Wednesday, July 26, 2017

“Like everyone in the nation we’re dealing with the opioid crisis"

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

"Police Chief Thomas Lynch discusses his first full year in the position and reflects on what he hopes to accomplish in the future. Lynch was hired as chief last July, and has been with the department for more than 20 years. 
How did you start your career in law enforcement? 
Police Chief Thomas Lynch (Town of Franklin photo)
Police Chief Thomas Lynch (Town of Franklin photo)
“I’ve only worked as a police officer for the town of Franklin. I graduated from the police academy at 1996. ... I worked in recreation from when I was 14 to when I was 25 for Brookline and Wellesley. ... I was a patrolman from ’96 to ’99. In ’99 I was a detective until 2000 when I was promoted to sergeant. In 2002, I was promoted to lieutenant. I spent 13 years as lieutenant, I was in operations and ran the patrol unit. In 2015, I was promoted to deputy chief, where I was for about nine months, and then I became the chief on July 1 of 2016.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170724/franklin-police-chief-reflects-on-first-year


The Smartest Thing in Fur Pants (Video)

"Franklin Conservation Commission recently held a meeting featuring a report on beaver activity at DelCarte. 

Whether you view them as an engineering marvel or creators of flooding challenges, and they can be both, beavers (Castor canadensis) are fascinating creatures right here in our community. 

We thought you'd enjoy learning a little more about them in this PBS video."




This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/beaver-activity-delcarte


Reminder: Commonwealth Ave. Bridge Project This Week; I-90 Lane Reductions

This is a reminder that the 2017 Construction Shutdown for the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project (http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement.aspx) is beginning at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, July 26, and will continue through 5:00 AM on Monday, August 14. Please note the construction-related impacts below:

Reminder: Commonwealth Ave. Bridge Project This Week; I-90 Lane Reductions
Reminder: Commonwealth Ave. Bridge Project This Week; I-90 Lane Reductions

For Drivers:


I-90 (Mass Pike) Users:
From 9:00 PM on July 28 to 5:00 AM on August 7:
• I-90 between the Allston Interchange and the Beacon Street Overpass in Boston will be reduced to two lanes in both directions during peak hours (additional lane closures during off-peak hours, see below).
• The I-90 Eastbound on-ramp from Cambridge Street/Soldiers Field Road will be closed.
• The I-90 Westbound Exit 20 off-ramp to Brighton/Cambridge will be closed intermittently.

I-90 Off-Peak Lane Reductions:
Weekdays, July 28 - August 1 (during I-90 eastbound shift):
• 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM: one eastbound lane open and two westbound lanes open
Weekdays, August 2 - August 7 (during I-90 westbound shift):
• 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM: one westbound lane open and two eastbound lanes open
Weekends (9:00 PM on Friday to 5:00 AM on Monday):
• One eastbound and two westbound lanes open, or one westbound and two eastbound lanes open

See the "I-90 (Mass Pike) Ramp Closures Detour" on the Traffic Management page: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx

Commonwealth Avenue Users:
• Commonwealth Avenue (between Packard's Corner and Kenmore Square) will be closed to vehicular through traffic (local access only) from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14. Access will be maintained for businesses and abutting properties.
• See the "Commonwealth Avenue Closure Detour" on the Traffic Management page: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx

Boston University (BU) Bridge Users:
• The BU Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14.
• See the "Boston University (BU) Bridge Closure Detour" on the Traffic Management page: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx


For Pedestrians and Bicyclists:
• Pedestrians and bicyclists will have full access across the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge on the westbound side throughout construction.
• Bicyclists heading north and south between Mountfort/Essex Street and the BU Bridge will follow a minor detour route. See the new Bicycle Routes and Detours Map on the Traffic Management page: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement.aspx
• There will be additional Hubway stations on Commonwealth Avenue during the shutdown (see below).
• See the Walk and Bike Times Map: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/8/docs/HighlightedProjects/CommAveBridge/WalkBikeTimeReduced.pdf


For MBTA Green B Line Users:
• The Green B Line will be replaced with shuttle buses between Babcock Street and Blandford Street Stations from 9:00 PM on July 26 to 5:00 AM on August 14.
• See the Green Line page on the project website: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement/GreenLineBBranch.aspx

For MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak Users:
• The Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line will operate regular service on weekdays.
• On weekends (July 29-30 and August 5-6), service will terminate at Boston Landing, where customers can take a shuttle to Reservoir on the Green Line D branch.
• Extra Green Line trains will run from Reservoir to Park Street to accommodate Commuter Rail passengers.
• There is no scheduled direct shuttle service provided between Boston Landing and Yawkey, Back Bay, or South Station.
• There will be service between Boston Landing and Yawkey Station only related to the Red Sox games (7/29, 7/30, 8/5, 8/6). This service will be inbound from Boston Landing to Yawkey three hours before the start of each game and outbound with a departure 30 minutes after the conclusion of the ballgame.
• See the Commuter Rail page on the project website: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement/CommuterRailFraminghamWorcesterLine.aspx
• Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited Line will be replaced by shuttle buses between South Station and Albany, NY for the weekends of July 29-30 and August 5-6.


For MBTA Bus Users:
• MBTA Bus Routes CT2 and 47 will be detoured from the normal routes from 7:00 PM on July 27 to 5:00 AM on August 14.
• See the MBTA Bus page on the project website: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/HighlightedProjects/CommonwealthAvenueBridgeReplacement/TrafficManagement/Bus47CT2and57.aspx
• Route 57 Bus will operate its normal route.

MassDOT Encourages Active Transportation

There will be pedestrian and bicycle wayfinding signage at all Green Line shuttle bus stops on Commonwealth Avenue to encourage active transportation, especially for short trips. This will help optimize shuttle bus operations by shortening bus wait times and headways.

Additional Hubway Stations:

MassDOT is partnering with Hubway to provide additional temporary Hubway stations on Commonwealth Avenue during the construction period at:
• Babcock Street
• Silber Way

Hubway Ambassadors will be assisting users at these temporary locations Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM and from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, providing additional bikes on a first-come, first-serve basis. All existing Hubway stations along Commonwealth Avenue and the rest of the Hubway service area will continue to be operational.

For New Hubway Users
• Download the brand new Hubway mobile app, available for iPhone and Android: http://www.thehubway.com/how-it-works/get-the-app
• Use the app to find a station near you.
• Starting soon, you'll also be able to get a pass via the app (only for a single trip or save 0 on a full annual membership during the shutdown!)
For more information, visit http://www.thehubway.com, and download the new Hubway mobile app.

Please see the project website: www.mass.gov/massdot/commavebridge for more information and to review project documents and presentations.

Please share this advisory with anyone you think may be interested in the project, and encourage them to sign up for email alerts for traffic updates and meeting announcements: http://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MADOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=MADOT_77%27

For any questions or comments, please contact Jim Kersten, MassDOT Legislative Liaison, at 857-368-9041 or by email at CommAveBridge@dot.state.ma.us.

Sincerely,
Commonwealth Ave Bridge Replacement Project Team

"There are many questions that remain unanswered"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Research on 202 former football players found evidence of brain disease in nearly all of them, from athletes in the NFL, college and even high school. 
It’s the largest update on chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a brain disease linked with repeated head blows. 
But the report doesn’t confirm that the condition is common in all football players; it reflects high occurrence in samples at a Boston brain bank that studies CTE. Many donors or their families contributed because of the players’ repeated concussions and troubling symptoms before death. 
“There are many questions that remain unanswered,” said lead author Dr. Ann McKee, a Boston University neuroscientist. “How common is this” in the general population and all football players?"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/ZZ/20170725/NEWS/170729919



Tuesday, July 25, 2017

"a measured track forward to reducing pollution"

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

"THE ISSUE: Citing ongoing litigation, the Environmental Protection Agency has delayed new stormwater regulations intended to strengthen clean water protections in Massachusetts. THE IMPACT: The regulations, which are delayed one year, would affect 260 Massachusetts communities. 
Reactions have been mixed following the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that it’s delaying a controversial permitting system intended to protect rivers and ponds by better controlling stormwater runoff. 
The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems permit, or MS4, would require 260 Massachusetts cities and towns to develop new stormwater management programs to satisfy the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act. Under the updated permit requirements, municipal governments would need to implement control measures to detect and eliminate illicit sewer connections to existing stormwater drains, conduct education and outreach programs, and manage runoff from construction sites and new developments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170724/controversial-stormwater-permit-delayed/1


Franklin has been working closely with the EPA to prepare for the regulation and samples from the archives show this

Recognition of Franklin's efforts in Aug 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/the-fight-against-phosphorus-is-ongoing.html

Garden Club in 2015 held meeting on rain gardens
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/09/franklin-garden-club-meeting-on_30.html


rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in
rain garden doing what it is supposed to, catch the rain and let the ground soak it in

In the News: Sons of Italy recap; Harvest Festival registration

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

"The Order Sons of Italy in America, Quattro Eroi Lodge No. 1414, ended the 2016-17 year with multiple activities. 
These activities included a lecture by James Johnston on the immigration of Italians to Franklin; the installation of lodge officers; the recognition of Alesandro (Alex) Pizzi with the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Law Enforcement Award; the annual Pancake Breakfast; and an end-of-the-year meeting/luncheon in June."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170724/strongorder-sons-of-italy-in-america-announces-activities-strong



"Registration will begin in August for crafters, vendors, artists and community groups who want to participate in the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 15th annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

This fall’s Harvest Festival is expected to draw more than 8,000 visitors to downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Sunday, Oct. 15. Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for the event."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170724/franklin-harvest-festival-registration-opens-to-vendors-in-august


Downtown Franklin dressed up for the Harvest Stroll in 2016

Limited Edition PMC 2017 Collection - only available online!



 The 2017 PMC Collection is here!
Items will only be available online this year

On cable necklaces
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Sterling silver bracelet
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 Bike spoke bracelet
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Men's cuff
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Silver bangle
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Click here to see the whole PMC Collection and accessory options
The PMC Collection can be used as a fundraising tool for you and your team!

Click below to learn more,
tell your friends
and get 20% toward your team or rider code! 
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Beads for a Cause · PO box 246 · Franklin, Massachusetts 02038 · USA

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Monday, July 24, 2017

Saturday, July 29 - 3rd Annual Cultural Festival Schedule - THE BLACK BOX


3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival
Performance Schedule

Saturday, July 29
At THE BLACK BOX

The Franklin Art Association will display works of local artists in the lobby of THE BLACK BOX.   The detailed schedule of performances looks like this:


Festival Stage
(inside)
Circle of Friends Stage
(outside, under the tent)

Set up

12:00 - 12:30 PM
Heath Nisbett
Set up
12:30 - 1:30 PM
Set up
Michele Kelly
1:30 - 2:00 PM
Emma Newton
Set up
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Set up
Jamie Barrett
3:00 - 3:30 PM
Universal Singers
Set up
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Set up
Stefilia's Stone
4:30 - 5:00 PM
Ann Sears
Set up
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Set up
Jim Henry
6:00 - 6:30 PM
Kaye Kelly
Set up
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Set up
Victims of Gravity
8:00 PM
FPAC performs a “24 Hour Play”



For updates to the schedule, follow @artshappenhere
Restaurants_20170729_v3.jpg
Franklin restaurants will offer samples of their best for sale under the tent during the afternoon


All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival. 

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29.  The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices! 
http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/07/stop-by-rome-for-festival-fettucini.html


If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://buff.ly/2tUhSCL or follow the Festival on Twitter http://buff.ly/2tqlid1

To help financially support the Festival please visit: http://buff.ly/2tqGcZh.

The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing


You can also download and print a copy of the Saturday schedule here
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10DSpiywIulafMNpPpj5a1ajiY_Gk-jBVXlH15dMS7f4/edit?usp=sharing

Stop by The Rome for "Festival Fettucini"

All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival. 

The Rome will feature "Festival Fettucini" from 4:00 PM to closing each night Wednesday, July 26 through Saturday, July 29. The culinary arts are one of the key arts that the Festival is looking to showcase. Franklin has a broad variety of culinary choices! 

Stop by The Rome for "Festival Fettucini"
Stop by The Rome for "Festival Fettucini"
If "Festival Fettucini" doesn't fit your taste, The Rome has a variety of daily specials to go along with their hearty Italian fare.  The full dinner menu can be found here  http://www.the-rome.com/menu_dinner.php

If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://buff.ly/2tUhSCL or follow the Festival on Twitter http://buff.ly/2tqlid1

To help financially support the Festival please visit: http://buff.ly/2tqGcZh.

The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing


All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the Cultural Festival
All roads should lead to The Rome Restaurant in Franklin either before or after taking in one or more of the events at the 3rd Annual Franklin Cultural Festival
 

“triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Following a two-and-a-half week summer concert tour of England, France, Italy and Switzerland, “Electric Youth” (EY) will perform a free outdoor concert on Wednesday, July 26, at 6 p.m. on the Franklin town common. 
The concert will open the third annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. 
Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, “EY” delivers a fun, high-energy show of family entertainment with an extensive range of pop, classic rock, swing, contemporary Broadway and country music for audiences all ages. 
The “EY” singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with music legends including Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, Alicia Keys, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations, Van Morrison and many others."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170723/electric-youth-to-give-concert-on-franklin-common

If you are interested in getting updates on the Franklin Cultural Festival please check out the webpage http://buff.ly/2tUhSCL or follow the Festival on Twitter http://buff.ly/2tqlid1

To help financially support the Festival please visit: http://buff.ly/2tqGcZh

The tri-fold flyer with the full schedule can be downloaded here 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZFlnZFNMV1puWkE/view?usp=sharing


Electric Youth 2017 “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting"
Electric Youth 2017 “triple threat” accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting"