Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Highlights of Hope Celebration - RSVP now!



Join us for a celebration of volunteers, friends and supporters.

New Hope presents...

Highlights of Hope

Celebration




Highlights of Hope Annual Celebration 

New Hope's Board of Directors invites you to join us for a celebration of our work, our community partnerships and our call to men to engage in creating communities free from violence.

Phallacies, a men's performance group from UMass Amherst will kick off our breakfast with a spirited live performance.  Our agenda also includes a brief address from key note speaker Rilwan Feyisitan - Deputy Director at Community Action Partnership, followed by a survivor story and awards presentation.

Highlights of Hope is a fundraiser, and all donations directly support our work in the community. 

Event Details 





Thursday May 18, 2017 
 7:30 -9:30 a.m.









Dean College - Guidry Center
 99 Main Street
Franklin, MA

Tickets are complimentary, the link below will bring you to our events page to RSVP. 

Tables may be reserved by emailing development@new-hope.org



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New Hope Inc | 140 Park Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

Franklin Public Library: Vacation Activities - Wednesday, April 19


Wally the Green Monster Visit! Wednesday, April 19th, 9:30 a.m. 

We’re pleased to welcome back our friend Wally the Green Monster for a storytime and meet and greet! Wear your favorite Red Sox gear and bring your camera and your biggest smile!


Slime Time! Wednesday, April 19th, 3:30 p.m.

Make your very own slime to take home!


Pageturners” Tween Book Club, Third Wednesday of the Month, April 19th, 5:00 p.m.

Calling all readers! If you’re reading at a 4th-6th grade level and love talking about books, this book club is for you! Join us on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:00pm for a discussion, craft, and snacks all centered around an age- appropriate book!


Doggie Tales. Third Wednesday of the Month. Wednesday, April 19th, 6:30 p.m.

Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog! Bring your favorite book or pick out one of ours to read. The dogs and their handlers are from Pawsitive Touch and are trained for one-on-one sessions. For students in grades 2 and up. Call to Register!

Temporary location of Franklin Public Library - 25 Kenwood Circle
Temporary location of Franklin Public Library - 25 Kenwood Circle

In the News: state budget issues; water ban updated

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

"The town’s legislative delegation last week warned local officials that state tax revenue is falling short of expectations. 
Local legislators - state senators Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin - gave an update on the budget process at a Town Council meeting. 
Spilka, chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said revenue projections had called for a 4.3 percent increase. She said, though, that weaker-than-expected returns began in February, a trend that continued into March and has resulted in collections $220 million below the benchmark. 
According to Spilka, a similar downturn last year began in April and eventually required $750 million in budget cuts. She said she hoped such cuts will not be needed this year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170417/franklin-lawmakers-give-bleak-financial-forecast



"Town councilors have adopted a new bylaw on water restrictions but chose not to craft the measure to include private well owners. 
The Town Council, at its most recent meeting, passed a new ban bylaw that town officials said would more effectively describe current practices. While the previous bylaw defined the terms of the ban and the punishments for violation, the amendment includes different levels of conservation, more thoroughly talks about the terms used and delineates the precise activities prohibited during a ban. 
The measure passed by unanimous vote. 
Among the changes in the new bylaw is a requirement that those who use private wells to water their lawns display a sign to that effect. Falsely posting such a sign is prohibited and homeowners may be subject to a penalty."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170417/franklin-town-enacts-new-water-restriction-bylaw


Congratulations to all the Franklin finishers of the Boston Marathon

The official Boston Marathon results for the Franklin residents who completed the course on Monday are show below.

If you would like to inquire on another runner, you can use this link   http://baa.org/searchable-results.html




http://baa.org/
http://baa.org/

Monday, April 17, 2017

Best wishes to all the Franklin Marathon Runners

From the official Boston Marathon webpage, I pulled the listing of Franklin residents registered to run.

If you want to track an individual runner, you can follow their progress via
http://boston.r.mikatiming.de/2017/?pid=tracking





http://baa.org/
http://baa.org/

Norfolk County Mosquito Control District: Notice of Aerial Larval Control Application


In accordance with 333 CMR 13.04 (7) (a & b), please consider this as notification of the pending aerial application targeting mosquito larvae in the wetlands in the District. 
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District will be conducting helicopter applications of the biorational larvicide Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to control mosquito larvae.   
These applications will be conducted over specific large wetlands in the Towns of: Avon/Bellingham/Braintree/Canton/Dedham/Dover/Foxboro/Franklin/Holbrook/ Medfield/Medway/Millis/Milton/Needham/Norfolk/Norwood/Plainville/Quincy/ Randolph/Sharon/Stoughton/Walpole/Westwood/Weymouth/ Wrentham
These applications will be conducted for 2 to 4 days, anytime between April 9, 2017 and April 28, 2017. As always, the weather in the spring is unpredictable. For this reason the District cannot pin down actual application dates with any more accuracy at this time. 
The trade name of the granular formulations of Bti to be used is VectoBac GR (EPA Reg. #73049-486). For further information contact David A. Lawson, Director at (781) 762-3681 or the Boards of Health in the towns listed above. Information is also available on line at www.norfolkcountymosquito.org
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) to document and distribute information to the public about various aspects of our program.
The Norfolk County Mosquito Control District utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) to document and distribute information to the public about various aspects of our program.





This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/notification_of_aerial_application_board_of_health_march_2_2_0.pdf


In the News: 40B relief discussed

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

"Town councilors last week asked state lawmakers for relief from affordable housing rules, saying they feared housing developments unfettered by local regulations. 
The town’s legislative delegation - state Sens. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham, and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin - spoke to the council Wednesday as part of a regular update on lawmaking efforts. 
Councilor Judith Pfeffer first raised the matter, criticizing the state’s 40B rules, which allows developers to avoid town zoning bylaws if affordable housing makes up less than 10 percent of the municipality’s housing stock. 
“No one wants to come out against affordable housing, but there has to be some kind of fail-safe,” she said."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170416/franklin-councilors-seek-relief-from-affordable-housing

For the Franklin Matters recap of the Town Council meeting April 12
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/town-council-recap-of-april-12-2017.html

a row of forsythia surrounds a catch basin
a row of forsythia surrounds a catch basin

Franklin Public Library: April 18 - Dino Discovery and Egg Hunt


Dino Discovery Animal Program! Tuesday, April 18th, 10:30 a.m.



This one of a kind program is a blast from the prehistoric past! Meet our most ancient animal friends in person and you even get to touch and hold real fossils that are millions of years old!



Egg Hunt in the Library! Tuesday, April 18th, 3:00 p.m.



Join us as we hunt for dino eggs around the library! You will be given clues that lead to eggs hidden in books all around the library! Use your knowledge of the collection AND of the Dewey Decimal system to track down your egg!!

Franklin Public Library: April 18 - Dino Discovery and Egg Hunt
Franklin Public Library: April 18 - Dino Discovery and Egg Hunt

For additional programs during the April vacation
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Town Council Recap of April 12, 2017

The Town council meeting of April 12, 2017 provided a variety of items for discussion and action. From the recognition of the FHS boys basketball team that opened the meeting, to the legislative update on what's happening at the State level on the budget and other items of interest, and then the legislation slated for action among which the key item was the Residential VII re-introduction for Summer St, there was something for everyone. 


FHS Boys Basketball

Skipping through the whereas and wherefor's of the proclamation language, regular readers are aware of the accomplishment of this year's FHS boys basketball team, getting to the Division 1 State Championship game for the first time in FHS history. Coach CJ Neely was also recognized as the Division 1 Coach of the Year by the Boston Globe. Council Bissanti read the proclamation that the Town offered to recognize the accomplishments of this team.

Council Bissanti read the proclamation
Council Bissanti read the proclamation

Council Bissanti read the proclamation 2

Legislative Update

Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, and Representative Jeffrey Roy presented status updates on the budget process and other legislation of interest (OPEB, school foundation funding, etc.). Details on their comments can be found 

Residential VII - Summer St

The proposal brought before the Town Council (and Planning Board) in the week before Christmas and then voted down in the first meeting in January, was brought back before the Council for reconsideration. The Council procedures differ from Roberts Rules of Order and the re-introduction is allowed within 2 years of the initial denial. Hence it was back.

As the discussion was going to begin, Chairman Kelly also read a letter from the home owner asking for a continuation to a June meeting as the owner was exploring 'other options'. 

Discussion on the motion on the floor to refer the proposal to the Planning Board was diverted to a new discussion on the deferral to a proposed June 28th meeting. The motion to defer was voted down 5-3. They they returned to the original motion and voted NOT to send it to the Planning Board by a 6-2 vote. The Residential VII option for that land on Summer St seems to be done at this point. Other options, for example a 40B proposal, are still possible. Time will tell what the property owner decides to pursue.

ACTION: Mr. Vallee MOVED to postpone this agenda item until the June 27th Town Council meeting. SECONDED. Denied 3-5 (Yes: Padula, Kelly, Vallee; No: Dellorco, Jones, Mercer, Pellegri, Pfeffer; Recused: Bissanti). 
ACTION: The Town Council rejected a proposal to approve the resubmittal of zoning bylaw amendment 16-775: a zoning map change on Summer Street. Rejected 2-6 (Yes: Padula, Kelly; No: Dellorco, Jones, Mercer, Pellegri, Pfeffer, Vallee; Recused: Bissanti).

Other Legislation of note

The Council voted not to exercise their right of first refusal on property at 4 Mount St. If the land use is changed from farm, the new owner is liable for the back taxes for the period the land was a farm. The Town chose not to exercise its option as the land value and location (not connected to other Town land) would not have been sufficient to recover the costs for clean up of the land.

The Council voted to refer to the Planning Board the proposed bylaw allowing for
brewery, distillery and wine making facilities to offer tasting rooms. This had come up as a proposal before the Economic Development Committee and sounds like a real good opportunity for some revenue growth.

The Council approved the final reading of the bylaw updating the water conservation measures the town has been performing for decades. This version of bylaw does NOT include prohibition measures for private wells that had created controversy when discussed earlier this year.

The Council approved the first reading of amendments to the water and sewer system maps. There is a proposal for a school for developmentally challenged children being relocated from Attleboro to Mount St. The school would need the water and sewer to operate their facility and future development plans.

Additional details can be found in my notes recorded live during the meeting







The full agenda and associated documents can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-april.html

April vacation programs with the Franklin Recreation Department

The Town of Franklin Recreation Department has a variety of programs and activities panned for the April vacation. Check out the brochure shown below for details on each one. 







Registration can be processed through the Town of Franklin webpage

did you know there was a disc golf course at Dacey Fields?
did you know there was a disc golf course at Dacey Fields?

Franklin Library and Town offices closed for holiday

The Franklin Public Library is closed Sunday, April 16 to honor Easter Sunday. The Library and Town of Franklin offices will be closed on Monday, April 17 for Patriot's Day.


Library closed Sunday and Monday, April 16-17
Library closed Sunday and Monday, April 16-17

For additional updated from the Franklin Library
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/04/library-closed-sunday-april-16-and.html

And for updates from the Town of Franklin
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-offices-will-be-closed-monday-april-17th-observance-patriots-day

Saturday, April 15, 2017

DelCarte Open Space: Story Walk today, bring guide book to help explore

The Franklin Public Library is partnering up with the Franklin Parks and Recreation Department to bring you a fun unique blend of story time and physical activity in the great outdoors! 

A Story Walk is a fun, educational activity that places a children’s story (literally a book taken apart) along a popular walking route, in this case, at DelCarte Park! 

The Story Walk is scheduled for 10:30 AM Saturday. It will be available after.



Bring along the guide book to explore DelCarte after you do the Story Walk, or use it the next time you go. 

If you haven't been, I encourage you to make a visit. It is well worth it. 

Yes, the playground is temporarily out of service but there are paths and real trees to play in and around.

The guidebook was put together by the Conservation Commission which has oversight responsibility for the area.




Videos that I have recorded over time give a sense of the natural and changing views at DelCarte
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/delcarte-open-space-111216-video.html

even on a grey day in March, there is a quiet beauty at DelCarte
even on a grey day in March, there is a quiet beauty at DelCarte

“I think a good use of public money is to fund innovation”

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

"Award-winning author and illustrator Peter Reynolds toured the Franklin High School’s arts academy this week and spoke to its students about approaching challenges creatively. 
Reynolds, the author of such children’s books as “The Dot” and “Ish,” visited the Franklin Arts Academy - a program within the high school that approaches education through an artistic lens - on Thursday. 
Reynolds said he appreciated the arts academy’s approach to instruction, noting that he was often bored in school and would turn to drawing as a way to entertain himself. He said he was inspired by a math teacher who noticed him drawing in class and urged him to use his art as a way to explain math concepts to his fellow students. A comic book came out of that effort, and the teacher further encouraged him to develop it into animation."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170414/artist-author-peter-reynolds-visits-franklin-high-school

author and illustrator Peter Reynolds (Rep Jeff Roy Photo)
author and illustrator Peter Reynolds (Rep Jeff Roy Photo)

For additional photos from Representative Jeff Roy
https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyroy/media_set?set=a.10158452788370034.1073741873.534850033&type=3&pnref=story.unseen-section

MBTA: Marathon Monday - Bus, Commuter Rail and Subway notice

Bus, Commuter Rail, and Subway Notice: 

Due to congestion, bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on any MBTA vehicles on Patriots' Day, Monday, April 17, 2017.

Last updated: Apr 10 2017 01:33 PM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/events/
Sent by the MBTA

MBTA Commuter rail will not allow bikes on Monday, Apr 17
MBTA Commuter rail will not allow bikes on Monday, Apr 17

Homebuyers’ Seminar - Apr 25


Tuesday • April 25, 2017 

Dean College, Alden Center, S11

55 Emmons Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Registration: 5:45 pm 
Seminar: 6:00 pm
Finish: 8:00 pm

Megan E. Kelly
Loan Originator
NMLS ID #1560941
Direct: 781-355-7424
Cell: 781-493-2977
Email: megan.kelly@dedhamsavings.com


This free seminar can lead the way to your new home!

Buying a home can seem daunting. We can help simplify the process and show you how to pre-qualify for a loan, understand your closing costs, find the best products and the most competitive interest rates!


RSVP to Julie Lennon = julie.lennon@dedhamsavings.com




Friday, April 14, 2017

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/14/17 - THU 4/20/17

FRIDAY 4/14/17
9-10:30am   Peter Cottontail EGGcellent Adventure @ FHS
12pm   Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ @ Franklin Town Common
8pm   James Montgomery @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 4/15/17
8am-12pm   Recycling Event: Cans, Bottles, Electronics, Appliances @ Elks Lodge (supports FHS Softball)
9-10am   Rep Roy Open Office Hour @ Galante Restaurant in Medway
10-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30-11:30am   StoryWalk @ DelCarte Conservation Area
2-4pm   Beauty and the Beast Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library

SUNDAY 4/16/17
All Day   Library Closed for Easter
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open

MONDAY 4/17/17
All Day   Library Closed for Patriot’s Day
7-8:30pm   Learn To Cope Franklin Chapter Meeting @ FUSF

TUESDAY 4/18/17
10:30am   Dino Discovery Animal Program @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Dino Egg Hunt @ Franklin Public Library

WEDNESDAY 4/19/17
9:30am   Wally the Green Monster Visits @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Slime Time! @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   Army CORP Master Plan Input/Review @ Millis Public Library
5pm   Page Turners Tween Bookclub @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Doggie Tales (registration required, grades 2 and up) @ Franklin Public Library

THURSDAY 4/20/17
10am   Alchemy Laboratory! @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and their Loved Ones @ Franklin Senior Center
3:30pm   Life-size Board Game @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Family Coloring Book Club @ Franklin Public Library
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7pm   Franklin Cultural District Formation Meeting @ Franklin Municipal Building
7-8pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA
7:30pm   Dean College Presents: Five Women Wearing The Same Dress @ Dean College
7:30pm   Stony Brook Camera Club @ Anglican Church of the Redeemer (31 Hayward St)

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this form
https://goo.gl/forms/7Pr1iBuAiIna7cUo2

Live reporting: Land Use Planning Workshop - April 13

I took notes via Twitter for the workshop conducted by Town Council with participation by Town Administration, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and members of the community. Lots of discussions and viewpoints shared, some consensus seemed to have been reached on "inclusionary zoning". Work would be required to draft the bylaw language for further review and discussion through the Planning Board before the Town Council would make a decision.



(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)



The poster boards referenced during the meeting

Franklin map with MultiFamily dwellings highlighted
Franklin map with MultiFamily dwellings highlighted

Franklin map  where the area is 5 acres or more (parcels in purple)
Franklin map  where the area is 5 acres or more (parcels in purple)

Franklin map  showing the different zoning districts
Franklin map  showing the different zoning districts

view from the back of the Council Chamber
view from the back of the Council Chamber



FHS lacrosse teams top Milford, track teams top Oliver Ames

From Hockomock Sports and Twitter, we share the results of the spring sports action on Thursday, April 13.


Baseball = Franklin, 1 @ Milford, 5 – Final

– Milford scored in five different innings to pick up its second straight win. The Scarlet Hawks scored single runs in the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth against the Panthers. Aidan Wilde tossed a complete game without giving up an earned run, striking out seven and letting up just two hits. Ryan Goncalves went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases, Alex Coady had a home run and Anthony Arcudi was 1-for-3 with a double, a run and two stolen bases.


Softball = Milford, 6 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

– Milford senior Ali Atherton inherited a two-on, no out situation in a relief appearance and struck out three straight batters to help the Hawks escape danger in the sixth inning. Atherton picked up the save with two innings of work. Kelley Reichert earned the win, striking out five while allowing five hits in five innings of work. At the plate, Maggie Farrell was 2-for-4 with two doubles and Emily Hartman was 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Milford head coach Steve DeVitto praised the defense play of shortstop Emily Piergustavo and third baseman Kaitlyn DeCapua.


Boys Lacrosse = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 18 – Final


Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 9 @ Bishop Feehan, 5 – Final

– Franklin clamped down defensively, allowing just one goal in the second half to pull away from the Shamrocks. Franklin built a 6-4 lead by the break but won the second half 3-1. Annie Walsh had four goals, Erin Walsh had two goals and Jordan Jette recorded three assists to pace the offense. Freshman Gianna Cameron had five saves in net for the Panthers.

For the remainder of the Hockomock League action on Thursday
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-041317/

Via the Twitterverse, we can share the results of the Outdoor track and Field results against Oliver Ames


Great way to start the season with a win vs. OA! Awesome team effort! Congrats to both the girls and the guys! @FHS_girlsXC
Great way to start the season with a win vs. OA! Awesome team effort! Congrats to both the girls and the guys! @FHS_girlsXC














MassBudget: Analyzing the House Ways and Means budget proposal



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.

MassBudget provides analysis of this week's funding proposals in the House Ways and Means budget, which would generally maintain existing service levels while making small targeted new investments in several areas including housing, education, and substance abuse prevention and treatment.
  • To expand access to affordable housing, this budget proposes a $13.5 million increase for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program that provides subsidies to help low-income families and seniors to pay for housing. The budget, however, would reduce funding for shelter for low-income families by $20.5 million. The increased funding for affordable housing will likely reduce the need for shelter, but not likely by $20.5 million.
  • The House Ways and Means budget also proposes a $15 million increase to raise the rates paid to providers of early education and would provide local school districts with $27.5 million more in Chapter 70 funds than was recommended by the Governor. The budget proposes funding levels for our institutions of higher education that are unlikely to keep pace with inflation and will likely lead to further tuition or fee increases.
  • To build on ongoing efforts to prevent and treat substance misuse and abuse, the budget proposes a $2.4 million increase for services for substance use disorders at the Department of Public Health.
These relatively small increments to important programs will have significant benefits, but like the Governor's proposal and the budgets of recent years, this budget does not propose significant new funding to make progress on some of the big challenges our Commonwealth faces, such as significantly expanding early education; making higher education more affordable; making sure that our schools have the resources they need to provide high quality education for all children in the Commonwealth; or fixing our transportation infrastructure.

This budget does includes provisions to addresses a major fiscal challenge identified by the Governor: the increases in MassHealth costs related to declines in employer-provided health care and increases in private-sector employees receiving their health coverage through MassHealth. The House Ways and Means budget authorizes the administration to move forward with plans to assess employers who do not meet benchmarks for providing insurance for their employees and it also creates a structure for the Administration to address concerns that have been raised about details of the proposal. This budget counts on only $180 million in related revenue rather than the $300 million in the Governor's budget.

The rest of this Budget Monitor examines the House Ways and Means Committee proposals for major state programs in greater detail. Links from the Table of Contents allow readers to jump quickly to specific sections. Each section also provides links to our on-line budget tools including our Budget Browser(which provides funding information for every line item in the state budget going back to FY 2001) and, where applicable, to our Children's Budget and Jobs & Workforce Budget.  When the proposals track the Governor's recommendations closely, we also provide links to the detailed descriptions of those proposals in our Budget Monitor describing the Governor's budget.
MassBudget www.massbudget.org is an independent nonprofit organization that provides non-partisan research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, that affect low- and moderate-income people in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

In the News: Best Buddies walk at Sullivan; drought conditions improve

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Annie Sullivan Middle School students - garbed in blue and yellow - took part in a “Boston Strong” walk midday Thursday to honor and remember those injured and killed in the Marathon bombing four years ago. 
The event was the culmination of a “spirit week” at the school, organized by students in the “Best Buddies” program. 
School Principal Beth Witcoff said the Best Buddies program works to partner students with members of the school’s class for those with intellectual disabilities. 
“The program is introduced in sixth grade, and students apply by writing an essay,” she said. “By eighth grade, they’re allowed to choose officers and have more opportunities for one-on-one interaction.”


Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170413/franklin-students-walk-for-bombing-victims



"The snow and rain during the last few months may have helped curb the arid effects of last year’s intense drought, but MetroWest and the Milford region are not in the clear yet, according to the latest figures and local officials. 
The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday indicates just less than half of Massachusetts, including northern sections of Worcester and Middlesex counties, is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. 
Though the other half, which includes towns like Milford and Framingham, falls into the non-drought category, local officials say the change is not significant enough for them to roll back water restrictions in their communities. 
“I know they’re predicting a hot summer,” said Barry Smith, deputy director of Medway’s Public Works Department. “I hope we don’t (end up) in the same situation as the last year.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170413/region-drought-conditions-improve

US Drought Monitor Comparison: Oct 4, 2016 (left) vs. Apr 11, 2017 (right)