Thursday, August 3, 2017

THE BLACK BOX: Friday Night Jazz - Aug 4



THE BLACK BOX: Friday Night Jazz - Aug 4
THE BLACK BOX: Friday Night Jazz - Aug 4

Attention Music Lovers!

Don't miss a perfect night out this Friday at THE BLACK BOX! Come enjoy great jazz with The Mark Poniatowski Situation at 8:00. Doors and the bar open at 7:30!

Thank you for supporting live music and theater at THE BLACK BOX!

Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

View as a web page.

“He had the soul of a warrior and the heart of a lion"

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

"The Franklin Police lost one of their own on Tuesday night when 3-year-old police dog Axe died during emergency surgery after falling ill. 
As a puppy Axe began training with Officer Michael Gilboy in July 2014. Together, the duo tackled drug busts, missing person searches and of course walks through the park to make residents smile. 
Shortly after he began training, Axe was instrumental in finding an unconscious man in Bellingham who had been reported missing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170802/franklin-police-dog-with-soul-of-warrior-dies-at-age-3

Axe and Officer Gilboy (Franklin Police photo)
Axe and Officer Gilboy (Franklin Police photo)





Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Reminder: 7 More days to apply for the new Cultural District Committee Volunteer Openings

7 More days to apply for the new Cultural District Committee Volunteer Openings!!

Read more: http://www.franklinma.gov/node/135003

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA

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The Town of Franklin recently established a new committee called the Franklin Cultural District Committee. The Town encourages all residents who are interested in volunteering for the Cultural District Committee to apply now for the first round of committee appointments. 

The Franklin Cultural District Committee has been created to attract artists and cultural enterprises, encourage business and job development, establish the district as a tourist destination, preserve and reuse historic buildings, enhance property values, and foster local cultural development. 

The Committee will consist on 7 Members with 3-Year terms after the initial staggering of the appointments. 

To create staggered terms for the initial (first) appointments will be as follows: 
  • 3 members will be appointed for a 3-year term; 
  • 2 members will be appointed for a 2-year term (at annual re-appointments member can renew for a 3 year term); and 
  • 2 members will be appointed for a 1-year term (at annual re-appointments member can renew for a 3 year term). 

To apply please visit the Town’s website and fill out the online volunteer form at: http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php 

The Application period will begin on Monday, July 10th and the deadline for applying will be Monday, August 7th by the close of business at 4:00 PM. 

Any interested party may also apply in person in the Town Administrator’s Office at 355 East Central Street in the Municipal Building. 

For more information or questions about a Board or Committee, please visit the committeewebsite or contact the Town Administrator’s Office, at 508-520-4949. 

the 3rd Annual Cultural Festival will fill the stage with performances for three days July 26-29
the 3rd Annual Cultural Festival will fill the stage with performances for three days July 26-29

Chilson Beach: water testing results

Chilson Beach is tested weekly throughout the summer every Monday. The results are posted immediately at: http://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-departme…/…/beaver-pond  
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call the office. We want to make sure all residents have the facts about water quality. 508-613-1666 
Also, the new turf field will be ready by September 1st.




Chilson Beach - August 2016
Chilson Beach - August 2016

"it’s about protecting your peers"

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

"This summer when a Franklin cop says “freeze!” they’re not always going in for an arrest. 
But they may be about to issue a “ticket” to a minor. 
Officers Leeanne Baker and Paul Fiorio have given out several “positive tickets” to do-gooder children as part of Operation Chill. The officers carry stacks of coupons for a free 12-ounce Slurpee to give to children they see practicing safety and following the rules.. 
The program, sponsored by 7-Eleven mini-marts and gas stations, is not just an attempt to get children to behave, but also to give police officers a more positive image."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170801/franklin-police-give-out-tickets-to-kids-for-good-deeds

Operation Chill was announced by the Franklin Police in July
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/franklin-police-participate-in.html

Franklin Police participate  in "Operation Chill"
Franklin Police participate 
in "Operation Chill"

In the News: FY 2018 first month revenues; possible sale tax cut for ballot question

Two articles related to the State budget. One on the revenues generated in the first month of the new fiscal year (FY 2018) and the second on a possible ballot question put forward by retailers to reduce the sales tax in MA. From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:


"The Massachusetts Lottery surpassed the $1 billion mark in net profits for the first time in its history, raking in $1.035 billion in fiscal 2017 despite declining sales, officials announced Monday. 
Estimated sales of $5.093 billion for the fiscal year that ended June 30 dropped below the $5.233 billion in sales the previous year, which marked an all-time high, Lottery executive director Michael Sweeney said Monday at a Lottery Commission meeting. 
The Lottery reported a record high of $915 million in Keno sales, attributing it in part to a continued expansion of agents offering the game. Meanwhile, Powerball sales fell by $47.2 million from fiscal 2016 and instant ticket sales dropped 2.7 percent to $3.5 billion."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170801/sales-and-payouts-down-profits-up-at-state-lottery



"Massachusetts voters in November 2018 may have a major tax cut on their ballot to go along with a proposed surtax on high income households. 
Retail industry officials are poised to file initiative petitions that would reduce the 6.25 percent sales tax rate to either 5 percent or 4.5 percent, the News Service has learned. 
“Massachusetts small businesses that employ thousands of workers are significantly disadvantaged when competing with stores in tax-free New Hampshire and big online retailers,” Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, said in a statement. “Reducing the state sales tax will help small business remain competitive, while also putting money back in the pockets of those who need it most including seniors on fixed incomes and working class families.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170801/retailers-will-file-sales-tax-cut-ballot-question

For reference


Governor Baker signs the FY 2018 budget
http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2018/governor-baker-signs-fiscal-year-2018-budget.html

Franklin Town Council 2nd budget hearing for FY 2018 
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/05/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing.html

Franklin Town Council approves FY 2018 budget
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/live-reporting-town-council-budget.html

new turf field surfaces were the result of several years of saving for the eventual replacement to avoid the one time cost
new turf field surfaces were the result of several years of saving
for the eventual replacement to avoid the one time cost  


Tuesday, August 1, 2017

LiveARTS: 2017-2018 Concert Series


SUNDAY September 17, 2017 Benefit Concert
Victor Rosenbaum, world renowned pianist
Tickets: $40 Adults, $30 Seniors, $75 Family with children, Students under 18 by donation

SUNDAY October 22, 2017
Live Arts String Quartet
Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, Students under 18 free

SUNDAY February 25, 2018
Boston Trio
Tickets: $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, Students under 18 free

SUNDAY April 8, 2018
Keisuke Weikuko, Oboe Trio, Boston Symphony
Tickets: : $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, Students under 18 free

All concerts are given at the Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin, MA at 3:00 p.m.

www.liveartsma.org

LiveARTS is supported in part by grants from the Franklin, Norfolk and Wrentham Cultural Councils which are sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

LiveARTS is an affiliated organization of First Universalist Society, Franklin, MA

LiveARTS: 2017-2018 Concert Series
LiveARTS: 2017-2018 Concert Series

New turf field at Franklin High School being installed

After several years of saving and a bunch of discussion on what type of infill to use, the new turf fields at Beaver St and the high school are being installed. The installation was timed for the summer ad to be ready for the opening of the school year.

new turf field install underway at the high school
new turf field install underway at the high school

while crumb rubber was chosen as the infill, this is coated with an epoxy finish
while crumb rubber was chosen as the infill, this is coated with an epoxy finish

“We’re going to pull up our tents, so to speak”

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

"After almost 40 years, St. Mary’s Parish will hold its second to last Feast of St. Rocco festival starting on Sunday. 
“We’re going to pull up our tents, so to speak,” co-chairman of the event, Peter Brunelli said. “It’s getting hard to get people to keep committing to do this.” 
Until that time, however, Brunelli said everyone is welcome to the annual event and that he hopes to see as many in attendance as possible. 
The 39th annual event, which celebrates St. Rocco who is seen as a protector against sickness, will be held Aug. 6-13 at One Church Street. The celebration will be host to various events including live music, rides, food and more."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170731/st-roccos-festival-starts-sunday-in-franklin

Fr Brian Manning's letter to the parish on St Rocco's
http://stmarysfranklin.org/media/1/23/2017StRoccoLetter.PDF




St Rocco's Festival
carousel detail from St Rocco's 2012


Senator Ross: July 2017 State House Update



Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, July 2017
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State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District.

State House
Room 419
Boston, MA 02133

Ph: 617-722-1555
Fax: 617-722-1054
Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov

Dear Friends,

Where has the summer gone? The hot, sluggish days of August are upon us and soon it will be time to pack up the beach chairs and start the back to school shopping.

Here in the Senate, things are finally slowing down after a busy July.

During this past month, I joined with my colleagues to address graduate student loan debt, and protection for first responders. We debated telecommunication regulations and reached a compromise on the new marijuana law.

Unfortunately, we still have not completed work on the FY18 budget, and have yet to settle on a sales tax holiday.

Please take the time to read this update on what I have been working on this past month. Share this newsletter and invite your friends and neighbors to sign up for the mailing list.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly at 617-722-1555.


Sincerely,
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Legislation for Special Education Funding

During this legislative season, I co-sponsored a bill pertaining to special education enrollment. This legislation would ensure students can receive special education services when they need it. Furthermore, the bill would relieve school districts from some of the financial weight of special education programs. Current Massachusetts law limits how special education enrollment is calculated for purposes of local education funding. Presently, there is an artificial cap set for special education funding.  This ignores the actual number of students receiving services, and instead relies on an assumed rate of enrollment. These caps under estimate the number of students who require special education as well as the cost of services to them.

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has reported that the average enrollment of special education students in school districts across the Commonwealth usually hovers around 17% with small fluctuations each year. This is significantly higher than the current laws artificial cap. Furthermore, districts spend substantially more on special education than what is allocated to them from the budget.

S.305 would remove the artificial cap on special education enrollment and replace it with the prior five year district average of special education students. Using the prior five year average will provide a consistent number to estimate enrollment. This bill encourages the Commonwealth to recognize the particular needs of each school district in order to provide sufficient state education funding. 


Addressing Food Waste 
In 2015, The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection estimated that after recycling, food waste accounts for over 1 million tons per year. This is wasteful and unnecessary when so many Massachusetts residents experience the need for food assistance. I have explored solutions to the commonwealth's tendency to dispose of perfectly good food while also providing food assistance programs. In July, I co-sponsored a bill offering a solution to remedy this. Bill S.292 was heard by the Joint Committee on Education and aims to allow schools to donate excess food to local voluntary assistance programs. These programs include food banks, soup kitchens and others. Food waste in schools is needless and preventable. Helping reduce waste and assisting local families is a win-win with S.292. For this to be effective, schools must know this option is available to them and that it is done safely. The board will be able to notify educational institutions of their ability to donate and could provide technical assistance on how to best donate excess food in a safe and sanitary manner.
Riding in the Needham 4th of July Parade with Needham Town Clerk Tedi Eaton
Needham 4th of July Parade with Representative Denise Garlick, Board of Selectmen Matt Borrelli, Marianne Brons Cooley, John Bulian, Maurice Handel, and Norfolk County Treasurer James Timilty

This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full set of content
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Election Collection - 2017

This post will serve as the collection point for all the posts related to the Franklin biennial election scheduled for Nov 7, 2017. Every two years, Franklin voters select who will run our community government.




Official Election Results - November 7, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/2017-official-franklin-biennial-town.html

Milford Daily News article on results
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/election-great-moment-for-community.html

Election results - Nov 7, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-election-results-nov-7-2017.html

Final Election Prep posting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/you-get-to-vote-tuesday-november-7.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Patrick Casey
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_6.html

Candidate Interview Collection - Prepare for the Nov 7 Election


Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Glenn Jones
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_5.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Matt Kelly

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Andrew (Andy) Bissanti
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_50.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Cindy Douglas

Voices of Franklin: Vanessa Bilello

Registered voter totals by Precinct - Oct 18, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-total-voters-registered-as-of.html

Absentee Ballot Reminder

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/absentee-ballot-can-be-voted-in-town.html

Franklin Candidate for Board of Health: Bridget Sweet
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-board-of-health.html

What will Franklin be like in 2028?

Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Mickey Whitmore
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/franklin-candidate-for-town-council.html

Candidates Night video - available on demand
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/candidates-night-video-available-on.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Virginia (Gigi) Zub
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee_31.html

Town of Franklin Biennial Election Info
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/biennial-town-election-tuesday-november.html

Absentee Ballot Reminder
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/absentee-ballots-are-now-available-at.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Dianne Feeley
Franklin Candidate Facebook pages
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidates-facebook-pages.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Anne Bergen
Franklin Candidate for Town Council: Tom Mercer
Voices of Franklin: Maria Lucier - Vote on Nov 7
Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Monica Linden (audio)
Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Melanie Hamblen (audio)
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_23.html

Candidate Night available On Demand
Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Denise Schultz
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-school-committee.html

Franklin Candidate for School Committee: Alexandra Porter-Marques

Commercial Industrial Development highlights - Milford Daily News
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/in-news-candidates-night-40b-and.html

Live reporting from Candidates Night - Oct 17
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-ma-candidates-night-oct-17-2017.html

Milford Daily News on the Candidates Night - Oct 17
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/in-news-candidates-night-oct-17.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Eamon McCarthy Earls
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council_16.html

Milford Daily News - School Committee candidate profiles
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/milford-daily-news-school-committee.html

Franklin Election Candidates Night - Tuesday, Oct 17
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-election-candidates-night.html

Are you registered to vote - Last day, Oct 18

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/are-you-registered-to-vote-last-day-to.html

Franklin Candidate for Town Council - Judith Pfeffer
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/10/franklin-candidate-for-town-council.html

Free cable time for Franklin Candidates

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/free-cable-time-for-franklin-candidates.html

Final listing of Candidates for Nov 7

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/final-listing-of-candidates-for.html

Updated Candidate Listing - as of Sep 15, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/updated-candidate-listing-for-franklin.html

Important Dates to Remember
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/important-dates-to-remember-for.html

Candidate List as of Sep 8, 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/the-updated-franklin-candidate-listing.html

Candidate List as of Aug 31, 2017

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/who-is-going-to-be-responsible-for-half.html

Election Prep: What does the Planning Board do?

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/election-prep-what-does-planning-board.html

Election Prep: What does the Board of Health do?

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/election-prep-what-does-board-of-health.html

Election Prep: What does the Board of Assessors do?

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-prep-what-does-board-of.html

Election Prep: What does the School Committee do?

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-prep-what-does-school.html

Election Prep: What does the Town Council do?

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-prep-what-does-town-council-do.html

Offer to candidates for interview
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/offer-to-candidates-for-franklin.html

Election Candidate List as of Aug 11

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/franklin-election-2017-candidates.html

Election Candidate List as of Aug 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/franklin-election-2017-candidate-status.html

Linden announces candidacy for School Committee
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/linden-announces-candidacy-for-franklin.html

Important dates for the Election, Nov 7, 2017
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdHVWamxEMGJLZnM/view?usp=sharing

Biennial Announcement reminder
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/franklin-biennial-town-election_30.html

Biennial Announcement
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/07/franklin-biennial-town-election.html


Franklin Election Collection - 2017
Franklin Election Collection - 2017