In the News: beavers at DelCarte, PMC rides through Franklin

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

"Local officials are weighing what to do with a colony of beavers whose natural handiwork threatens an earthen berm at DelCarte Reservation off Pleasant Street. 

An expert from ESS Group, an environmental engineering firm, walked around the ponds and other parts of the reservation on April 7 looking for signs of beaver busywork. After discovering that the critters were indeed making themselves at home, ESS installed a motion-activated camera for 13 days. 

Four beaver lodges were found along the shoreline, two of which appear to be in use. One dam in the area is blocking water flow from the upper basin to the southern basin. The dam is flooding trees near a berm on the upper basin, or pond, according to an ESS study. That could be a problem if the berm continues to flood."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170803/franklin-beavers-raising-water-worries

"Thousands of bike tires will meet with hundreds of miles of pavement across Massachusetts during the 38th annual Pan Mass Challenge this weekend. 

The ride starts tomorrow and continues until Sunday – Over 6,000 cyclists from eight different countries gathered in Massachusetts for the bike race this year. The ride will begin on 5:30 a.m on Saturday and on Sunday and go until 7 p.m. 

The Pan Mass Challenge, or PMC, is a fundraiser for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To date, PMC has raised almost $550 million for early-cancer research. The PMC raises more money than any other athletic fundraiser in the country. 

There will be water stops for cyclists in Franklin, Wrentham, Foxbourough, Whitinsville, and Wellesley. The stops are known to cause car traffic, as hundreds on cyclists will be making their way down dozens of the area roads.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170803/local-cyclists-ready-for-pan-mass-challenge

The water stop in Franklin is at the Remington-Jefferson School complex. It is worth an early trip there to see the riders come through. Some of the early riders will get there about 7:30 AM and the bulk of the pack arrives between 8 and 10 AM according to my recall of prior visits.

A slideshow of photos from the water stop in 2013 can be found here

A slideshow of photos from the water stop in 2013

“In Massachusetts, we do not have a statewide ‘blizzard bag’ policy"

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

"THE ISSUE: Some schools are using at-home assignments to avoid making up snow days at the end of June. THE DETAILS: While Massachusetts has no formal policy, the state allows school districts to adopt their own remote learning programs. 

Instead of having snow makeup days shorten their summer vacations, some schools are exploring new ways for students to learn at home. 

One approach that’s been tried in a handful of school districts involves making up snow days by assigning projects for students to complete at home, instead of making up the snow day at the end of the school year.

“I think there’s certainly interest in it,” said Tom Scott, the executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. “I think as some of the technology advances and opportunities to use technology exist, I think it’s more likely that more districts will pay attention to it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170803/some-schools-will-make-up-snow-days-with-at-home-assignments

Parmenter sign buried in snow in 2015

La Cantina Winery expands - Grand Opening Aug 5

Join us on Saturday, August 5th from 1:00-7:00 for the grand opening of our new extension to the La Cantina Winery located at 357 Union St.

Sample wines produced and bottled locally for FREE!!

extension to the La Cantina Winery located at 357 Union St

It is good to see this expansion to take advantage of the recent passage of the tasting room bylaw for brewery, distillery and winery that was recently passed by the Town Council.

La Cantina Wine School (photo from the archives Sep 2014)

For more about the La Cantina Winery, check out their webpage or stop by the Farmers Market on the Town Common each Friday through October  http://www.lacantinawinery.com/

Tinkergarten Classes Scheduled for Franklin in September

Tinkergarten is bringing their early childhood education approach to Franklin. Trial classes are scheduled for Sep 7, 12 and 14.

"At Tinkergarten, families meet outdoors to connect and learn through play. In this free trial class, Tinkergarten Leader, Nancy Hayden, will facilitate an expert-designed play scenario, allowing children of various ages and needs to explore, problem solve, communicate, collaborate, and create together. Parents and caregivers learn, too, as we’ll share insight into your child’s development.
This trial class is:

• Designed for children ages 18 months-5 years. Child/children are accompanied by an adult. Siblings of any other age are most welcome.

• Limited to the first 15 families who register.

• Kids may get a bit messy (Hurrah!), so please send them in clothing that can get dirty.

• We start the class at the specified location, but may end within a reasonable walk from that location."

Tinkergarten Classes Scheduled for Franklin in September

This 3 minute video explains the Tinkergarten approach



For more information and to sign up for one of the trial classes visit
https://tinkergarten.com/classes/all/massachusetts/franklin

Franklin Public Library: The Day the Crayons Quit Party

The Day the Crayons Quit Party, Friday, August 4, 10:30 AM

Franklin Public Library: The Day the Crayons Quit Party

Shared from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-day-crayons-quit-party-friday.html

NationalGrid: Keep bills low as summer heats up

Keep bills low as summer heats up. nationalgridus.com. To view this email as a web page, click here.

With summer in full swing, temperatures are high and so is home electricity usage. Take advantage of our programs and solutions to help you take greater control of your energy use now, and year round. There are many cost effective ways to beat the heat without sacrificing comfort. We encourage you to follow these simple tips and visit ngrid.com/summerbills for even more ways to save. ▪ Draw blinds, shades, drapes – Close window dressings to block the solar gain during the hottest part of the day on south and west facing windows. ▪ Adjust the thermostat – Adjusting your thermostat a few degrees can lead to big savings on your bill. National Grid recommends a setting of 78 degrees or higher when you're home. A 75-degree setting will cost about 18 percent more than a 78 degree setting. ▪ Use programmable thermostats – Programmable thermostats allow you to set schedules to reduce cooling when the house is empty. ▪ Clean or replace air conditioner filters – Keep the air flowing freely by checking your air conditioner filter and replacing or cleaning it if it's clogged. ▪ Turn off fans – Fans don't actually cool your home; they only circulate air to make you feel cooler. Turn them off when you're not home or in a room where they're running. ▪ Unplug electronics – Even though your television and other appliances are turned off, many electronics still draw electricity (phantom load). Unplug any unnecessary electronics and chargers until you return home. An advanced power strip on your entertainment system can turn off the power to peripheral devices when the TV is not in use, reducing phantom energy use all year-long and saving you up to $60 annually. ▪ Use light timers, motion detectors – Many people like to leave a light on to make it seem like someone is home while they are away. Use a light timer instead for just a little while each evening. This saves energy and gives a more realistic impression of someone being at home. Rather than leaving your porch light on the entire time you're gone, install a motion detector to be used both when you're at home and away. ▪ Check refrigerator and freezer temps – The ideal refrigerator temperature is between 37 and 40 degrees. For the freezer the ideal reading is 5 degrees. ▪ Consider replacing or recycling older-model working refrigerators – Older model refrigerators often can use more than four times the energy of newer models and cost up to $150 a year to run. You can get paid to get rid of them with National Grid's recycling programs in Massachusetts that now pay $50 per unit (up to two per household). ▪ Choose the right dehumidifier – An ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifier removes the same amount of moisture from the air as a standard model but uses 15 percent less energy. You'll save up to $175 over the product's lifetime. And you'll save even more with a $30 rebate from National Grid. National Grid Here with you. Here for you.

National Grid - Summer bills

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)

Our condolences to the Franklin Police Department. Our thoughts are with Officer Gilboy and his family. https://t.co/DFEd1TiNoc

— Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) 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

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

"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"

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  

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

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

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

carousel detail from St Rocco's 2012