adding that he did not believe the bylaw had been enforced during his years with the town."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170206/franklin-council-strikes-snow-removal-bylaw

Related article from the first meeting on this item in January
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/felt-bylaw-as-written-was-anti-business.html

Full meeting summary of the Feb 1, 2017 Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/town-council-recap-feb-1-2017.html

evidence that the DPW does get to clear the sidewalks of snow.

MBTA: Through Tuesday, Feb 7, 2017 - Commuter Rail notice

All commuter rail passengers should anticipate crowding and delays on Tuesday morning, 2/7, due to heavy ridership for the Patriots Parade.

The commuter rail will operate on a regular weekday schedule with added coaches on key trains. Ridership will be carefully monitored with additional trains on standby to be deployed to stations and lines as needed. Commuters may consider boarding early morning trains to avoid crowds.

Parade-goers are encouraged to carpool and use high capacity parking lots like Route 128, Dedham Corp and Anderson/Woburn. Mobile tickets can be purchased in advance from the MBTA's mTicket app. All tickets should be bought and activated prior to boarding.

Last updated: Feb 06 2017 01:49 PM
Sent by the MBTA.

MBTA commuter rail train at Franklin/Dean Station

“I’m really excited going into our first few trials"

From Pantherbook, the FHS news site, comes this article on the Mock Trial Team

"Each year the team is assigned a “Case Packet” which consists of affidavits and other documents to make a case for both the prosecution as well as the defense. 

This year the case is based around a war veteran who comes back home, only to end up shooting and killing his/her enemy from high school. The war veteran is played by Catherine Smith who will be performing for the team on Wednesday. 

“I am very excited and anxious for our first trial on Wednesday. I can’t wait to see how all of our hard work plays out” states senior, Alexander Sinks. 

There will be six students representing Franklin High School as an attorney, and three students representing the school as a witness, while the teams Prosecution will be there to cheer the team on. 

On Wednesday February 8th, the team’s Prosecution will be performing against Bellingham High School."

Continue reading about the Mock Trial Team online
http://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2017/01/31/meet-the-mock-trial-team/

The Mock Trial Team did win their first case last week:

Congrats to @FHSMock for the win today in our season opener. Pocket constitution to Lauren Robinson! @FranklinHSNews

— Michael Walsh (@MockWalsh) February 1, 2017

FHS Mock Trail Team for 2016-2017 (Pantherbook photo)

Hold the date for Family Science Night - March 16

It was a wild success in 2016 making this an event not to miss this year. This event is put on by FHS National Honor Society science students for K-8 students to explore science as well as see what can be done at the High School.






This was shared from the Franklin Public Schools webpage
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/0252D561-000F8513.0/2017FamilySciNight.pdf

a snow covered view of FHS

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register of Deeds Promotes Homestead Act

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register of Deeds Promotes Homestead Act Stating that for many people their house is the most important financial asset, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded homeowners about filing for Homestead protection. Under Massachusetts law, a Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. "Protecting one's primary residence is a key objective for all homeowners," noted Register O'Donnell. "If you own a home and it is your principle residence, one way to protect your home's asset is to file a Homestead. The Homestead law also allows the filing of an Elderly Homestead application., defining elderly as a person who is 62 years of age or older. This protection can be increased if the elderly couple files jointly." Register O'Donnell further stated, "One of the major changes under the 2011 Homestead Law passed by the Massachusetts Legislature is that a valid homestead cannot be terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Another clarification of the statute is that a Homestead can provide protections for a primary home kept in trust. Primary residence can also include a manufactured or mobile home." It is important to note there are certain debts that are exempted from protection under the Homestead Act, such as federal, state and local tax liens, as well as mortgages contracted for the purchase of a primary home and nursing home liens. Most other mortgages, debts, and encumbrances existing prior to the filing of the Declaration of Homestead, along with probate court executions for spousal and child support, are also not covered under the Homestead protection statute. Filing a homestead application at the Registry has become a popular consumer protection. "Last year," stated O'Donnell, "There were approximately 12,500 Homesteads filed at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in 2016, a 4% increase over the previous year." Homestead recordings can be filed at the Registry of Deeds for a state imposed fee of $36.00. To find out more about the Homestead law, or to get a free application, please go online to the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org or contact the Registry's Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101. Register O'Donnell concluded, "It is important to make clear that a Homestead protects consumers against the forced sale of their primary owned residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. While the debt is still owed, homeowners will at least have the comfort of knowing that with a Homestead filed at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy most debts." 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 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 email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 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

https://twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds/status/817425814925037569

"We want to encourage people to use the trains"

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

"Downtown business owners have reacted positively to the streetscape project that changed the traffic pattern in the area, but they added that some things need to be fixed. 

The subject arose during the Feb. 2 meeting of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, with Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen noting the completion of the work. 

"We've received a lot of feedback that foot traffic has picked up (at downtown businesses), which is music to our ears," he said. "People are, all of a sudden, saying, 'I didn't know store X was here.' They found out because they had to stop or slow down." 

Partnership members asked if, given this additional traffic, it might make sense to limit the number of commuter spaces in the municipal parking lot. Some of those commuters, they suggested, might use the Forge Park Station."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170205/franklin-businesses-pleased-with-downtown-project

Main St at night in downtown Franklin