Monday, June 26, 2017

Public hearing - June 28 - 7:00 PM to gain feedback on Cultural District proposal

The Franklin Town Council will hold a public hearing on June 28, 2017 at 7:10 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, so residents, businesses and interested parties can learn about and comment on the proposed Franklin Cultural District and related goals. 

Art and culture related organizations and the general public are invited to attend and provide input. 

Information about the proposed Franklin Cultural District can be obtained by contacting the Dept of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) at 508-520-4907 or at the Town of Franklin website www.franklimna.gov.

Matt Kelly, Chairman

http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/proposed-cultural-district


 
3rd Annual Cultural Festival to showcase the arts that happen here in Franklin

3rd Annual Cultural Festival to showcase the arts that happen here in Franklin



To: Town Council
From: Jamie Hellen
Re: Cultural District Committee and State Designation

We are requesting the Town Council approve two resolutions that will:
1. Establish a town committee of no more than seven members to coordinate the big picture marketing and public relations strategy of the Franklin Downtown Cultural District; and
2. Approve of the town staff forwarding our application to the state for approval.
These resolutions are required by the state.
Now that the downtown infrastrastructure is complete, the next phase of the downtown revitalization is to help foster a creative economic development atmosphere. Already we have seen new private investment with the Horace Mann plaza and other new small businesses, including Teddy Gallagher's
Pub, the Little Shop of Olive Oils, Dharani Grill and more.
Additionally, the many cultural events have been seeing increased participation and this district will help to promote and market these events to a wider audience.
Finally, with the library renovation and expansion project opening in the Fall, we believe there are additional opportunities to offer new attractions, such as the Benjamin Franklin exhibits, to a wider audience where people can also eat and shop in Franklin. This is the right time to have some additional public relations for the downtown.
Setting up this Cultural District will:
● Help promote and market the Downtown attractions to a wider audience;
● Receive free marketing and promotion from the state;
● Give the town a $5,000 seed grant for local marketing and public relations activities for downtown Franklin (we spend the money at our discretion);
● Coordinate big picture marketing policy for the district and downtown;
● Help foster additional investment in the arts and culture communities in town.

Additional documents for the Town Council meeting can be found 
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/cultural_hearing_cvr_and_bu.pdf

Civetti, Alexander, among FHS boys lacrosse awards

Hockomock Sports has published the 2017 season ending awards for boys lacrosse.

"Franklin junior attacker Eric Civetti has been selected as the 2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year. Civetti paced the Panthers’ powerful offense and helped Franklin clinch its fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title, going a perfect 11-0 in league play. 
“Eric is one of the most gifted offensive players that the Hockomock has seen in recent history,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Even with opposing defenses putting plenty of attention on him, he still found a way to score.” 
For the second straight year, Civetti led the Hockomock League in scoring. He scored a league-best 79 goals – more than 20 more than the next player on the list – and added 21 assists for a league-high 100 points in 2017. He also scored four goals in Franklin’s opening playoff game against Xaverian."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-lacrosse/2017-2/

2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year Eric Civetti
2017 Hockomock Sports. com Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year Eric Civetti

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS FIRST TEAM


Connor O’Rourke – Franklin – Goalie
Franklin junior Connor O’Rourke continued to impress between the pipes for the Kelley-Rex division champion Panthers. O’Rourke recorded 169 saves on the season and was among the league leaders in save percentage (64%). O’Rourke was also voted a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches. “He’s an outstanding ball stopper and tremendous clearer of the ball, he was our Team MVP voted on by the players,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “He’s a major reason for our success the past two years.”

Wyatt Arsenault – Franklin – Defense
Franklin senior Wyatt Arsenault was a big reason why the Panthers posted yet another perfect league record and emerged as a top team in the state. The Panthers were incredibly impressive in league games, allowing just 22 goals in 11 games. Arsenault played a big role in helping Franklin record three shutouts and was among the best in the league at clearances and ground balls. “Wyatt is a steady, cerebral defender that is very tough to beat one-on-one,” said FHS coach Lou Verrochi. “He’s constantly calling out defensive responsibilities to his teammates.”

Packie Watson – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin senior Packie Watson was a key piece for the Panthers, who clinched their fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title. Not only was Watson, a four-year varsity player, a threat on the offensive end with 23 goals and 20 assists, he was an outstanding wing player on face offs. His leadership played a big role in Franklin’s cerebral offense. He will play at Springfield College next year. “Packie is a coach’s dream. He’s a throwback two-way midfielder and one of the best team leaders we’ve ever had at FHS, respected by all the coaches and players in the league.”

Eric Civetti – Franklin – Attack
Franklin junior Eric Civetti was once again one of the best offensive players in the league during the 2017 season. After a strong freshman year in 2015, Civetti has been the league leader in points each of the last two seasons. This year, he finished the regular season with an even 100 points — 79 goals and 21 assists. Civetti scored four goals in Franklin’s opening playoff game against Xaverian. The junior, already committed to Rutgers University, has compiled 280 points already in his three years on varsity with one season remaining.

Jacob Alexander – Franklin – FOGO
Franklin sophomore Jacob Alexander continued his dominance at the face off X during the 2017 season. One of the reasons that Franklin posted a perfect 11-0 record in league play and an impressive 16-4 record in the regular season is because Alexander dominated at face offs, giving the Panthers possession after possession. Alexander won 330 of the 387 draws he took, an incredible 85% success rate. He was also selected as the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year. “Jacob is one of the best FOGO’s in the entire state,” said FHS coach Lou Verrochi.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS SECOND TEAM


Patrick Morrison – Franklin – Defense
Franklin sophomore Patrick Morrison followed up a strong rookie season with another impressive year in 2017. One of the smartest defenders in the league, Morrison was quick to turn defense into offense. His size and IQ gave him the advantage over many opposing attackmen. The sophomore, who is committed to Rutgers, scooped up 64 ground balls and was responsible for a lot of turnovers. “He’s an outstanding defender, he covered all the best attackmen from teams we faced this year,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “He’s threat to score any time he clears the ball.”

Sam Arsenault – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin senior Sam Arsenault might not have been in a lot of the headlines, but was a vital part of Franklin’s division winning squad this season. Arsenault was a big reason that the Panthers’ offense – which was the highest producing unit in the league – fired on all cylinders. “Eric [Civetti] may have produced more points but Sam did all the little things that often went undetected like backing up shots, the feeds and setting picks among other things,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “He would have been the top attackman on many teams we played this season.”

Nitin Chaudhury – Franklin – Utility
Franklin junior Nitin Chaudhury was an X-factor for the Kelley-Rex winning Panthers in 2017. Whether it was on the offensive end or the defensive side, Chaudhury always seemed to make plays. He developed into a very dangerous player on the offensive end, finishing the season with 25 goals and 10 assists. “He’s one of the most dynamic midfield dodgers in the state,” said Franklin head coach Lou Verrochi. “Some teams put a shutoff on him because of it. There’s absolutely no quit in him, he can run all day.”

2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year Jacob Alexander
2017 Hockomock Sports .com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year Jacob Alexander


Franklin sophomore midfielder Jacob Alexander has been selected as the 2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Lacrosse Underclassman of the Year. Alexander was by far the best face off specialist in the Hockomock League and was one of the best in the entire state this season.
Alexander, who was selected to the HockomockSports.com First Team for the second straight season, dominated throughout the entire year. His ability to earn possession to start the game, or to keep possession to help the Panthers make a run, played a big role in Franklin clinching its fifth straight Kelley-Rex division title with an undefeated (11-0) league record.

Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Promotes Foreclosure Assistance Programs

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminds homeowners who are in the midst of struggling to pay their mortgage or are facing a foreclosure that there are consumer programs available to help them out.

Register O'Donnell stated, "While the eastern Massachusetts economy has been robust, some of our neighbors have faced economic hardship. To help those having difficulty paying their mortgage, my office has partnered with reputable agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure issues. Consumers can contact either the Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 or Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 587-0950. Another option would be the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-3333. These agencies provide a range of assistance from helping with the mortgage modification process to providing legal services to stave off a foreclosure as well as offering several forms of credit counseling. Additional information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org under the Support tab."

The Register also had a cautionary warning for consumers. "Please be careful and utilize the right source for your needs such as a non-profit or state agency as cited above. Unfortunately, foreclosure rescues and mortgage modification relief are becoming a growing scam. Some unscrupulous private companies look to charge consumers outrageous prices for services and make unrealistic promises to them."

Generally, during the past several months, a statistical review has shown foreclosure activity has been trending downward, particularly Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings - the first step in the process. "With that said," noted O'Donnell, "we realize that while Norfolk County is a destination location to both live and work, there are still some of our neighbors facing economic hardships. During the month of May, there were 22 foreclosures recorded at the Registry and 60 Notice to Foreclose mortgage filings initiated against homeowners."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "The Registry is proud of its commitment to helping those facing a mortgage delinquency or foreclosure by directing them to the appropriate agency that can hopefully put them back on the road to financial recovery. I urge people who feel that they need such services to contact the agencies referenced above."

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 is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org
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

Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service
Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 27, 2017

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA
"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which
may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed
and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent
permitted by law."



the key to learning
the key to learning
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 13, 2017 School Committee.
Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence: none

2. Guests/Presentations

  • a. Ffion Titmuss – Salutatorian, FHS Class of 2017 – Poetry Recitation
  • b. Special Education – Debbie Dixson


3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading

  1. IKB – Homework Policy
  2. JICH – Substance Abuse Policy


4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $375.00 from the Remington PCC for field trips.
c. I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $4,880.00 from the Oak Street PCC for inhouse enrichment and supplemental supplies.
d. I recommend moving the following Policies to a second reading:

  1. IKB – Homework Policy
  2. JICH – Substance Abuse Policy


5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn 
Dr. O’Malley


Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 28, 2017

Note: there is an executive session to scheduled for 6:45 PM. The normal start of the meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Agenda ItemSummary
A. Executive Session
A. Executive Session - Real Property Acquisition/Value
B. Approval of Minutes
May 24, 2017
May 25, 2017
June 7, 2017
C. 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.
D. Proclamations/Recognitions
Swearing in of Firefighters
Dean College
E. 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.
F. Appointments
Cultural Council
Election Workers
Citizens Committee
G. Hearings
Public Hearing - Franklin Cultural District - 7:10 PM
H. License Transactions
License Transactions - Table and Vine - Change of Manager
I. Presentations/Discussions(none scheduled)
J. Subcommittee Reports(provided during meeting)
K. Legislation for Action
1Resolution 17-43: MBTA - Dean Station Solar Canopy (Motion to Move Resolution 17-43 - majority vote (5))
2Resolution 17-39: Grant of Reserved Easement on former Town-Owned Land on Pond Street to Charles River Pollution Control District (Motion o Move Resolution 17-39 - 2/3 majority vote (6))
3Resolution 17-40: Chapter 61B - Non-exercise of 1st Refusal Option - 17.12 Acres of land off Maple Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-40 - majority vote (5))
4Resolution 17-41: Chapter 61A - Non-exercise of 1st Refusal Option - 114.473 Acres located at 215 Prospect Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-41 - majority vote (5))
5Resolution 17-42: Acceptance of Gift - Franklin Fire Department (Motion to Move Resolution 17-42 - majority vote (5))
6Resolution 17-44: Creation of Cultural District Committee (Motion to Move Resolution 17-44 - majority vote (5))
7Resolution 17-45: Proposed Franklin Cultural District (Motion to Move Resolution 17-45 - majority vote (5))
8Resolution 17-46: Appropriation - Town Common Stage Improvements (Motion to Move Resolution 17-46 - majority vote (5))
9Resolution 17-47: Appropriation - FY 17 Operating Budget Transfer - Fire Salaries (Motion to Move Resolution 17-47 - majority vote (5))
10Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewer, Distillery, or Winery with Tasting Room - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amentment 17-788 - 2/3 majority roll call vote (6))
11Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792: Use Regulations for Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with a Tasting Room - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-792 - 2/3 majority roll call vote (6))
12. Bylaw Amendment 17-793: Amendment to Water System Map - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-793 - majority roll call vote (5))
13Bylaw Amendment 17-794: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Adding a New Chapter: Chapter 108 Library Board of Directors - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-794 - majority roll call vote (5))
L. Town Administrator's Report(provided during meeting)
M. Future Agenda Items(provided during meeting)
N. Council Comments(provided during meeting)
O. Adjourn   

The single PDF copy of the documents released for this agenda can be found here

work on the Chestnut St sidewalk has resumed
work on the Chestnut St sidewalk has resumed

Stella's Pretty Dress (video)

The inside story on one of the wedding dresses on display at the Franklin Historical Museum this summer.

Bridal Gown Display at the Franklin Historical Museum
Bridal Gown Display at the Franklin Historical Museum


"We also have a beautiful 1950’s gown from Priscilla of Boston. Trimmed in delicate blue flowers, this gown is a favorite at the museum. And we’re very proud to have on display again this year the gown worn by Franklin’s own Stella Jeon. The lovely gown, gloves, hat and veil had been preserved for nearly 60 years before being opened and presented to the museum as Stella wished. Photographs and keepsakes from her wedding are also on display."

More about the wedding gown display
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/06/bridal-gown-display-opens-at-franklin.html





For more about the event, visit the Historical Museum on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038/

or the Historical Museum webpage  http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

Tri-County High School Student Featured on This Old House TV

Sometimes dreams do come true. Tri-County RVTHS Senior, Michael “Mike” Barrett of Walpole, MA, has been selected to appear on This Old House (TOH) TV, a real life dream come true for the senior. Mike will be working alongside the pros on the show’s project house this summer in Newton, MA. After launching a nationwide search for apprentices and local trainees, Mike was chosen to work with the TOH TV crew on the project house, where construction is already under way.

In a nationwide effort to increase the pipeline of skilled workers in America, the need to inspire young people to go into the building trades is a must. TOH has partnered with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity that rewards people with a passion to get trained for skilled jobs that actually exist. TOH is so deeply committed to this program that they’re joining all of their media resources to elevate the building trades as a rewarding career path and to help raise money for the mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s Work Ethic, which supports training for the trades.

Tri-County RVTHS Senior, Michael “Mike” Barrett of Walpole, MA
Tri-County RVTHS Senior, Michael “Mike” Barrett of Walpole, MA

Mike is part of the carpentry program at Tri-County RVTHS which trains students in the tools and techniques needed for house construction and remodeling. “We learn basic framing, cabinetry, how to use power tools, but we also have to pick up every day and keep our work area clean. That has helped me on the job site,” says Mike, whose interest in the building trades was formed early on as he says he has been watching This Old House since he was 5. He also knows about the work through a cousin who is a high-end carpenter. Mike hopes to refine his skills in finish carpentry, framing, flooring, and roofing on the job site. “I like that you are doing something different every day, and often working outside,” he says. Framing interests him because progress is rapid and visible. “But demolition is fun, too, because you can go pretty fast and work out lots of energy.”

The Co-op Program at Tri-County allows qualified seniors and exemplary juniors the opportunity to learn and earn while being employed by a trade specific business. Students receive their traditional academic course load, then spend their practical (shop) week experiencing the real time world of business and industry.

Michael first began working for Charlie Silva from Silva Brothers Construction this past year as a junior. He applied for a co-op position with the firm, and received the offer to come to work for them. Michael then emailed his boss about TOH and the GenerationNext opportunity he found on the Internet. Mr. Silva emailed back asking him to report to the Newton house for his co-op job. Once there, Michael met the hosts of the TOH Show and was told he was going to be a part of the team.

“Being enamored with This Old House as a little boy, Mike went ahead and solicited Silva Bros. on his own,” said Mary Ellen MacLeod, Director of Cooperative Education. “We had no idea that he initiated contact with Charlie Silva, got the interview and landed the job! All of us at Tri-County are exceedingly proud of Mike, his initiative and passion for the trade. We greatly look forward to following his endeavors on the show this season.”

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.