“We’ve haven’t hired new staff for the DPW in 20 years"

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

"The Finance Committee voted this week to recommend a $120 million operating budget to the Town Council, which will take up the matter next month. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the committee made its decision after hosting three hearings on the budget. 

“The Finance Committee split up the operating budget of the town, and had all the departments come in, one by one,” he said. 

Hellen said the budget figure represented about a 2.5 percent increase from last year’s $116 million figure. The number, he noted, includes the water, sewer and solid waste disposal enterprise funds as well as the school budget."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170406/franklin-council-to-consider-120m-budget

My live reporting on the two budget hearings this week can be found in the links below. No budget documents are available at this time. Per Susan Gagner, she was waiting to produce those after the large 'budget book' was reviewed by the Finance Committee. The docs are expected to be available in the next week or so.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/live-reporting-finance-committee-budget.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/live-reporting-finance-committee-april-3.html

new greenery to maintain downtown

FPAC to present Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, the classic American drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. Set in 1692, the story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. 

The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie, and it is there that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately condemned with a host of others. 
 

FPAC To Present Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

While set against the backdrop of the Salem Witch Trials, Miller’s masterful drama is an allegory of the McCarthy-era witch-hunts of the 1950s. The Crucible is a timeless work with a universal message about the power of false accusations, mass hysteria, fear, and intolerance.

FPAC presents The Crucible as part of the company’s 26th season. The production is sponsored by NETA Cares. Tickets are $24, with general admission seating. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. 

Franklin Police: Media Release - Stewart Street Update

As a result of an investigation which started on 3/15/2017 at 84 Stewart Street the Franklin Police Department has submitted a complaint to the Wrentham District Court. A criminal summons has issued against Paul D. Therieau, resident of that address for the following violations of Massachusetts General Law:

• 94C/32A/E; Manufacturing of a Class B drug, methamphetamine
• 94C/32A/G; Possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug, methamphetamine
• 94C/32A/G; Possession with intent to manufacture a Class B drug, methamphetamine
• 274/6; Attempt to manufacture a Class B drug, PCP
• 274/6; Attempt to manufacture a Class A drug, GHB
• 274/6; Attempt to manufacture a Class B drug, MDMA
• 274/6; Attempt to manufacture a Class B drug, Barbiturates
• 94C/32/C; Possession of a Class B drug, Phenyl 2 Propanone (P2P)

http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department

At this time an investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges may result after findings from laboratory testing. The Franklin Police Department would like to thank our partners at the Franklin Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Clandestine Laboratory for their assistance with this investigation.

The information contained in this press release does not imply listed individuals have been convicted in a court of valid jurisdiction of the crimes for which they were charged or arrested. All individuals are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty by a court with proper jurisdiction over the matter(s) for which they were charged or arrested.



You can also find this information on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2017_media_release_therieau.pdf

Ali Brigham - Girls Basketball Underclassman of the Year

Girls Basketball Underclassman of the Year

"Franklin sophomore center Ali Brigham has been named the 2017 HockomockSports.com Girls Basketball Underclassman of the Year; the fifth season that this award has been given out to the top freshman or sophomore in the league. Brigham is the first Franklin player, first center, and the first freshman to earn this award. 

Over the course of her freshman season, Brigham was an imposing figure in the paint for the Panthers on both ends of the court. She scored 236 points, while pulling down 237 rebounds and blocking 56 shots for a young Panthers team that bounced back from an 0-6 start to come within one win of reaching the state tournament. 

“Franklin had a lot of turnover in its roster and took a little while to get going, but with Ali in the middle there was a foundation on which to build,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Ali’s footwork on the block and her touch on the offensive side of the floor is rare for such a young post player."

Continue reading the article and review all the Girls Basketball Awards
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-basketball/2016-2017/

HockomockSports.com Second Team - Girls Basketball

Ali Brigham – Franklin – Center

Franklin freshman center Ali Brigham made an impressive impact in her first season with the Panthers and became one of the top post players in the league during her rookie campaign. The HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below) scored 236 points, pulled down 237 rebounds, and had 56 blocks, helping a young Franklin team bounce back from an 0-6 start to get within one win of making the tournament. Franklin coach John Leighton said, “Ali came in and made an immediate impact as a freshman. She led us in most defensive statistics and her ability to block shots and rebound really limited what opponents could do.”

Tri-County RVTHS Students Win Massachusetts NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

Three Tri-County RVTHS Seniors, Adriana Oliveira of Seekonk; Cara Wolfe of Attleboro; and Ashley O'Handley of Plainville, have received the Massachusetts NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. The award, sponsored by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT), Bank of America, BATEC, Microsoft, Science Club for Girls, UMass School of Computer Science and Wellesley College, recognizes young high school women for their computing-related achievements and interests as part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology. All three Tri-County students plan to continue their education pursuing various degrees in Computer Science.

A total of 32 award-winners were selected from high schools across Massachusetts for their outstanding aptitude and interest in information technology and computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education. Each award-winner received two engraved awards, one for the student and one for her school’s trophy case.

“Encouraging young women’s interest in technology careers is critical: our workforce needs their creativity and their innovation,” said Lucy Sanders, CEO and Co-founder of NCWIT.

Tri-County RVTHS Students Win Massachusetts
NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

“Tri-County is proud that three of our students who received this prestigious award,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “Tri-County continues to offer Computer Information Systems as a part of its curriculum, recognizing its value to students’ future success.”

The National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) works to correct the imbalance of gender diversity in technology and computing because gender diversity positively correlates with a larger workforce, better innovation, and increased business performance. Increasing the number of women in technology and computing also has the potential to improve the design of products and services to better serve a more diverse population, and increase economic and social well-being by providing more women with stable and lucrative careers. Find out more at www.ncwit.org.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

FHS Softball - Hockomock League Preview

The FHS softball preview is provided by Hockomock Sports .com

2016 Record: 12-112016 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Preliminary RoundCoach: Kate Fallon

"Once the rains go away for a few days, Franklin will be able to open its new field and make official its move back to the high school after a couple seasons playing at Dean College. The Panthers are excited about the new facility and about the team’s potential for success this spring with seven returning starters from last year.

Leading the way is third baseman, and four-year starter, Olivia DiGiacomo, who has been a mainstay at the hot corner and provides leadership for the infield. To her left is shortstop Alyssa DaSilva, a three-year starter with two years of experience at short. Sophomore Allie Shea is back at first base and senior Clara DeCarvalho is back behind the plate and poised for a “breakout season,” according to head coach Kate Fallon. The outfield is also filled with veterans, including seniors Rachel Cousineau in left and Olivia Haba in center.

FHS Panthers

The seventh starter is senior Alex Niss, who started as a pinch hitter last season before taking over the DP role and turning into one of the top power hitters in the Hockomock League. The Panthers should be solid defensively and at the plate and Fallon is hoping that sophomore pitchers Jackie Cherry (who carried a shutout into the seventh in the season opening loss to North Attleboro) and Emily Valentino can make an instant impact in the circle.

“Win 11 games and make the tournament again,” said Fallon when asked about the expectations for the team this season. “I expect the seniors to provide leadership and be role models for the underclassmen. It’s always a dogfight in this league…but I think we are a good team.”

For the complete Hockomock League preview
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-softball-preview-2/

In the News: downtown beautification day planned; town social media accounts are records

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

"With warmer weather on the horizon, several local organizations are looking to spruce up the look of downtown. 

The matter was raised at a Thursday morning Franklin Downtown Partnership meeting, with members noting an upcoming “beautification day” for the area. 

Event organizer Eileen Mason said the event - scheduled for Saturday, May 20 - would focus on updating the plants and flowers in various spots around the center of town. 

“There will be a red, white and blue theme again this year,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170406/franklin-downtown-appearance-discussed

"The rise of social media has created new questions for cities and towns when it comes to preserving public records. 

“In some respects this becomes a moving target because these different platforms of social media continue to evolve,” said Brandon Moss, a municipal law attorney for Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane and town counsel for Bedford, Scituate and Mendon. 

Nearly every Massachusetts city, town and government entity now use social media to reach and engage with the public. Under state law, any communication to and from an official government social media account is subject to public records disclosure. That includes private messages sent from official government accounts on Twitter, Facebook or other platforms. 

“Basically, if it were on a piece of paper, would it be a public record? If the answer is yes, then it would be a public record,” said Brian McNiff, a spokesman for Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin’s office."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170406/social-media-use-presents-opportunities-challenges-for-massachusetts-communities

You can find and follow the official Town of Franklin social media accounts
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/social-media-center

Franklin Police to participate in Statewide distracted driving enforcement initiative. https://t.co/2aMJ8DKp9i

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) March 30, 2017

"they’re definitely going to go places"

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

"The high school’s varsity cheerleading team is preparing to travel to New York this weekend to take part in a national competition. 

A Tuesday night showcase event celebrated the team as it moved on to the competition, the Platinum Nationals at the University of Rochester. 

Coach Amy Murphy said the squad, which cheers at football and basketball games, had already competed in several levels to qualify for the event. At competitions, she said, the team’s routine is judged on a number of factors, including tumbling and the team’s overall dance motion. 

“In order to max out the score, you have to have all your stunts hit and your transitions have to be precise,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170406/franklin-cheerleaders-off-to-national-event

#Franklin HS cheerleaders heading off to a national competition this weekend. https://t.co/hebPSITQWu @FranklinHSNews

— Mike Gleason (@MGleason_MDN) April 6, 2017

https://twitter.com/MGleason_MDN/status/850000182578118657

St Mary's: Holy Week and Easter 2017

Holy Week and Easter 2017 Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mary:    On behalf of the Pastoral, Professional and Support Staffs and also Father Jack, Father Chris and myself, I wish to offer you and those you hold close in your heart "A Blessed and Holy Easter!"  Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.    I invite you to come and participate in the sacred Masses, Ceremonies and Services that celebrate our great Mystery of Faith in the Risen Jesus.  Please invite family, neighbors and friends to join you during these sacred holydays at the alter of St. Mary's Church.    Father Brian St. Mary Parish:  Holy Week and Easter 2017 Passion (Palm) Sunday, April 9 There will be a Distribution of Palms at all Masses Saturday Mass 4:00 p.m. Sunday Mass 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 noon 5:00p.m. Mass with Passion Play presented by the youth Monday, April 10 Daily Mass 7:00 a.m., 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 11 Daily Mass 7:00 a.m., 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 Daily Mass 7:00a.m., 5:15 p.m. Confessions 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel The Sacred Triduum Holy Thursday, April 13 Morning Prayer 7:00 a.m. Evening Mass of the Lord's Last Supper 7:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 14 Fast and Abstinence Morning Prayer 7:00 a.m. Good Friday Cross Walk (Franklin Town Common) 12:00 noon Station of the Cross Service 3:00 p.m. Solemn Service of the Passion of the Lord with Distribution of Holy Communion 7:30 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 15 Morning Prayer 7:00 a.m. Confessions 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Easter Vigil and the First Mass of Easter 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday The Resurrection of Our Lord April 16 Sunday Masses 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 noon - Upstairs Church 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - Downstairs Church NO 5:00 p.m. Mass

St. Mary's Religious Education, 201 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by bmanning@stmarysfranklin.org in collaboration with Try it free today

St Mary's Parish, Franklin

Electronics Recycling - Sat - April 8

From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, you can recycling your electronics at the charter school parking lot.

According to the signs posted and found while walking, you can also recycle bicycles.

Electronics Recycling - Sat - April 8

The Mass Poetry Festival is One Month Away!

View this email in your browser Buy Your Buttons! The Festival schedule is live. Buy your buttons for the chance to see headliners ●Louise Glück ●Eileen Myles ●Kazim Ali ●Andrea Cohen ●Cornelius Eady and Rough Magic ●Ross Gay ●Rigoberto González ●Aimee Nezhukumatathil ●Emily Pettit ●Tom Sleigh ●Dara Wier May 5 - May 7 in Salem, MA! Student Day of Poetry Join us on Friday, May 5 for the Festival Student Day of Poetry. Poets Krysten Hill, Lindsey O'Neill, Enzo Surin, Regie Gibson, Hannah Baker-Siroty, Anna Ross, Robby Auld, Lisa Mangini, Neiel Israel and Laurin Macios will lead workshops, participate in readings and q&s, and perform their work before a student open mic. Email sara@masspoetry.org to sign your students up and learn more. Get a Table at the Small Press Fair! Our Small Press and Literary Fair will take place on Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., located along the Pedestrian Mall between Peabody Essex Museum and Museum Place Mall. Want to book a table at the Small Press Fair? Presses, writing programs, and individual poets—contact us for more info. Send your queries to mp@masspoetry.org. Register to Volunteer Sign up to volunteer at the Mass Poetry Festival as a greeter, session attendant, info booth attendant, and more! Volunteers keep the festival running, and they receive free admission when not working. Migration Poetry As part of the Poetry Coalition, Mass Poetry is proud to present Raining Poetry on the theme Because We Come From Everything: Poetry & Migration, at the Mass Poetry Festival. We are selecting five poems from the submissions received to be sprayed on the sidewalks with water-repellent spray. Be sure to look down when walking around downtown Salem! Spread the Word! Help us spread the word about the Mass Poetry Festival. Post on Facebook and Twitter, and tell us who you are most excited to see, and share info with your communities! Coming up on the Statewide Poetry Calendar: Friday, April 7th: Ginsberg: Green Reading: Andrea Cohen Dire Literary Series Saturday, April 8th: Cape Cod Poetry Group Annual Poetry & Music Celebration of National Poetry Month Sunday, April 9th: Poetry: The Art of Words/Mike Amado Memorial Series Monday, April 10th: Poetry of Attention: Poetry Workshop Tuesday, April 11th: Reading: Safiya Sinclair Reading: Martha Collins, Andrea Cohen, & Miriam Levine If you love the work we do to support poets and spread the power of poetry to students, T riders, and more, please consider supporting us with a recurring monthly donation. Donate Now

The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to review the full contents View this email in your browser

Historical Museum: Take a Trip Down Franklin's Memory Lane - Apr 9

Join us for Joe Landry’s 2nd presentation on downtown Franklin of yesteryear. Enjoy photos and film clips, stories and memories of the old Franklin we all love. 

Joe’s first presentation was standing room only and enjoyed by all. 

Lively conversation, shared memories and laughs were the order of the day. For his second presentation, Joe, a member of FHS class of ’67, will focus on The Main Street Diner and other Franklin eating establishments. 

Reminisce and remember Sunday April 9th at 1:15pm at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.

Historical Museum: Take a Trip Down Franklin's Memory Lane

Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/