Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Tri-County 2nd Quarter Honor Roll - 2016-17

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School has released their 2Q Honor Roll for the 2016-17 school year.


Count of Grade
Row Labels High Honors Honors Totals
Ashland 1 1
Attleboro 7 17 24
Bellingham 5 7 12
Blackstone 3 3
Franklin 12 38 50
Medfield 1 1
Medway 4 18 22
Millis 3 7 10
Millville 1 1
Norfolk 5 5 10
North Attleborough 30 93 123
Plainville 7 22 29
Seekonk 8 29 37
Uxbridge 1 1
Walpole 3 14 17
Wrentham 5 12 17
Grand Total 90 268 358

For the full listing of student names by grade and honor check this document



Tri-County 2nd Quarter Honor Roll - 2016-17
Tri-County 2nd Quarter Honor Roll - 2016-17


BFCCPS Performs "Shrek The Musical" - March 3, 4

Please join us for our annual Spring Musical featuring students in grades 6-8. This year's show is SHREK THE MUSICAL

This is a wonderful way to see our incredible Fine and Performing Arts Department at work. 

Two shows will be held, March 3rd and 4th at the Horace Mann Auditorium.

http://bfccps.org/event/shrek-performances/
http://bfccps.org/event/shrek-performances/

Monday, February 13, 2017

Franklin Public Schools: All Schools Opening at Regular Time on Tuesday, Feb 14

Hello

All Franklin Public Schools will open at the regular time Tuesday, February 14. DPW and Facilities have done exceptional work to clear roads and school parking lots. Many sidewalks around schools have been plowed and the rest will be done on Tuesday.

We will implement emergency busing for walkers where sidewalks have not been plowed. Bus lists are accessible on our web site.

As temperatures fall this evening some side streets may have some icy patches where snow has melted and water has pooled. Please drive carefully.

Thank You
Franklin Public Schools


Bus lists
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_BusOffice/transportation/bus%20routes%20fy17%20final.pdf

Parmenter Elementary School
Parmenter Elementary School

"Water Ban measures apply to both public water supply users and private well users"

§ 179-1 Authority.


This article is adopted by the Town of Franklin under its police powers to protect public health, safety and welfare and implements the Town's authority to regulate, limit and prohibit water use. This article also implements the Town's authority under M.G.L. c. 40, § 41A, conditioned upon a declaration of Water Supply Emergency issued by the Department of Environmental Protection.


§ 179-2 Purpose.


The purpose of this article is to protect, preserve and maintain the public health, safety and welfare whenever there is in force a State of Water Supply Conservation or Water Ban by providing for enforcement of any duly imposed prohibitions, restrictions, requirements, provisions or conditions imposed by the Town or by the Department of Environmental Protection.


§ 179-3 Application and Exemptions.


Water Supply Conservation measures apply to public water supply users only. Water Ban measures apply to both public water supply users and private well users.

Commercial agricultural users and golf courses shall be exempt from all provisions of this article. The Town of Franklin is exempt from all provisions of this article to extent required to protect public assets.



Continue reading the proposal to change the water restrictions to include private wells




You can also find this document as part of the Town Council agenda for Feb15,2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/discussion_-_water_use_restrictions.pdf

Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass last year, that could change this year if the Town Council adds private wells to the water restrictions as proposed
Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass last year, that could change this year if the Town Council adds private wells to the water restrictions as proposed

Franklin Municipal Offices will open at 9:00AM on Monday, February 13

Municipal Building Offices will have a one-hour delay in opening. Municipal Offices will open at 9:00AM on Monday, February 13th.

All Franklin Public Schools and after school activities are closed on Monday, February 13th.

Trash and Recycling will NOT be picked up Monday. It will be delayed one day, Monday will be picked up Tuesday, and so on...

Emergency Information can be found 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!

http://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/february-13th-municipal-offices-1-hour-delay


Fletcher FIeld in the snow
Fletcher FIeld in the snow

Snow delays the trash/recycling schedule one day all week


"If you have not heard, Trash and Recycling will be delayed one day this week starting tomorrow Feb 13th, 2017. 
So...... if your normal pickup day is Monday, it is now Tuesday, 
Tuesday trash will be picked up on Wednesday, 
Wednesday on Thursday, 
Thursday's stuff will be picked up Friday, 
and if you're normally a Friday folk, your trash and recycling will be picked up on Saturday. 
For further information feel free to contact our office at 508 520  4910"

Franklin DPW photo
Franklin DPW photo

Register O'Donnell Reports Good Start to 2017 Real Estate Season



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Reports Good Start to 2017 Real Estate Season

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported a good but not spectacular start to 2017 Norfolk County real estate scene. While sales volume exhibited a modest increase, lending activity showed solid gains in both the number of mortgages recorded and the overall amount of money lent to home and business owners.

During the month of January 2017, the total volume of residential and commercial real estate sales increased by 3% to $532 million from the previous January. The average sale price, again including both residential and commercial, did not show any statistical change from January 2016. The average sale price for the month was $678,916. Register O'Donnell noted, "While the number did not pop, Norfolk County did hold its own."

On the other hand, lending activity was more robust in January than compared to one year ago with a total of 2,282 mortgages recorded, a significant 15% increase from the previous year. "What these numbers prove," stated O'Donnell, "is that consumers and business people continue to take advantage of relatively low interest rates in a historical context. Some of the increase in mortgage activity may also be tied to interest rates starting to creep up." In addition, total mortgage lending in January increased an eye-popping 131% to $1.7 billion. This figure was influenced by a $573 million mortgage taken out against Quincy property in early January.

Norfolk County foreclosure activity was a mixed bag in January. The bad news was 30 foreclosure deeds were filed compared to 15 the previous January, a 100% increase. The good news was a significant decrease in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process. A total of 41 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings were recorded in January compared to 97 in January, 2016.

Register O'Donnell noted, "As I have stated many times, one foreclosure deed filing is one too many. However, I do continue to be encouraged by the trend lines relative to foreclosure activity. As we saw in the 4th quarter 2016, there continues to be a reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, which could have been triggered by the state's low unemployment rate of 2.8%, the lowest in 16 years.

"With that said, some of our neighbors do continue to face economic hardship. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for consumers is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. I urge anyone who is facing a foreclosure issue to avail themselves of these excellent programs."

However, a source of good news was Norfolk County homeowners continuing to avail themselves of the Homestead Act. "A Homestead," stated O'Donnell, "provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge homeowners who have not recorded a Homestead against their primary residence to consider this valuable consumer protection tool."

In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "Overall, when considering all the indicators January was a good month for real estate activity in Norfolk County. The county held its own relative to property sales. Additionally, homeowners continue to avail themselves of the relatively low interest rates. As long as the economy remains sound, I am hopeful that the Norfolk County real estate market can gain further momentum."

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

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

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

screen grab of http://www.norfolkdeeds.org
screen grab of http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

MBTA: Commuter Rail notice for Monday, Feb 13

The commuter rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule Monday, 2/13. Please use caution traversing platforms and parking lots.

Franklin, Needham, Providence and Stoughton trains may experience delays of 10-20 minutes due to modified Amtrak operations.

Additionally, some Providence/Stoughton trains may not be able to stop at TF Green or Ruggles stations due to modifications to Amtrak switch usage during the storm. Ruggles passengers will be accommodated at no cost on the Orange Line from Back Bay. TF Green passengers may consider RIPTA service to Providence Station. Service alerts for individual trains will be sent advising of any changes as early as possible.

Last updated: Feb 12 2017 04:50 PM

The MBTA weather adivsory service
http://www.mbta.com/winter/commuter_rail_advisory/

Franklin Dean Station in the snow
Franklin Dean Station in the snow

In the News: Pond St permitting underway; Joe Val Festival

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

"The town has been moving forward in its permitting process of a proposed 96-unit condominium development on former town property on Pond Street. 
Bryan Taberner, the town's director of planning and community development, said the Planning Board held a public hearing on the matter at its Feb. 6 meeting. A Conservation Commission meeting had been scheduled on the project, but was canceled due to Thursday's snowstorm. 
Taberner said the commission might have voted on the project at that meeting, noting that it must give its approval before the Planning Board can take action. He said it was possible that the developer - Baystone Franklin, LLC - would be free to move forward on the project in the near future."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170212/franklin-pond-street-project-in-midst-of-permitting



"The bluegrass music scene is alive and well in New England and the MetroWest area, thanks in part to one of the largest festivals in honor of one of the genre's pioneers. 
The 32nd Joe Val Festival, scheduled for Feb. 17-19 at the Framingham Sheraton, honors Joseph Valiante, an Everett native who helped bring the blend of folk, country, blues and jazz to the region. 
...

According to Gerry Katz of the Boston Bluegrass Union, the organization sponsoring the festival, there will be over 40 artists on two stages over the three-day festival, featuring "some of the top bands" in the genre. Including Jerry Douglas and the Earls of Leicester, named the International Bluegrass Music Association's Entertainer of the Year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170212/joe-val-bluegrass-festival-set-for-framingham-feb-17-19

Joe Val Festival
Joe Val Festival
Visit the Festival webpage for additional info including tickets
http://www.bbu.org/events/joe-val-festival/

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Franklin Public Schools: Schools Closed Monday; Feb 13

Hello

Due to the continued snow/ice all Franklin Public Schools are closed 2/13/17 - there will be no afternoon or evening activities on Monday.

Administration offices closed.

Thank you and be safe.

downtown Franklin in the snow
downtown Franklin in the snow


Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda, Feb 15, 2017


The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2017

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

A. Approval of Minutes
February 1, 2017
B. Announcements
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
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
Design Review Appointment
F. Hearings
Public Hearing - 7:10 PM
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-786: Storage Facility Bylaw
G. License Transactions
H. Presentations/Discussions
1. Water Presentation - Brutus Cantoreggi
H. Presentations/Discussions
2. Discussion - Chapter 179: Water, Article VI Water Use Restriction and Ban
I. Subcommittee Reports(To be provided during meeting if available)
J. Legislation for Action
1. Resolution 17-06: Appropriation: Animal Control - Prior Year's Bill (Motion to Move Resolution 17-06: appropriation Animal Control - 4/5 vote)
J. Legislation for Action
2. Resolution 17-07: Local acceptance of Amended Provisions of G.L. Chapter 40, Sections 22A, 22B, and 22C (Motion to Move Resolution 17-07: Local Acceptance of Amended Provisions of G.L. Chapter 40, Sections 22A, 22B, and 22C - Majority vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-779: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 3 Definitions - 2nd Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-779 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-780: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 4 Districts Enumerated - 2nd Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-780 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-781: Changes to Chapter 185 Section 5 Zoning Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-781 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-782 Changes to Chapter 185 Section 7 Compliance required - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-782 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-783: Amendment to Chapter 185 Section 49 Marijuana Use Overlay District - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-783 - Roll Call - 2/3 majority vote (6))
J. Legislation for Action
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-786: Storage Facility Bylaw - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 16-786 to a 2nd Reading (majority vote))
K. Town Administrator's Report(To be provided during meeting)
L. Future Agenda Items(To be provided during meeting if required)
M. Council Comments(To be provided during meeting)
N. Executive Session
Potential Purchase of Land at 0 Washington Street (Exercise of Town's Right of First Refusal - Discussion Only)
O. Adjourn

Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass
Some folks with wells are continuing to let their sprinkler systems water the grass last year, that could change this year if the Town Council adds private wells to the water restrictions as proposed

Beatles for Sale – Live at THE BLACK BOX - Feb 24

Beatles for Sale – Live at THE BLACK BOX
15 W. Central St. (route 140) Franklin, MA
Friday, February 24th, 7 PM
presented by Lippolis Plumbing


$20 per person (Last years' concert sold out, so get your tickets early!)

Join us for a nostalgic night of Beatles music with Beatles for Sale! Come listen and dance to your favorite tunes from the early 1962 Beatles through the Beatles biggest hits of 1970.

Doors open at 6:00 PM, so get there early to enjoy some good food, take a chance in the raffle and get your cash door prize ticket!

All proceeds benefit HMEA and go directly to supporting children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

BEATLES FOR SALE is a New England-based Beatles tribute band from Massachusetts that is committed to recreating the sounds of the Beatles live in concert. They are past recipients of regional awards such as Best Tribute Band in New England and Best Live Act, and have received several other nominations.

This band delivers a fun and energetic performance complete with original instrumentation and vocal harmonies that are as accurate as possible to the original Beatles recordings. There are no offstage performers or pre-recorded tracks - everything is performed completely live.

Beatles for Sale – Live at THE BLACK BOX - Feb 24
Beatles for Sale – Live at THE BLACK BOX - Feb 24




Beatles for Sale – Live at THE BLACK BOX
Beatles for Sale – Live at THE BLACK BOX

FHS girls Indoor Track #1 in Hockomock League; FHS wrestling 2nd at D1 Central Sectionals

A busy day around the Hockomock League on Saturday. 


*** FHS Indoor Track ***

The Indoor Track Championships were held at Reggie Lewis Arena in Boston and the FHS Girls repeated as Champions. The boys finished 5th.
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-league-indoor-track-championships-2017/

@FHS_girlsXC
@FHS_girlsXC

*** FHS Wrestling ***

Franklin came in second at the D1 Central Sectional, sending five wrestlers to the finals but only coming away with one champion. The Panthers scored 201 points, just shy of first place Lincoln-Sudbury (216.5), who had four individual winners. Franklin’s lone champion was Brian Farrell at 132. Farrell took down the number three, two and one seeded wrestlers – in that order – to get the title. Farrell beat #1 Owen Roche in the finals, scoring six points in the third round to win 11-8. 
The Panthers got second place finishes from Jordan Carlucci (106), Ian Bakalars (113), TJ Remillard (126) and Dylan MacLean (145).

For other Sectional results around the Hockomock League 
https://hockomocksports.com/hock-results-from-miaa-wrestling-sectional-meets-2017/


*** FHS Gymnastics *** 


The Hockomock League held its annual gymnastics championships on Saturday afternoon at Shrewsbury High School. Below are the results.

TEAM SCORES

1. Mansfield – 141.20
7. Franklin – 123.05

For all the results from the gymnastics meet
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-gymnastics-championship-results-2017/

*** FHS Girls Swim ***



FHS Girls Swim also competed. I wasn't able to find the full set of results to share (yet) but here are some highlights via Twitter.









Soccer for Smiles Tournament - Feb 20-23, 2017

The 2017 tournament is in the planning stages so save the dates in February! 
February 20-23, 2017 
Even though the tournament runs for three days, a player's commitment is just a couple of hours on one particular day. High schoolers come on one day, younger girls on the next day, and younger boys on the third day. The day is split by age groups in 2- or 3-hour blocks of time. It is great fun! 
2017 Beneficiaries 
In addition to targeting the beneficiaries from last year, the Soccer for Smiles group will be making a contribution in the name of a Franklin High School teacher who passed away in November. Mr. Keiichi Kitanosono, a physics teacher, was an extraordinarily gifted young teacher, a treasured colleague, and an exemplary role model for his school community. Mr. Kitanosono impacted the lives of several of the Soccer for Smiles team.

Soccer for Smiles Tournament - Feb 20-23, 2017
Soccer for Smiles Tournament - Feb 20-23, 2017

Dean College Presents American Idiot, March 29-April 2, 2017

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform American Idiot, beginning Wednesday, March 29th through Sunday, April 2, 2017.

The two-time Tony Award-winning hit musical Green Day's American Idiot, based on the Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, boldly takes the American musical where it's never gone before. Johnny, Tunny and Will struggle to find meaning in a post-9/11 world. When the three disgruntled young men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, their paths quickly diverge, and the young men find themselves lost in a world they were not prepared for.

You won't want to miss our talented students perform in this energy-fueled rock opera! American Idiot features songs that are soon to become modern classics.

The Dean College production of American Idiot will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.

Dean College - 99 Main St, Franklin, MA
Dean College - 99 Main St, Franklin, MA

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.