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Monday, April 3, 2017
Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell Promotes Suits for Success Program
Franklin Liquor: Wine Classes
Thursday, April 6 - 7-8:30pm
Easter Garden Bulb Basket and Spring Wines
Get ready for Easter by joining Franklin Liquors, Hillside Nursery and Vinitas WineWorks for an evening of flowers and wine! Design a garden basket of Easter Bulbs for yourself or as a gift, and welcome Spring by tasting through an assortment of seasonal wineshttp://www.medwayschools.org/sites/medwayps/files/file/file/adult_sp17.pdf
Thursday, April 13th - 7-8:30pm
Franklin Wine Club Event: Wines From Abruzzo In Central Italy
Guest: Dave Abbot Mascerelli WineMasciarelli is the leading Estate of Abruzzo.
The Abruzzo region today is on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking in all of Italy. We will talk about the special set of climates and soils that makes Abruzzo unique. We will talk about the grape varieties that have evolved in Abruzzo for over a thousand years. And we will talk about Gianni Masciarelli, the curious skeptic, biological savant, and energy management genius who took Abruzzo from a sleepy wine backwater to the cutting edge.
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/238658836/
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| Franklin Liquors features wine tasting and training classes |
FHS baseball preview - Spring 2017
From HockomockSports.Com we share their preview of each of the Hockomock League teams.
2016 Record: 13-10
2016 Finish: Reached D1 South First Round
Coach: Zach Brown
"Between Franklin’s pitching staff and its lineup, there is a lot of experienced players with success at the varsity level ready to go this season.
After relying on a trio of sophomores on the mound last year, all three are back ready for strong junior campaigns. Jake Noviello and Jason Ulrickson logged a lot of innings are starting pitchers while Bryan Woelfel emerged as one of the best bullpen options in the league. Now they are poised to be one of the top starting rotations in the league.
“We are optimistic that the three of them will give us a chance to have a solid rotation this season and be competitive in every game,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “All three guys are very different but all of them are competitive.”
Offensively, Franklin brings back outfielders Ryan Hodgkins (.388) and Jake Lyons (.368) along with first baseman Josh Macchi (16 RBI) and catcher Tyler Gomes (16 RBI). While there are spots to fill left by talented seniors that graduated, having those four back is a very good sign for the Panthers."
For the complete Hockomock League baseball outlook
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-hockomock-baseball-preview/
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| FHS Panthers |
In the News: The Other Talk scheduled; Alpine Place and Ruggles St
"The high school will host later this month a talk that will help parents address the issues of substance and alcohol abuse with their teens.
The program, titled "The Other Talk," is set to take place on Wednesday, April 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the school's lecture hall. The talk was designed by the treatment center Caron's Student Assistance Program, and sponsored by Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey.
David Traub, a spokesman for the district attorney's office, said the talk, funded through the drunk driving trust fund, is intended to help parents as their children reach age 1."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170402/franklin-talk-to-assist-parents-on-substance-abuse
"Two streets near Franklin's downtown - Alpine Place and Ruggles Street - once served as the heart of an Italian-American neighborhood in town.
Mary Olsson, the chairwoman of the Franklin Historical Commission, said the streets - especially Alpine Place - drew many newcomers to town, creating a vibrant community that is still remembered today." It seems all the old Franklin Italian names first came to Franklin and settled on Alpine Place," she said.
Jeanne D'Orazio Curry said her family lived on the street, adding that it had once seemed jam-packed. "For such a small, little street, it had a gazillion people," she said, noting that big families were common years ago. "My grandparents had 11 children, and one of them died (very young)".Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170402/neighborhood-series-franklins-alpine-place
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Finance Committee - Budget Hearing - Apr 3, 2017 - 7:00 PM
The second in the series of three budget hearings for the FY 2018 budget is scheduled for Monday, Apr 3, 2017 at 7:00 PM. The Finance Committee will meet in the Council Chambers.
The third session is scheduled for Wednesday, Apr 5 also at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
FY 2018 Budget Presentation:
IT 155 A - 28
Veterans 543 E - 14
Inspections 240 B - 40
ZBA 176 A - 37
Police 210 B – 1
Fire 220 B - 14
Regional Dispatch 225 B - 39
Facilities 192 A - 42
Streetlights 424 D - 1
DPW 422 D - 4
Enterprise 450 I -2, 440 I – 10, 434 I - 30
Employee Benefits 910 H - 1
Liability Insurance 945 H – 6
The third session is scheduled for Wednesday, Apr 5 also at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
FY 2018 Budget Presentation:
IT 155 A - 28
Veterans 543 E - 14
Inspections 240 B - 40
ZBA 176 A - 37
Police 210 B – 1
Fire 220 B - 14
Regional Dispatch 225 B - 39
Facilities 192 A - 42
Streetlights 424 D - 1
DPW 422 D - 4
Enterprise 450 I -2, 440 I – 10, 434 I - 30
Employee Benefits 910 H - 1
Liability Insurance 945 H – 6
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| the DPW, Police, and Fire Dept budgets are the largest items scheduled for review |
Recap: Town Council Meeting - 3/22/17
Catching up to sharing the recap of the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, March 22, I offer the following summary:
The measure was moved to second reading by a 9-0 vote so while they spoke out against it, they did not vote against. The second reading will come up at a future Town Council meeting (likely Apr 12).
The actions taken summary provided by the Town of Franklin can be viewed in this PDF file:
View the meeting video any time at this link:
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=441
My notes captured live during the meeting can be found here:
Annual Fiscal Audit Report
The annual fiscal audit report was presented by the audit firm Melanson and Heath. There were no material weaknesses or deficiencies found. This is always a good thing. The operational processes are good, the town's financial position is sound. We have approx. 10% reserved in unallocated funds. The auditors like to see that and the bond rating companies do as well. The better position we have in this regard, the better rate we can get when we do go to borrow.
This is very similar to an individual's finances and your credit rating. If you have good income, good savings, a reasonable outstanding debt, then you are eligible for additional funds with a minimal interest rate. If you have terrible credit rating, your interest rates if you can get a loan would be high.
Note worthy are the recommendations for the Town of Franklin to implement a more formal risk assessment process. This has been mentioned in the past couple of years and the town is making progress in this arena. Two other items were on the statement #75 for the OPEB accounting changes coming and a recommendation to reauthorize the OPEB Trust under new legislation that is now available.
The OPEB accounting changes have been discussed the past couple of years which is why Franklin has been making moves to improve their position. They have been reserving funds in a trust fund. The trust fund itself was established and now that the State has made some beneficial changes to the trust funding process, Franklin should make the adjustment. We should expect to see this scheduled for a future Finance Committee and then Town Council meeting.
Also noteworthy from the discussion around this agenda item was the recognition that with the retirement of the Treasurer/Collector and the Town Comptroller, then there would be a process to look for a potential new Audit firm to come in and audit after the new personnel are operating (replacing Dacey and Gagner).
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| Melanson Heath auditors with Comptroller Susan Gagner (far left) and Treasure/Collector Jim Dacey (far right) |
Public Hearings
There were two public hearings, one on a manager change at the British Beer Company restaurant and one to discuss the purchase via right of first refusal of some land along Washington St.
The manager change was a normal discussion around TIPS training and awareness of underage alcohol sales.
The land along Washington would joined some other plots already owned by Franklin (see green colored plots in maps photo) to reserve the space for future recreational potential and remove it from residential potential. The Council voted later in the meeting to make the purchase. Some of the Councilors appear unaware of the first refusal process and even after it getting explained seemed doubtful of the integrity of the offer.
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| the plot authorized for purchase can be found in the black outline in the bottom left corner of this photo |
Water ban bylaw
The water ban bylaw came back in a revised form (removing private wells). The measure was originally meant to clean up the language for better enforcement. Due to push back from the private well owners, that restriction was removed from consideration. What remains is still the 'minor' matter of requiring the private well owners who use the water for irrigation (i.e. water their lawns) to post a sign. Some councilors object to that as 'heavy handed".The measure was moved to second reading by a 9-0 vote so while they spoke out against it, they did not vote against. The second reading will come up at a future Town Council meeting (likely Apr 12).
The actions taken summary provided by the Town of Franklin can be viewed in this PDF file:
View the meeting video any time at this link:
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=441
My notes captured live during the meeting can be found here:
- Live reporting: Closing
- Live reporting: Legislation for action
- Live reporting: Hearings
- Live Reporting: Town Council - March 22, 2017
ACTION and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day - May 20
Hold the date: May 20
The Community Arts Advocacy Day will be held from 9am-noon at the Franklin Senior Center. Registration will begin at 8:30.
There will be a full group meeting discussing arts advocacy, and then break up into small group workshops on the education topic or advocacy action item of your choice.
The details of the specific workshops will be worked out at the Franklin Cultural Council April 6 planning meeting.
If you are interested in getting involved with the planning for this event, please email Stacy David.
You can follow the event on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/
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| ACTION and IMPACT: Community Arts Advocacy Day - May 20 |
“I think Franklin’s really ahead of the curve”
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170402/franklin-schools-exploring-social-emotional-learning-partnership
"The town’s schools will be partnering with William James College to further their “social-emotional” learning efforts.
Assistant Superintendent Peter Light said the partnership - which will offer graduate-level instruction to the Oak Street Elementary School’s faculty and administration through a pilot program - will take place over the course of the 2017-2018 school year.
In recent years, the local district has adopted social-emotional learning practices, which take a “whole-child” approach to education.
“What we see more and more is that we have to have high-quality, standards-based instruction, but equally important is the kids’ readiness to receive that instruction,” Light said.'
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170402/franklin-schools-exploring-social-emotional-learning-partnership
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| Oak Street Elementary School to take part in pilot program for social emotional learning |
Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - April 5
The community is kindly invited to meet with the Community Relations Subcommittee of the Franklin School Committee. Information and updates will be provided on budget, policy, and the superintendent search.
We welcome your feedback and understand how important community involvement is regarding the education of our young people.
Join us on:
We welcome your feedback and understand how important community involvement is regarding the education of our young people.
Join us on:
- Wed, April 5, 7:00 PM at the Franklin Cable Access TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street
- Sat, May 13, 9:00 AM at the Franklin Cable Access TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street
- Friday, June 9, 9:00 AM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.
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| Franklin School Committee: Community Relations Subcommittee - April 5 |
Saturday, April 1, 2017
FHS to hold Color Run for Mr K's Scholarship Fund - May 13
"Student Government has been working hard to plan a town wide event held for a great cause.
On May 13th, 2017 community members of all ages will gather to participate in a Color Run right here at FHS! Register here!
Registration will begin at 9 am and the actual run will begin at 10. There will be a gathering with a DJ after the race, just like an actual Color Run!
All proceeds will be going directly to Mr. K’s Scholarship Fund. Gift cards to Elizabeth’s Bagels will be given out to every 50th high school student to register. Even better, FHS students could win a FREE COOKIE COUPON. To win, simply gather your sports team or club members. Then, go head to head with the girls vs the boys group of your sport/club! (For example, girls lacrosse vs boys lacrosse; softball vs baseball)
How do I register my student group? (Read this)
On the day of the event there will be a check in for sports teams/club members, and the group with the highest participation will win the Free Cookie Coupon. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this! Join us for memory making fun while raising funds for a great cause."
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| FHS to hold Color Run for Mr K's Scholarship Fund - May 13 |
Shared from Pantherbook
http://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2017/03/31/mr-ks-color-run/
Vietnam War Veterans Exhibit - Franklin Municipal Building
Come on by to the Municipal Building to see our new Veterans Vietnam War Exhibit Courtesy of Dale Kurtz, Franklin's Veteran Officer. (exhibit available during normal office hours)
For additional information about veterans services
http://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services
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| Vietnam War Veterans Exhibit - Franklin Municipal Building 1 |
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| Vietnam War Veterans Exhibit - Franklin Municipal Building 2 |
http://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services
Take a chance to help the Safe Coalition
$20 per Chance for a $1000 Basket of Scratch Tickets*
Only 500 Raffle Tickets to be Sold
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| Take a chance to help the Safe Coalition |
Drawing @ 1:30 pm, May 22, 2017†
SAFE Coalition 2nd Annual Golf Tournament
Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St, Franklin, MA
To Purchase: Contact Rita Graci (bgraci@comcast.net)
† Winner need not be present
* Massachusetts State Lottery
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| SAFE Coalition Raffle |
Mark your calendars for the Earth Day Celebration at Beaver Pond on April 29
Saturday, April 29, 2017
9 am– 12 pm
Meet at Beaver Pond parking lot and volunteer to clean up targeted areas around Franklin.
- Please bring your own gloves and rakes.
- Community service certificates will be issued.
- Free pizza and beverages for volunteers at 12:00pm at Beaver.
- Free T-shirts to the first 300 volunteers!
- Free dogwood and rose of sharon saplings to first 100 volunteers!
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| Earth Day Celebration at Beaver Pond on April 29 |
Senator Ross: March 2017 State House Update
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